Ox Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Ox Geo

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie Credit: Mike Pennington

Ox Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is specifically situated on the West Mainland, near the village of Walls. Ox Geo is a headland, jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean, and it is also commonly referred to as "Ox Head" or "Ox Headland."

This headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which rise steeply from the sea. The cliffs at Ox Geo are composed of various types of rock, such as sandstone and shale, giving them a distinctive layered appearance. These geological formations have been shaped by the relentless forces of erosion over thousands of years, resulting in the creation of caves, arches, and stacks along the coastline.

The name "Ox Geo" is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "geirr," meaning "a triangular piece of land." This name accurately describes the triangular shape of the headland, which extends out into the ocean.

Ox Geo is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts due to its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The cliffs provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding waters also support a diverse marine ecosystem, making it a haven for seals and otters.

Visitors to Ox Geo can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, as well as opportunities for coastal walks and birdwatching. It is advisable to exercise caution when exploring the area, as the cliffs can be unstable, and the strong currents of the Atlantic Ocean make swimming dangerous.

In summary, Ox Geo is a captivating headland on the Shetland Islands, boasting striking cliffs, diverse wildlife, and picturesque views, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Ox Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.954445/-1.3563768 or Grid Reference HU3619. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spiggie and Loch of Spiggie

Mike Pennington

Sand dunes at Sands of Scousburgh

Mike Pennington

Colsay from the air

Mike Pennington

View from the slopes of the Ward of Scousburgh

A good view of Scousburgh Bay HU3718, Northern Ness and Muckle Sound HU3618.

Oliver Dixon

Inlet on the south-west corner of St Ninian's Isle

Channel separating Sweyn Holm (to the left) from St Ninian's Isle.

Oliver Dixon

Track on St Ninian's Isle

Leading down to the tombolo which ties the island to the mainland.

Oliver Dixon

St Ninian's Bay

I am standing at the mainland end of the tombolo leading to St Ninian's Isle and looking south down St Ninian's Bay towards Inns Holm with Colsay off to the right. Northern Ness, Fora Ness and Noss Hill can be gilmpsed in the clouded distance.

Carroll Pierce

The south of St Ninian's Isle

Seen from high on the slopes of Ward of Scousburgh, St Ninian's Isle seems to be preparing to repel boarders from the south (left). The small village in the foreground is Rerwick.

Michael Earnshaw

St Ninian's Sheep

Looking eastwards from St Ninian's Isle over the sand bar to Bigton.

Des Blenkinsopp

South coast of St Ninian's Isle

Des Blenkinsopp

St Ninian's Bay

Looking over the bay from the beach connecting the mainland with St Ninian's Isle.

Stephen McKay

The tombolo at St Ninian's Isle

Bigton Wick on the left, St Ninian's Bay to the right.

Gordon Brown

The tombolo at St Ninian's Isle

Gordon Brown

The path to Longa Berg, St Ninian's Isle

Gordon Brown

Looking down to the Mare from Longa Berg

Having walked round from the tombolo beach via the southwest and south coasts of St. Ninian's Isle, we had thought that conditions for sea kayaking round the island didn't look too bad, despite the wind. This first view out through the channel separating Sweyn Holm from the main part of the island confirmed us in our original view that this was a day for walking round looking from above, not poking in to caves and geos at sea level. Although the swell was not penetrating the geo at all, there was big surf all along the outer rocks - this coast is very exposed to the Atlantic.

Andy Waddington

Nesting on a pointy skerry

There seem to be Fulmars nesting on almost every cliff or ledge in most parts of Shetland, many in relatively accessible places, but I was rather taken with this one who had chosen to nest right on the top of a distinctly pointy skerry just off the southern tip of St. Ninian's Isle. The metamorphic rock is a micaceous psammite of the Colla Firth Group (Whiteness division 0 correlated with the Dalradian in mainland Scotland) here dipping quite steeply to the southwest. This produces the characteristic steep smooth rock faces on southwest-facing cliffs. The northeast-facing sides are steep, but much more ledgy, which produces many little niches which are the more favoured nesting sites, as you can see on High Herbi Clett on the right of the photo. Further out is Inns Holm, the southern tip of which is catching quite a lot of surf from the westerly swell (which is why we were walking today, and not sea kayaking).

Andy Waddington

View across tombolo from St Ninian's Isle

Preparations are being made in the distance for Bigton Regatta. Isles rowing crews launch their six oared yoals in all weathers, practising for the Bigton event on Saturday 1st June, held here at the St Ninian’s Isle sands. The local youths zoom up and down the tombolo on their quad bikes disturbing the pristine sand.

Russel Wills