Black Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Black Geo

Peat extraction, Virdi Field
Peat extraction, Virdi Field Credit: John Lucas

Black Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in Shetland, an archipelago in Scotland. It is specifically classified as a headland or point due to its distinct geographical characteristics. The name "Geo" is derived from the Old Norse word for a narrow inlet or cove, indicating the geological formation of this coastal feature.

Situated on the eastern coast of Shetland, Black Geo is known for its striking cliffs and rugged terrain. The headland juts out into the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. The cliffs, composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, rise to significant heights, creating an impressive spectacle against the backdrop of the ocean.

Black Geo is an important site for wildlife, as it provides a nesting habitat for various seabird species, including gulls, fulmars, and puffins. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, with seals often seen basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby waters.

The headland is easily accessible, with several coastal paths and trails leading to and around Black Geo. These paths provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty and observe the diverse flora and fauna that call this coastal feature their home.

Due to its exposed location on the eastern coast, Black Geo is also subject to the harsh and unpredictable weather conditions of the North Sea. The strong winds and rough seas create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, attracting photographers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

In summary, Black Geo is a captivating coastal feature in Shetland, characterized by its dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and stunning views of the North Sea. It offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the raw beauty of this remote Scottish archipelago.

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Black Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.953704/-1.2595694 or Grid Reference HU4118. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peat extraction, Virdi Field
Peat extraction, Virdi Field
A970 near Southpunds The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970">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>  SABRE
A970 near Southpunds
The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. LinkExternal link SABRE
A970 Northwards The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A970">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>  SABRE
A970 Northwards
The A970 runs for 71 miles across most of the length of the "Mainland" in the Shetland Islands. It is a good-quality single-carriageway road for most of its route. Travelling from south to north, the road begins at Grutness near Sumburgh Airport and winds around the many hills and inlets passing close to a number of small villages without going through any large ones before Lerwick. After looping around Lerwick, a short spur runs to Scalloway whilst the main route continues northwards towards Brae where it crosses the narrow isthmus of Mavis Grind. At Sandy Lochs the road splits and a four-mile spur goes through Urafirth to Hillswick. The main route continuing to the right towards its northern terminus at Isbister. This last part of the route tends to be narrower with passing places. LinkExternal link SABRE
Clumlie and Loch of Clumlie
Clumlie and Loch of Clumlie
Loch of Clumlie and Ward of Scousburgh
Loch of Clumlie and Ward of Scousburgh
Levenwick Broch Broch with associated outbuildings and later wheelhouse. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/908/levenwick" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/908/levenwick">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>
Levenwick Broch
Broch with associated outbuildings and later wheelhouse. LinkExternal link
Loch of Clumlie Looking north.
Loch of Clumlie
Looking north.
Ruined croft house and broch at Clumlie Stones from the ruined broch (on the right) were probably re-used in constructing the croft buildings
Ruined croft house and broch at Clumlie
Stones from the ruined broch (on the right) were probably re-used in constructing the croft buildings
Shetland ponies near Clothie, South Mainland The square is mainly rough grassland. The few scattered houses in it didn't seem to me more distinctive than the ponies!
Shetland ponies near Clothie, South Mainland
The square is mainly rough grassland. The few scattered houses in it didn't seem to me more distinctive than the ponies!
Peat hill, south of Levenwick Old peat-workings and mires on a hill south of Levenwick.
Peat hill, south of Levenwick
Old peat-workings and mires on a hill south of Levenwick.
Loch of Troswickness Looking to the NW
Loch of Troswickness
Looking to the NW
Loch of Clumlie
Loch of Clumlie
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Quinni Geo, Levenwick, from the air
Gorgeous walk The descent from the high point of Lee Taing.
On the left is the Burn of Briegeo as it exits the square to tumble into the sea.
A whole series of picturesque geos resolve as one walks north along here.
The ground is soft, the going easy - the day was wonderful!
Gorgeous walk
The descent from the high point of Lee Taing. On the left is the Burn of Briegeo as it exits the square to tumble into the sea. A whole series of picturesque geos resolve as one walks north along here. The ground is soft, the going easy - the day was wonderful!
Cliff-top wall This short wall is marked clearly on the larger scale map.  It is a good navaid to anyone trying to get a precise location.
Possibly an old stock barrier to prevent animals from venturing onto Lee Taing.
Cliff-top wall
This short wall is marked clearly on the larger scale map. It is a good navaid to anyone trying to get a precise location. Possibly an old stock barrier to prevent animals from venturing onto Lee Taing.
Lee Taing The cliff edge south of Lee Taing.
The unnamed geo is hidden here but the pasture atop the taing invites a detour.
Lee Taing
The cliff edge south of Lee Taing. The unnamed geo is hidden here but the pasture atop the taing invites a detour.
Levenwick Broch Approaching the (shamefully unnamed) Broch one might think it simply a heap of stones in disarray.
But it is lovely example of the structure-type.
True, time and Nature have done much to reduce its height - it is also certain that much stone has been removed to produce the nearby, more modern yet derelict, walled structures. Nevertheless, it is possible to get inside to feel the shelter and protection for which it was built.
Simon Clarke says it all here - <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=26619" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=26619">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>
Levenwick Broch
Approaching the (shamefully unnamed) Broch one might think it simply a heap of stones in disarray. But it is lovely example of the structure-type. True, time and Nature have done much to reduce its height - it is also certain that much stone has been removed to produce the nearby, more modern yet derelict, walled structures. Nevertheless, it is possible to get inside to feel the shelter and protection for which it was built. Simon Clarke says it all here - LinkExternal link
Show me another place!

Black Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU4118 (Lat: 59.953704, Lng: -1.2595694)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///partly.overcomes.oasis. Near Sandwick, Shetland Islands

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