Hellia

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Hellia

Helli Ness to Bard Head We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay. — Helli Ness to Bard Head Credit: Carroll Pierce

Hellia is a prominent headland located on the island of Shetland, in Scotland. Situated on the west coast of the Mainland, the largest island in the Shetland archipelago, Hellia juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a captivating coastal feature that offers breathtaking views and serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. The exposed nature of Hellia makes it susceptible to the powerful winds and crashing waves of the Atlantic, creating a dramatic spectacle for visitors.

The name "Hellia" is derived from the Old Norse word "hella," meaning "rock shelf" or "ledge." This name is fitting, as the headland is known for its impressive rock formations, which have been shaped by the relentless force of the ocean over centuries.

The area surrounding Hellia is rich in wildlife, with numerous bird species nesting in the cliffs, including fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Hellia offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. A well-maintained trail runs along the headland, providing stunning vistas and the chance to discover hidden coves and caves.

Hellia is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and a chance to experience the untamed power of the North Atlantic.

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Hellia Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.041997/-1.1758799 or Grid Reference HU4628. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Helli Ness to Bard Head

We are at the parking place above Crossie Geo halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Head on the mainland of Shetland and I am looking north east across Greenmow and Helli Ness to Bard Head, Bressay. The Isle of Noss can be seen beyond Bressay.

Carroll Pierce

Aith, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Greenmow and Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the air

Mike Pennington

Helli Ness, Cunningsburgh, from the sea

Taken from the ferry en route to Orkney, from about 3 km distance.

Mike Pennington

Burn Of Aith Broch

This mound has been identified as the remains of a broch. Link

Sandy Gerrard

Aithsvoe Marina

A very nice facility, built in 2004, still looking new. The biggish boat off the water is the Mousa Ferry (Solan IV); both it HU4428 : Mousa ferry at winter home, Aithsvoe, Cunningsburgh and the ferry business is up for sale (2011)

Derek Mayes

Planticrubs Turri Ness

These, usually round, structures are to be found all over Shetland. The near one, in this case, is still in use (few are). Traditionally used for growing Kale or Cabbages in shelter and protected from rabbits and livestock. In this case all but a few red cabbage seedlings had been recently removed. Nice old pictures here - Link

Derek Mayes

Shetland Crub

The Planticrub HU4529 : Planticrubs Turri Ness here is in use. It is totally closed off to protect the cabbage plants. Dot stands on the step used for access. The tanker Loch Rannoch sits way out, biding her time.

Derek Mayes

Hellia

A small peninsula in Uxna Geo reaching into another grid square

Derek Mayes

Uxna Geo

The tip of Hellia just in the square

Derek Mayes

Orkna Geo

A narrow dark place, full of seal sound today - dramatic on a wild night I bet.

Derek Mayes

Heliport or Helliness?

We weren't expecting aircraft of course but what we did find was nice and very interesting HU4528 : Helliness or Heliport. A little more here Link

Derek Mayes

Helliness or Heliport

The inside of the house mapped as Heliport but known as the House of Helliness - a strange anomaly. However, it is rather interesting architecturally as well as archaeologically. See HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

The House of Helliness

The house, mapped as Heliport, but more widely known as Helliness is very prominent. It is surrounded and protected by substantial walling. See also - HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness?

Derek Mayes

Helliness Cairn

Probably an old landing cairn, marking a fairly safe approach from the sea. But it would have to be pretty calm. Heliport HU4528 : Heliport or Helliness? is on the hill behind.

Derek Mayes

Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

A few metres to the NW of the mapped structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness is a faint outline of a much older one - it looks like a dwelling. Viewed on Google Earth, there is even another feature, very close-by and circular. I had the feeling there was a lot of archaeology here.

Derek Mayes

Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness

The obvious feature may have been a crub or a lambing enclosure. It's likely that the stone was robbed from the nearby unmarked feature HU4628 : Very Old Structure - Taing of Helliness

Derek Mayes

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Hellia is located at Grid Ref: HU4628 (Lat: 60.041997, Lng: -1.1758799)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands