Geo of Vigon

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Geo of Vigon

Gloup Holm from Valla Field The holm is on the right, with the mainland of Yell to the left. — Gloup Holm from Valla Field Credit: Mike Pennington

Geo of Vigon is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is a headland that extends into the North Sea, forming a distinctive point along the rugged coastline. The name "geo" is derived from the Old Norse word "gjá," meaning a narrow inlet or ravine, which accurately describes the geological formation of this feature.

The Geo of Vigon is characterized by its steep cliffs and rocky shoreline, which are composed of layered sedimentary rock formations. These cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The rocks display various colors, ranging from dark gray to reddish-brown, highlighting the diverse geological history of the area.

This headland is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers due to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Seabirds, such as puffins, fulmars, and gannets, can often be observed nesting on the cliffs, while seals and otters can be spotted in the surrounding waters.

The Geo of Vigon is also of historical and archaeological significance. The remains of an Iron Age broch, a circular stone tower, can be found nearby, providing evidence of human settlement in the area dating back thousands of years.

Access to the Geo of Vigon is possible via a coastal footpath, allowing visitors to explore the headland and enjoy its natural beauty. However, caution is advised as the cliffs are steep and can be dangerous, particularly during inclement weather conditions.

In conclusion, the Geo of Vigon is a striking coastal feature that showcases the geological diversity and natural splendor of the Shetland Islands. Its towering cliffs, abundant wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region.

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Geo of Vigon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.719361/-1.1195012 or Grid Reference HP4804. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gloup Holm from Valla Field

The holm is on the right, with the mainland of Yell to the left.

Mike Pennington

Gloup Holm

Seen from Scordaback Hill.

David Purchase

Sunset beyond Gloup Holm from Sothers Field

Mike Pennington

Swinga Taing

Promontory on the north-west coast of Yell. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Eegittle

Promontory on the north-west coast of Yell. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Coast between Aastack Geo and Bagi Stack

The north-west corner of Yell, with the small light on the un-named headland above Bagi stack. The light is misplaced on both 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps, but according to Google Earth, magic.defra.gov.uk (and this photo) it is in this square and on this un-named headland. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

North-west Yell

Bagi Stack and, further out on the left, Gloup Holm. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Natural arch off the coast of north-west Yell

According to the 1:25,000 map, this may be Grey Stack, although the names of the stacks (and the location of the light) are rather obscure. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Bagi Stack from the north

With the small light on the headland beyond. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Gloup Holm

With the Clapper on the left. Taken from one of the Yell Sound ferries on a North Isles cruise.

Mike Pennington

Rough cairn capping Hill of Bakkanalee

Hermaness and Muckle Flugga are seen in the distance at the northern end of Unst. Lumps of the local rock have been brought together here on top of the thick peat covering the psammitic bedrock which forms most of Yell.

Alan Bowring

Sea caves, Swinga Taing

Tim Harrison

Fishing floats, Burn of Blackies Glen

An old sheep fank is being used to store these old fishing floats by Burn of Blackies Glen. However, it will not be so easy to get them out by sea because there is no safe place to land a boat here. The nearest place is Geo of Vigon, some 1.5 km north of here.

Tim Harrison

Looking north across Burgi Geos

Burgi Geos derive their name from an Iron-Age fort which sits on the peninsula dividing the two geos.

Tim Harrison

Iron-age peninsula fort, Burgi Geo

The fort is built on a narrow promontory, surrounded on three sides by 50 m cliffs. It dates from approximately 800 BC, and is typical of many Western European promontory forts of this period. The well-preserved processional "fence" of stones leads to the fortification itself, some of which can be seen on the promontory. Remains of hut circles have been found within the fortified area, although much of the fort has now collapsed into the sea.

Tim Harrison

Eegittle from the east

The narrow peninsula of Eegittle is geologically very interesting because it is composed of a rather more sandy type of meta-sediment than elsewhere on the western Yell coast, and it allows for a good understanding of the complexities of the structural geology in the area. It is also shot through with a number of deformed white granite veins.

Tim Harrison

Aastack Geo

The geograph for this page in fact covers half of HP4705 and half of HP4704, and should in fact have a supplementary classification. The light-house is shown at a different location on both the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps, but neither are correct as it is at HP47840496 according to my GPS.

Tim Harrison