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South Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

South Geo

To Sumburgh Head Taken at Jarlshof, settlement site on Shetland dating back 4,000 years and still in use in the 17th century, I am looking across the West Voe of Sumburgh towards Sumburgh Head, the most southerly point of mainland Shetland.
To Sumburgh Head Credit: Carroll Pierce

South Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is specifically categorized as a headland and point due to its unique geographical characteristics and formation.

South Geo is situated on the southern coast of Shetland, surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its striking cliffs that rise dramatically from the water, reaching heights of approximately 100 meters (330 feet). These cliffs are composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, which have been shaped and sculpted by the relentless force of the sea over thousands of years.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and wild beauty, with its steep cliffs providing a habitat for various seabird species, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. These birds nest on the ledges and crevices of the cliffs, creating a bustling and lively ecosystem during the breeding season.

South Geo also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the open sea. On a clear day, visitors can see the distant horizon and may even catch a glimpse of passing marine wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, and whales.

Due to its exposed location, South Geo can experience harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and rough seas being common. As such, it is advisable for visitors to exercise caution when exploring the area and to be aware of any weather warnings or tide changes.

In conclusion, South Geo is a remarkable headland and point on the southern coast of Shetland, known for its impressive cliffs, diverse birdlife, and stunning coastal views. It is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the untamed beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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South Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.856741/-1.3122077 or Grid Reference HU3808. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

