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Outer Sillock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Outer Sillock

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air Credit: Mike Pennington

Outer Sillock is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its geographical characteristics and its position jutting out into the North Sea. Outer Sillock is situated in the northern part of Shetland, specifically on the west side of the mainland, near the village of Bixter.

The headland is characterized by its distinctive rugged cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea to a height of approximately 60 meters (197 feet). These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock formations, showcasing layers of different geological periods, providing valuable insights into the region's geological history. The exposed rocks display various colors, ranging from shades of gray to reddish-brown, further enhancing the visual appeal of Outer Sillock.

The headland offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape, including the vast expanse of the North Sea and the nearby islands. Its strategic location also makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching, as the cliffs and nearby waters attract a diverse range of seabirds, such as gannets, puffins, and fulmars. Visitors can often witness these graceful creatures soaring through the air or nesting on the cliff ledges.

In addition to its natural beauty, Outer Sillock holds historical significance. Local folklore and archaeological evidence indicate that the headland has been inhabited for centuries. Ruins of ancient settlements and structures, including stone structures and burial sites, can still be found in the vicinity, providing a glimpse into the lives of the island's early inhabitants.

Overall, Outer Sillock stands as a captivating coastal feature, combining stunning natural scenery, rich wildlife, and a glimpse into Shetland's history, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Outer Sillock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.91336/-1.3915404 or Grid Reference HU3414. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
Swarta Skerry, Noss, Spiggie, from the air
The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air With a view to Ward of Scousburgh
The Nev, Fitful Head, from the air
With a view to Ward of Scousburgh
Fitful Head from the air
Fitful Head from the air
The Ords, Fitful Head
The Ords, Fitful Head
Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head
Cliffs at The Nev, north of Fitful Head
The bend in the track There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/HU3415">HU3415</a>.
The bend in the track
There is a well-graded track up to the communications masts on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive up, but it is an easy walk from Quendale. At this point, there is a sharp bend. Coming down, I certainly would not want to lose control here, or miss the turn in mist. The consequences are pretty clear! I think that the rocks just left of centre must be Swarta Skerry, in HU3415.
The track from Fitful Head A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.
The track from Fitful Head
A well-graded track serves the communications station on Fitful Head. Clearly, it is not open to the public to drive, but it gives an easy walk. This is looking back downhill towards Quendale.
Fitful Head: view from a few miles east Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.
Fitful Head: view from a few miles east
Looking out from the Northlink ferry to Aberdeen as cloud covers Fitful Head on a beautiful sunny evening.
Fitful Head View To Summit Drove up the road until we found Rick and Jenny parked before the road goes steeply uphill, then walked up the hill together to bump into Alison Fox and Jonathan Foote near the summit. Name: Fitful Head Hill number: 1531 Height: 283m / 928ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: Ma Grid ref: HU 34625 13536 Summit feature: no feature: ground 5m W of trig point Drop: 270m Col: 13m HU375142
Fitful Head View To Summit
Drove up the road until we found Rick and Jenny parked before the road goes steeply uphill, then walked up the hill together to bump into Alison Fox and Jonathan Foote near the summit. Name: Fitful Head Hill number: 1531 Height: 283m / 928ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: Ma Grid ref: HU 34625 13536 Summit feature: no feature: ground 5m W of trig point Drop: 270m Col: 13m HU375142
Coastal View Coastal view north where the road to Fitful Head turns at 90 degrees.
Coastal View
Coastal view north where the road to Fitful Head turns at 90 degrees.
Sheep Pens These sheep pens are close to the road up to Fitful Head.
Sheep Pens
These sheep pens are close to the road up to Fitful Head.
Track To Gord Farm The view back down the access track to Gord Farm. We parked nearby to walk up the track to Fitful Head.
Track To Gord Farm
The view back down the access track to Gord Farm. We parked nearby to walk up the track to Fitful Head.
Fitful Head Drove up the road until we found Rick and Jenny, then walked up the hill together to bump into Alison Fox and Jonathan Foote. Name: Fitful Head Hill number: 1531 Height: 283m / 928ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: Ma Grid ref: HU 34625 13536 Summit feature: no feature: ground 5m W of trig point Drop: 270m Col: 13m HU375142
Fitful Head
Drove up the road until we found Rick and Jenny, then walked up the hill together to bump into Alison Fox and Jonathan Foote. Name: Fitful Head Hill number: 1531 Height: 283m / 928ft Area: 22: Shetland Islands Class: Ma Grid ref: HU 34625 13536 Summit feature: no feature: ground 5m W of trig point Drop: 270m Col: 13m HU375142
Fitful Head, summit area Triangulation pillar with a big drop beyond.
Fitful Head, summit area
Triangulation pillar with a big drop beyond.
Road up Fitful Head A well surfaced road serves the radar on the summit of Fitful Head.
Road up Fitful Head
A well surfaced road serves the radar on the summit of Fitful Head.
Cliff top path, Fitful Head View south from the triangulation pillar.
Cliff top path, Fitful Head
View south from the triangulation pillar.
Radar station, Fitful Head. View from the triangulation pillar.
Radar station, Fitful Head.
View from the triangulation pillar.
The steep side of Fitful Head Steep grass and broken crags beneath the summit.
The steep side of Fitful Head
Steep grass and broken crags beneath the summit.
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Outer Sillock is located at Grid Ref: HU3414 (Lat: 59.91336, Lng: -1.3915404)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///succumbs.downs.chipper. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

Hats of Bergilee The Kame The Nev Scarf Hole Runick of Vaadsgill Outer Sillock

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