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Runick of Vaadsgill

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Runick of Vaadsgill

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

Runick of Vaadsgill is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeast coast of Scotland. This coastal formation is commonly classified as a headland or a point due to its distinctive shape and geographical characteristics.

Situated on the eastern coast of Shetland, Runick of Vaadsgill stands as a magnificent and rugged outcrop of rock that stretches out into the North Sea. Its unique formation is a result of millions of years of geological processes and erosion caused by the powerful waves and currents of the surrounding sea.

The headland is characterized by its steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, creating an imposing and breathtaking sight. As waves crash against the rocks, they have sculpted various caves, arches, and stacks on the headland's face, further adding to its natural charm and beauty.

Runick of Vaadsgill also serves as an important landmark for both navigational and recreational purposes. Its strategic location and prominent visibility make it an essential reference point for sailors and fishermen in the region. Furthermore, the headland attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who are drawn to its stunning coastal vistas, rich marine life, and opportunities for coastal exploration and photography.

In conclusion, Runick of Vaadsgill is a remarkable coastal feature in the Shetland Islands, characterized by its striking cliffs, caves, and stacks. It serves as a significant navigational landmark and offers a captivating natural environment for visitors to admire and enjoy.

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Runick of Vaadsgill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.913257/-1.3865533 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.
The track from Fitful Head Looking east towards Gord Farm and Quendale. The public are not allowed to drive up this track, which is used by engineers servicing the masts on Fitful Head. But it makes for a very easy walk to this 283m high hill.
The track from Fitful Head
Looking east towards Gord Farm and Quendale. The public are not allowed to drive up this track, which is used by engineers servicing the masts on Fitful Head. But it makes for a very easy walk to this 283m high hill.
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.
Mystery Feature An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622204">HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone</a>. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a>. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.
Mystery Feature
An absolute mystery when first located, but close investigation revealed its identity. It turns out to be a Protective Wall for a Target Zone on an old disused firing range (some evidence here HU3513 : Blitzed Target Zone. It faces another Target Zone (down-range) about 450 metres away; see - HU3613 : Unmarked Feature. The platform (maybe planks) on which the targets stood, is missing.
Fire Wall This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622226">HU3613 : Unmarked Feature</a> - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.
Fire Wall
This is the protective wall at a Target Zone on an old disused firing range. There are no names, nor designations, on the map, nor references (that I could find) on the Internet. Looking from this protective wall, across the valley, one can see another obvious Target Zone HU3613 : Unmarked Feature - centre and to the right of the quarry. This Fire Wall but not the Target Zone is shown on the OS map.
Blitzed Target Zone The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.
Blitzed Target Zone
The front edge of the protective wall, behind which, on a raised platform I assume, targets stood. The 'blitzing' suggests that a lot of 'incoming fire' had raked the wall, as the rear edges and the protected front ones appear as sharp as new. The whole area must have been used for weapon training.
Claypotts A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.
Claypotts
A row of tiny derelict 'cells'. Reminiscent of quarrymen's barracks I have seen elsewhere. Very neat layout about five rooms, all identical.
Livestock Management Facility Probably a sheep dip in there but they are no longer allowed near water courses.
Livestock Management Facility
Probably a sheep dip in there but they are no longer allowed near water courses.
West Nifland These ruins are easy to spot and attain. From afar, it seemed like an old dwelling but close inspection suggested not. In the backdrop on this picture, left upper quarter, is a firing range target zone - seen here <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2622169">HU3513 : Mystery Feature</a>
West Nifland
These ruins are easy to spot and attain. From afar, it seemed like an old dwelling but close inspection suggested not. In the backdrop on this picture, left upper quarter, is a firing range target zone - seen here HU3513 : Mystery Feature
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.
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Runick of Vaadsgill is located at Grid Ref: HU3414 (Lat: 59.913257, Lng: -1.3865533)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///judge.caskets.butternut. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

Nearby Locations

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

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