Vester Geos

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Vester Geos

Fethaland (1) This is Fethaland, a long-abandoned haaf fishing settlement located at the extreme north of Shetland's mainland. (See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> )
Fethaland (1) Credit: Carroll Pierce

Vester Geos is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Shetland, which is part of Scotland. It is classified as a headland and point, making it an important geographical landmark in the area.

Situated on the west coast of Shetland, Vester Geos is known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs that rise steeply from the sea. These cliffs are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, offering a glimpse into the region's geological history. The headland extends out into the North Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Vester Geos is also significant from a cultural standpoint. The area is rich in Norse heritage, with many archaeological sites and remnants of Viking settlements scattered throughout the vicinity. The headland's strategic location made it an ideal spot for early settlers, who used it as a vantage point for monitoring the coastline and the sea.

The coastal feature is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including seabirds, seals, and various plant species that have adapted to the harsh coastal environment. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Vester Geos is accessible by foot, and there are several walking trails that lead to the headland. Visitors can enjoy exploring the rugged cliffs, observing the wildlife, and admiring the breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The area's natural beauty and historical significance make Vester Geos a must-visit destination for those exploring the Shetland Islands.

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Vester Geos Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.625434/-1.3409377 or Grid Reference HU3693. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fethaland (1) This is Fethaland, a long-abandoned haaf fishing settlement located at the extreme north of Shetland's mainland. (See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> )
Fethaland (1)
This is Fethaland, a long-abandoned haaf fishing settlement located at the extreme north of Shetland's mainland. (See LinkExternal link )
Fethaland (2) This is Fethaland, a long-abandoned haaf fishing community at the very extreme north of Shetland's mainland (see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/shetland-blog/haaf-fishing-in-shetland/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ). The stone-lined hollows in the foreground are boat-shaped storage spaces used to house the fishing vessels outside season.
Fethaland (2)
This is Fethaland, a long-abandoned haaf fishing community at the very extreme north of Shetland's mainland (see LinkExternal link ). The stone-lined hollows in the foreground are boat-shaped storage spaces used to house the fishing vessels outside season.
The Isle of Fethaland This is the most northerly point on Shetland Mainland.  It is usually 'not an island', but it can become one if the winds or tides are adverse. It is a walk of about 3.5 km from the nearest road, the north end of the A970, but the track must be reasonable as the lighthouse is clearly reachable by some vehicles.

The pyramidal rock to the left is Yellow Stack. (Perhaps they used Pepsodent?) Beyond it is Gruney, an island with a lighthouse (centre) not recorded on OS maps, with the Ramna Stacks on its left. To the right is the northern part of Yell.
The Isle of Fethaland
This is the most northerly point on Shetland Mainland. It is usually 'not an island', but it can become one if the winds or tides are adverse. It is a walk of about 3.5 km from the nearest road, the north end of the A970, but the track must be reasonable as the lighthouse is clearly reachable by some vehicles. The pyramidal rock to the left is Yellow Stack. (Perhaps they used Pepsodent?) Beyond it is Gruney, an island with a lighthouse (centre) not recorded on OS maps, with the Ramna Stacks on its left. To the right is the northern part of Yell.
Fethaland Ruins at the north tip of Mainland Shetland.
Fethaland
Ruins at the north tip of Mainland Shetland.
Isle of Fethaland The 'Isle' beyond the isthmus is currently a peninsula. No doubt spring tides and storm force winds would make it seem more island-like.
Isle of Fethaland
The 'Isle' beyond the isthmus is currently a peninsula. No doubt spring tides and storm force winds would make it seem more island-like.
Sheep pens at Breibister And the pens were in use.  The shepherd said that after the prolonged dry spell his sheep "were scouring and he needed to drench them."  His two sheep dogs worked beautifully to gather the flock.  The following day they were all to be on the ferry to Aberdeen for sheep dog trials.
Sheep pens at Breibister
And the pens were in use. The shepherd said that after the prolonged dry spell his sheep "were scouring and he needed to drench them." His two sheep dogs worked beautifully to gather the flock. The following day they were all to be on the ferry to Aberdeen for sheep dog trials.
Sheep pens at Breibister And the pens were in use. The shepherd said that after the prolonged dry spell his sheep "were scouring and he needed to drench them." His two sheep dogs worked beautifully to gather the flock. The following day shepherd and dogs were all to be on the ferry to Aberdeen for sheep dog trials.
Sheep pens at Breibister
And the pens were in use. The shepherd said that after the prolonged dry spell his sheep "were scouring and he needed to drench them." His two sheep dogs worked beautifully to gather the flock. The following day shepherd and dogs were all to be on the ferry to Aberdeen for sheep dog trials.
The Point of Fethaland light This is a white/red sector light flashing white/red every 15 seconds. The black 'boxes' seen in the photo control the direction in which the light shows red and the direction in which it shows white.  A full description is here  <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.nlb.org.uk/Navigation/NoticeToMariners/Documents/SHETLAND-ISLES---POINT-OF-FETHALAND/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.nlb.org.uk/Navigation/NoticeToMariners/Documents/SHETLAND-ISLES---POINT-OF-FETHALAND/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The Point of Fethaland light
This is a white/red sector light flashing white/red every 15 seconds. The black 'boxes' seen in the photo control the direction in which the light shows red and the direction in which it shows white. A full description is here LinkExternal link
Yellow Stack at Point of Fethaland
Yellow Stack at Point of Fethaland
Gate on the path by the Lower Loch of Setter Through the gate to Sand Voe.
Gate on the path by the Lower Loch of Setter
Through the gate to Sand Voe.
The Lower Loch of Setter
The Lower Loch of Setter
Viga Water Looking north along Viga Water - the sea is just visible on the horizon.
Viga Water
Looking north along Viga Water - the sea is just visible on the horizon.
Landrover Carcass at Loch of Setter End of the road for this one - southern end of Loch of Setter
Landrover Carcass at Loch of Setter
End of the road for this one - southern end of Loch of Setter
Fethaland Vista Looking north down track - Isle of Fethaland and Gruney visible in distance
Fethaland Vista
Looking north down track - Isle of Fethaland and Gruney visible in distance
Ruined Farm Buildings at Breibister
Ruined Farm Buildings at Breibister
Yellow Stack Yellow Stack is the conical feature in this photo taken from the lighthouse on the Isle of Fethaland
Yellow Stack
Yellow Stack is the conical feature in this photo taken from the lighthouse on the Isle of Fethaland
Isle of Fethaland Cliff scenery looking south from lighthouse
Isle of Fethaland
Cliff scenery looking south from lighthouse
Easter Wick Pebble beach and Easter Wick Bay, Fethaland. On this day we watched gannets fishing in the bay.
Easter Wick
Pebble beach and Easter Wick Bay, Fethaland. On this day we watched gannets fishing in the bay.
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Vester Geos is located at Grid Ref: HU3693 (Lat: 60.625434, Lng: -1.3409377)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///quickly.pictured.eggplants. Near Ulsta, Shetland Islands

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