Orkna Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Orkna Geo

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

Located on the east coast of the Shetland Islands, Orkna Geo is a prominent coastal feature characterized by its rugged headland and striking cliffs. Situated near the village of Vidlin, this geological formation is known for its stunning views and unique rock formations.

Orkna Geo is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped by thousands of years of erosion from the relentless North Sea. The cliffs at Orkna Geo rise to an impressive height of approximately 60 meters, providing visitors with a dramatic panorama of the surrounding coastline.

The headland is accessible through a network of walking trails that wind their way along the cliff tops, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area and take in the breathtaking vistas. The trails are well-maintained and provide safe access to various viewpoints, allowing visitors to witness the power of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs.

The area surrounding Orkna Geo is rich in wildlife, with numerous seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars nesting on the cliffs. The coastal waters are also home to various marine species, such as seals and dolphins, which can often be spotted from the headland.

Orkna Geo is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, who are drawn to its natural beauty and striking geological features. Its remote location and unspoiled surroundings make it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful and scenic escape.

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Orkna Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.03949/-1.1741114 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

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

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

Uncanny Paver

There is an interesting line of well spaced flat pavers reaching from the structure HU4628 : Marked Structure - Taing of Helliness to the very point of the Taing. They are so obviously placed there for a purpose. I do not think they were ever standing stones.

Derek Mayes