To Sumburgh Head Taken at Jarlshof, settlement site on Shetland dating back 4,000 years and still in use in the 17th century, I am looking across the West Voe of Sumburgh towards Sumburgh Head, the most southerly point of mainland Shetland.
To Sumburgh Head
Taken at Jarlshof, settlement site on Shetland dating back 4,000 years and still in use in the 17th century, I am looking across the West Voe of Sumburgh towards Sumburgh Head, the most southerly point of mainland Shetland.
Wheelhouse entrance This is a section of the extensive remains located at Jarlshof, Sumburgh, Shetland. The site was first settled around 4,000 years ago and had a succession of inhabitants through the Bronze and Iron Ages to Norse settlement and medieval farming following on until the 17th century. I am looking at an entrance to the wheelhouse complex on the site.
Wheelhouse entrance
This is a section of the extensive remains located at Jarlshof, Sumburgh, Shetland. The site was first settled around 4,000 years ago and had a succession of inhabitants through the Bronze and Iron Ages to Norse settlement and medieval farming following on until the 17th century. I am looking at an entrance to the wheelhouse complex on the site.
Sumburgh Airport from Jarlshof Taken on the inner path running between the wheelhouse complex and the Norse settlement at Jarlshof, Sumburgh, I am looking across the eastern edge of West Voe to Sumburgh Airport, Shetland's main airport.
Sumburgh Airport from Jarlshof
Taken on the inner path running between the wheelhouse complex and the Norse settlement at Jarlshof, Sumburgh, I am looking across the eastern edge of West Voe to Sumburgh Airport, Shetland's main airport.
Sumburgh Hotel I am near the visitor centre at Jarlshof, Shetland, and looking past the Shetland pony towards the Sumburgh Hotel which is flying the Shetland flag. The hill beyond crowned with radar installation is the landward side of Compass Head.
Sumburgh Hotel
I am near the visitor centre at Jarlshof, Shetland, and looking past the Shetland pony towards the Sumburgh Hotel which is flying the Shetland flag. The hill beyond crowned with radar installation is the landward side of Compass Head.
Scatness from the air
Scatness from the air
Loch of Gards, Scatness, from the air
Loch of Gards, Scatness, from the air
Ness of Burgi, Scatness, from the air
Ness of Burgi, Scatness, from the air
Horse Island, Scatness, from the air
Horse Island, Scatness, from the air
Guillemots on a stack at Sumburgh Head
Guillemots on a stack at Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh: Horse Island in silhouette Looking towards this island off the southern tip of the Shetland mainland, from the Lerwick-Aberdeen ferry many miles away.
Sumburgh: Horse Island in silhouette
Looking towards this island off the southern tip of the Shetland mainland, from the Lerwick-Aberdeen ferry many miles away.
West Voe of Sumburgh
West Voe of Sumburgh
Sumburgh Hotel This welcoming hotel, restaurant and bar was our first and last port of call on our visit to the Shetland Isles. I'm pleased to report that they had pretty much the full range of the islands' own excellent Valhalla Brewery ales in bottle, though none yet on draught when we were there. Photo taken on a dismally wet afternoon from the path to Jarlshof.
Sumburgh Hotel
This welcoming hotel, restaurant and bar was our first and last port of call on our visit to the Shetland Isles. I'm pleased to report that they had pretty much the full range of the islands' own excellent Valhalla Brewery ales in bottle, though none yet on draught when we were there. Photo taken on a dismally wet afternoon from the path to Jarlshof.
Jarlshof - Iron age settlement and visitor centre On a very wet afternoon at the fascinating excavated site at Jarlshof - the section seen ahead here is from the Iron Age period with the visitor centre being the modern building behind.
Jarlshof - Iron age settlement and visitor centre
On a very wet afternoon at the fascinating excavated site at Jarlshof - the section seen ahead here is from the Iron Age period with the visitor centre being the modern building behind.
Jarlshof - Neolithic dwelling remains The oldest part of the Jarlshof site dates from about 2500BC or 4,500 years ago. This places it in the Neolithic or New Stone Age. Only a few stones remain as can be seen, but considerable pottery finds have helped in dating this area.
Jarlshof - Neolithic dwelling remains
The oldest part of the Jarlshof site dates from about 2500BC or 4,500 years ago. This places it in the Neolithic or New Stone Age. Only a few stones remain as can be seen, but considerable pottery finds have helped in dating this area.
Jarlshof - Bronze Age dwellings The Bronze Age and Iron Age areas of Jarlshof adjoin each other. I think this view is from the former period looking towards the latter. Unfortunately it was such a dismal day when we visited that we didn't linger as long here as we'd have liked - and my lens was getting covered in rain drops as can be seen !
Jarlshof - Bronze Age dwellings
The Bronze Age and Iron Age areas of Jarlshof adjoin each other. I think this view is from the former period looking towards the latter. Unfortunately it was such a dismal day when we visited that we didn't linger as long here as we'd have liked - and my lens was getting covered in rain drops as can be seen !
Jarlshof - Bronze and Iron Age sites The Bronze and Iron Age sites merge into each other at Jarlshof. The more distant remains in this image belonging to the earlier period, those nearer the camera to the Iron Age.
Jarlshof - Bronze and Iron Age sites
The Bronze and Iron Age sites merge into each other at Jarlshof. The more distant remains in this image belonging to the earlier period, those nearer the camera to the Iron Age.
Jarlshof - Iron Age remains There are numerous Iron Age remains at Jarlshof, most effectively subterranean. This feature at the southernmost part of the site is less well defined than many of the other dwellings, but shows well the circular shape of those ancient homes.
Jarlshof - Iron Age remains
There are numerous Iron Age remains at Jarlshof, most effectively subterranean. This feature at the southernmost part of the site is less well defined than many of the other dwellings, but shows well the circular shape of those ancient homes.
Jarlshof - Iron Age wheelhouse, looking down There are several well preserved "wheelhouses" at Jarlshof. They are effectively subterranean, so this view is from (slightly raised) ground level looking down into the wheelhouse. Having little chambers radiating from a central circular atrium, they provided welcome shelter from the atrocious weather on the day we visited.
Jarlshof - Iron Age wheelhouse, looking down
There are several well preserved "wheelhouses" at Jarlshof. They are effectively subterranean, so this view is from (slightly raised) ground level looking down into the wheelhouse. Having little chambers radiating from a central circular atrium, they provided welcome shelter from the atrocious weather on the day we visited.
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South Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU3808 (Lat: 59.856741, Lng: -1.3122077)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///applauded.sleepers.rummage. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

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