Point of Sletta

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Point of Sletta

Slyde, East Burrafirth House at the end of the road, above Aith Voe.
Slyde, East Burrafirth Credit: Mike Pennington

Point of Sletta is a prominent headland located on the east coast of Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated near the village of Sumburgh, it is known for its stunning coastal landscape and rich history.

The headland juts out into the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and the rugged coastline. With its steep cliffs and rocky terrain, Point of Sletta is a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers. Visitors can explore the area on foot, enjoying the coastal trails that wind along the edge of the cliffs, providing opportunities to observe seabirds, marine life, and the occasional seal or dolphin.

From an archaeological perspective, Point of Sletta holds great significance. It is believed to have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and Viking activity. The remains of a Norse longhouse have been discovered nearby, further highlighting the historical importance of this coastal feature.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Point of Sletta is home to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. Built in 1821, this iconic structure stands at the southern tip of the headland, guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters. Today, the lighthouse is open to the public, offering an opportunity to learn about its fascinating maritime history and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck.

In summary, Point of Sletta is a captivating coastal feature and headland in Shetland, offering a combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a chance to experience the wild and rugged landscapes that make this region so special.

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Point of Sletta Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.314561/-1.388839 or Grid Reference HU3359. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slyde, East Burrafirth House at the end of the road, above Aith Voe.
Slyde, East Burrafirth
House at the end of the road, above Aith Voe.
Sign at East Burrafirth Managing habitats for biodiversity, the sign proclaims.
Sign at East Burrafirth
Managing habitats for biodiversity, the sign proclaims.
The tip of Moo Ness, Papa Little The island of Muckle Roe can be seen in the background
The tip of Moo Ness, Papa Little
The island of Muckle Roe can be seen in the background
Hill of Braewick Bagged with Tricky Speirs.
Name: Hill of Braewick
Hill number: 104020
Height: 63m / 207ft
Area: 22: Shetland Islands
Class: 0
Grid ref: HU335577 (est)
Drop: 32m
Col: 31m
Hill of Braewick
Bagged with Tricky Speirs. Name: Hill of Braewick Hill number: 104020 Height: 63m / 207ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU335577 (est) Drop: 32m Col: 31m
Aith Ness Bagged with Tricky Speirs.
Name: Aith Ness
Hill number: 103976
Height: 78m / 256ft
Area: 22: Shetland Islands
Class: 0
Grid ref: HU327590 (est)
Drop: 65m
Col: 13m
Aith Ness
Bagged with Tricky Speirs. Name: Aith Ness Hill number: 103976 Height: 78m / 256ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: 0 Grid ref: HU327590 (est) Drop: 65m Col: 13m
Enigmatic cairn A prominent cairn built on top of a natural boulder high above the Aith Voe. I have failed to find what its significance may be,
Enigmatic cairn
A prominent cairn built on top of a natural boulder high above the Aith Voe. I have failed to find what its significance may be,
Above Aith Voe The headland central in the photograph is Selie Ness and beyond that is the uninhabited island of Papa Little.
Above Aith Voe
The headland central in the photograph is Selie Ness and beyond that is the uninhabited island of Papa Little.
Holm of Burrafirth A small island in East Burra Firth which is cut off from Mainland Shetland only at high tide. Beyond it, the waters of Aith Voe and the larger island of Papa Little.
Holm of Burrafirth
A small island in East Burra Firth which is cut off from Mainland Shetland only at high tide. Beyond it, the waters of Aith Voe and the larger island of Papa Little.
Near the shore of Aith Voe Buildings close to the Point of Ayres.
Near the shore of Aith Voe
Buildings close to the Point of Ayres.
East Burrafirth The island offshore is Papa Little.
East Burrafirth
The island offshore is Papa Little.
Semi-derelict Crofthouse, Aithsness, Shetland the new fences and gates show that the croft is still being worked but the crofthouse is no longer inhabited.
Semi-derelict Crofthouse, Aithsness, Shetland
the new fences and gates show that the croft is still being worked but the crofthouse is no longer inhabited.
Bight of Braewick, Shetland A small freshwater lochan behind a beach on the west side of Aith Voe.
Bight of Braewick, Shetland
A small freshwater lochan behind a beach on the west side of Aith Voe.
Houses at Ayres
Houses at Ayres
Aithness beach shun Small brackish shallow lochan with dangerous soft bottom.
Aithness beach shun
Small brackish shallow lochan with dangerous soft bottom.
Loch of Aithness Deep loch by Shetland standards with a max depth of 53 feet, from a bathymetrical survey completed way back in 1903 by Johnston and Marshall.
Loch of Aithness
Deep loch by Shetland standards with a max depth of 53 feet, from a bathymetrical survey completed way back in 1903 by Johnston and Marshall.
Selie Ness from the sea
Selie Ness from the sea
Green Banks, Papa Little The aptly named southern end of the uninhabited island of Papa Little.
Green Banks, Papa Little
The aptly named southern end of the uninhabited island of Papa Little.
Coastline at the entrance to the Stead of Aithsness
Coastline at the entrance to the Stead of Aithsness
Show me another place!

Point of Sletta is located at Grid Ref: HU3359 (Lat: 60.314561, Lng: -1.388839)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lipstick.prowl.sensibly. Near Aith, Shetland Islands

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