Whale Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Whale 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

Whale Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. This geographical formation can be classified as a headland or point due to its distinct shape and position along the coast.

Whale Geo is characterized by its towering cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, forming a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The cliffs are composed of layered sedimentary rocks, revealing a fascinating geological history. Over the centuries, the relentless force of the North Sea has sculpted the cliffs, resulting in their rugged and weathered appearance.

The name "Whale Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "geir," which means "a narrow inlet." This name perfectly describes the main feature of this coastal formation – a narrow, deep inlet that extends inland from the sea. The inlet is surrounded by steep cliffs on either side, creating a natural amphitheater-like setting.

The area around Whale Geo is known for its rich biodiversity. The cliffs provide nesting sites for various seabird species, such as puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and occasionally, whales.

Whale Geo attracts nature enthusiasts, geologists, and photographers from all over the world due to its unique and awe-inspiring beauty. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, experience the power of the crashing waves, and witness the vibrant wildlife that thrives in this coastal habitat.

In conclusion, Whale Geo is a striking coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, characterized by its towering cliffs, a narrow inlet, and abundant wildlife. It serves as a testament to the remarkable forces of nature and offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Whale Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.860854/-1.3104982 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
View across Sumburgh from the Head With the airport further on.
View across Sumburgh from the Head
With the airport further on.
Sumburgh Airport (2) This is Sumburgh Airport, the main airport serving Shetland, taken from the road as it passes its south western side.
Sumburgh Airport (2)
This is Sumburgh Airport, the main airport serving Shetland, taken from the road as it passes its south western side.
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.
Show me another place!

Whale Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU3808 (Lat: 59.860854, Lng: -1.3104982)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///novels.garden.airtime. Near Sumburgh, Shetland Islands

Related Wikis

Ness of Burgi

The Ness of Burgi is a narrow peninsula that stretches to the south from the Scat Ness headland of Mainland, Shetland, a Scottish island. It is in the...

West Voe of Sumburgh

The West Voe of Sumburgh, (grid reference: HU 395 088), is the most southerly bay on the Shetland Mainland, located between Sumburgh Head, and the point...

Horse Holm

Horse Island or Horse Holm, known locally as Da Holm, is one of the Shetland Islands. It lies about 2.3 km west of Sumburgh Head at the south tip of the...

Little Holm, Dunrossness

Little Holm is a small island to the west of South Mainland in Shetland. It is near Scatness and Lady's Holm. A trawler was wrecked there in 1916. ��2...

Jarlshof

Jarlshof ( YARLZ-hof) is the best-known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland, Scotland. It lies in Sumburgh, Mainland, Shetland and has been described...

Scatness

Scatness is a settlement on the headland of Scat Ness at the southern tip of Mainland, Shetland, Scotland, across the West Voe of Sumburgh from Sumburgh...

Lady's Holm

Lady's Holm is an island off southern Mainland in the Shetland Islands. It is not to be confused with the Maiden Stack, which is also known as "Frau Stack...

Sumburgh

Sumburgh is a small settlement in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Sumburgh is located at the south end of the Mainland on Sumburgh Head. Sumburgh Airport...

Have you been to Whale Geo?

Leave your review of Whale Geo below (or comments, questions and feedback).