The Faither

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Faither

The Faither Sea Cliffs in this area are mostly loose and somewhat dangerous, but in places the sea keeps the base 30m or so relatively clean.  The pocketed rock provides perfect nesting locations for Fulmars.
The Faither Credit: Doug Lee

The Faither is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. It is specifically situated on the west coast of the mainland, near the village of Walls. The Faither is known for being a distinctive headland that forms a point jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea to a significant height. The cliffs of The Faither are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, displaying different colors and textures that add to its visual appeal. The headland is also home to various seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the rocky crevices and provide a vibrant display of wildlife.

The Faither offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean, with unobstructed vistas that stretch for miles. On a clear day, visitors can see the nearby islands of Vaila and Linga, as well as the distant silhouette of Fair Isle. The coastal feature is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who are captivated by its sheer beauty and tranquility.

Access to The Faither is relatively straightforward, with a designated path leading down from the nearby village of Walls. However, caution is advised when approaching the cliffs, as they can be unstable and subject to erosion. It is also important to respect the nesting birds and their habitats, ensuring minimal disturbance during visits.

Overall, The Faither is an outstanding coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Shetland's landscape. Its rugged cliffs, stunning views, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region.

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The Faither Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.556058/-1.532979 or Grid Reference HU2585. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Faither Sea Cliffs in this area are mostly loose and somewhat dangerous, but in places the sea keeps the base 30m or so relatively clean.  The pocketed rock provides perfect nesting locations for Fulmars.
The Faither
Sea Cliffs in this area are mostly loose and somewhat dangerous, but in places the sea keeps the base 30m or so relatively clean. The pocketed rock provides perfect nesting locations for Fulmars.
Headland across Galti Geo This land shows signs of recent usage as pasture but is now mostly occupied by a large variety of birdlife.  Many gulls and fulmars can be seen here nesting on the cliffs
Headland across Galti Geo
This land shows signs of recent usage as pasture but is now mostly occupied by a large variety of birdlife. Many gulls and fulmars can be seen here nesting on the cliffs
Gorsendi Geo The cliffs are between 50 and 70 metres high.  The southern slopes had many hundreds of Greylag Geese, grazing on the rich grassland.
Gorsendi Geo
The cliffs are between 50 and 70 metres high. The southern slopes had many hundreds of Greylag Geese, grazing on the rich grassland.
Bay Hevda from Clew Head
Bay Hevda from Clew Head
Sheep folds, Clew Head These sheep folds use the sides of a narrow ravine to form the edges of the enclosures.  There are similar examples in HU3072, above South Sound in Mangaster.
Sheep folds, Clew Head
These sheep folds use the sides of a narrow ravine to form the edges of the enclosures. There are similar examples in HU3072, above South Sound in Mangaster.
Clew Head from Bay Hevda
Clew Head from Bay Hevda
Ler Geo These tremendous cliffs at the head of the Geo are about 80 m high.
Ler Geo
These tremendous cliffs at the head of the Geo are about 80 m high.
Ler Geo
Ler Geo
Trig Point  107 m, above The Faither Oddly, this peninsula north of Hamnavoe has no name on any maps, large or small scale.  Local names only cover small areas of terrain (e.g. Villains of Hamnavoe, The Faither, etc.), and locals in Hillswick don't know any names either.  Can anyone out there offer any help or suggestions?
Trig Point 107 m, above The Faither
Oddly, this peninsula north of Hamnavoe has no name on any maps, large or small scale. Local names only cover small areas of terrain (e.g. Villains of Hamnavoe, The Faither, etc.), and locals in Hillswick don't know any names either. Can anyone out there offer any help or suggestions?
Galti Stack
Galti Stack
Lergeo Water
Lergeo Water
Geo Lerradale The stream follows a small fault into Geo Lerradale.  This fault runs parallel to the larger fault on the eastern side of Bratta Beck, about 120 metres to the east.
Geo Lerradale
The stream follows a small fault into Geo Lerradale. This fault runs parallel to the larger fault on the eastern side of Bratta Beck, about 120 metres to the east.
Ruined fishing station, Outer Hole This small, sheltered natural harbour has three ruined fishing stations on its northern side.
Ruined fishing station, Outer Hole
This small, sheltered natural harbour has three ruined fishing stations on its northern side.
Ruined fishing stations, Snuildi Geo Just like the adjacent Outer Hole 400 m to the north, Snuildi Geo is a sheltered natural rocky harbour.  These fishing stations were probably used for summer herring fishing.
Ruined fishing stations, Snuildi Geo
Just like the adjacent Outer Hole 400 m to the north, Snuildi Geo is a sheltered natural rocky harbour. These fishing stations were probably used for summer herring fishing.
Mill Lochs of Ockran outflow There must have been a sluice gate here at one time to control the loch levels and power the mills.
Mill Lochs of Ockran outflow
There must have been a sluice gate here at one time to control the loch levels and power the mills.
Loomi Shun There are many Loomi Shuns, or slight variations on the name, in Shetland .
Loomi Shun
There are many Loomi Shuns, or slight variations on the name, in Shetland .
Show me another place!

The Faither is located at Grid Ref: HU2585 (Lat: 60.556058, Lng: -1.532979)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///thank.vibes.landlords. Near Toft, Shetland Islands

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