Scarf Stane

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Scarf Stane

Noss-sound, Bressay, from Noss Sound
Noss-sound, Bressay, from Noss Sound Credit: Mike Pennington

Scarf Stane is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. It is situated on the northwestern coast of the main island, known as Mainland. This coastal feature is categorized as a headland and point, jutting out into the North Atlantic Ocean.

The Scarf Stane is a striking geological formation, consisting of a large rock outcrop that extends into the sea. It is composed of rugged, weathered sandstone, which gives it a unique and impressive appearance. The headland is known for its sheer cliffs and rocky terrain, adding to its dramatic beauty.

The Scarf Stane offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and ocean. From its vantage point, visitors can observe the powerful waves crashing against the rocks and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It also provides an ideal spot for birdwatching, as various seabirds can be spotted nesting and soaring above the cliffs.

Access to Scarf Stane is relatively easy, with a path leading from a nearby parking area. However, caution is advised when exploring the area, as the terrain can be hazardous due to the steep cliffs and slippery rocks. Visitors should also be mindful of the unpredictable weather conditions, as the Shetland Islands are known for their strong winds and frequent rain showers.

Overall, Scarf Stane is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the rugged beauty of the Shetland Islands. Its picturesque cliffs and stunning vistas make it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to experience the wild and untamed beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Scarf Stane Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.133004/-1.0652208 or Grid Reference HU5239. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Noss-sound, Bressay, from Noss Sound
Noss-sound, Bressay, from Noss Sound
Paddling down Noss Sound Somehow, using a map, one always thinks of heading south as "down" though, of course, on average, the sea is level, and as we were going against the very start of the flood tide we might actually be going a tiny bit uphill ! Tidal flows at Noss are generally insignificant except in this shallow channel, and we were going anticlockwise round the island more to have the sun behind us on the scenic side than to take any advantage of the flow. The boat powering away from us had been stationary as we arrived, but seemed to form a sudden desire to leave as (or perhaps before) their clients realised just how much closer to the wildlife sea kayakers can get than anyone in a big boat. The Sound had already given us close encounters with Seals, Eider, Cormorants and Terns diving in just metres away. The outer side promised huge numbers of Gannets and Razorbills...
Paddling down Noss Sound
Somehow, using a map, one always thinks of heading south as "down" though, of course, on average, the sea is level, and as we were going against the very start of the flood tide we might actually be going a tiny bit uphill ! Tidal flows at Noss are generally insignificant except in this shallow channel, and we were going anticlockwise round the island more to have the sun behind us on the scenic side than to take any advantage of the flow. The boat powering away from us had been stationary as we arrived, but seemed to form a sudden desire to leave as (or perhaps before) their clients realised just how much closer to the wildlife sea kayakers can get than anyone in a big boat. The Sound had already given us close encounters with Seals, Eider, Cormorants and Terns diving in just metres away. The outer side promised huge numbers of Gannets and Razorbills...
Rounding Big Ness into Nesti Voe Big Ness is really quite a small peninsula, ending in these low shoreline rocks. Beyond to the left is Nesti Voe, with a big beach, but an onshore wind, so not what we wanted for a lunch stop. Across the Voe is Turr Ness, a somewhat rockier and longer peninsula with enough height to conceal our onward route to reach the east coast of Noss. The hill in partial shadow is Hill of Setter, rising to 181m directly above the cliffs and gannetry of Noss Head, though you'd scarcely guess that seeing it from the west. The whole island is a nature reserve, gentle slopes being mainly inhabited by chaps in camouflage jackets carrying large cameras and even bigger tripods. Must be something worthwhile to see then, so let's keep paddling !
Rounding Big Ness into Nesti Voe
Big Ness is really quite a small peninsula, ending in these low shoreline rocks. Beyond to the left is Nesti Voe, with a big beach, but an onshore wind, so not what we wanted for a lunch stop. Across the Voe is Turr Ness, a somewhat rockier and longer peninsula with enough height to conceal our onward route to reach the east coast of Noss. The hill in partial shadow is Hill of Setter, rising to 181m directly above the cliffs and gannetry of Noss Head, though you'd scarcely guess that seeing it from the west. The whole island is a nature reserve, gentle slopes being mainly inhabited by chaps in camouflage jackets carrying large cameras and even bigger tripods. Must be something worthwhile to see then, so let's keep paddling !
Ward of Bressay in evening light Taken from the Aberdeen ferry in Bressay Sound.
Ward of Bressay in evening light
Taken from the Aberdeen ferry in Bressay Sound.
The Ward of Bressay The Ward of Bressay is the highest point on the island, and is easily accessible by the track seen to the right.
The Ward of Bressay
The Ward of Bressay is the highest point on the island, and is easily accessible by the track seen to the right.
Southern slopes of the Ward of Bressay Looking just east of south, with Bard Head on the left.
Southern slopes of the Ward of Bressay
Looking just east of south, with Bard Head on the left.
A Clapper Bridge Loch of Grimsetter & the Clapper Bridge across Mill Burn, Bressay.
A Clapper Bridge
Loch of Grimsetter & the Clapper Bridge across Mill Burn, Bressay.
Masts on Bressay Ward, Bressay Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.
Masts on Bressay Ward, Bressay
Taken from the Marco Polo cruise ship on the way out of Lerwick.
Ordnance Survey Trig Point on Bressay, Shetland An Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on Bressay Ward with a view over Lerwick and the Bressay Sound.
Ordnance Survey Trig Point on Bressay, Shetland
An Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on Bressay Ward with a view over Lerwick and the Bressay Sound.
Bressay: Ward of Bressay mast hidden in the mist Looking across Bressay Sound from Lerwick, we see the top portion of the radio mast but not the bulk of it between there and the ground!
Bressay: Ward of Bressay mast hidden in the mist
Looking across Bressay Sound from Lerwick, we see the top portion of the radio mast but not the bulk of it between there and the ground!
Summit of the Ward of Bressay The tower is the main TV transmitter for Shetland.
Summit of the Ward of Bressay
The tower is the main TV transmitter for Shetland.
Ward of Bressay From the south mouth of Lerwick harbour.
Ward of Bressay
From the south mouth of Lerwick harbour.
Gorie Croft Croft above the Loch of Grimsetter, Bressay.
Gorie Croft
Croft above the Loch of Grimsetter, Bressay.
Ward of Bressay Bagged with Tricky Speirs straight off the 8 am ferry.
Name: Ward of Bressay
Hill number: 1537
Height: 226m / 741ft
Area:22: Shetland Islands
Class:Ma
Grid ref: HU 50283 38709
Summit feature:trig point
Drop: 226m
Col: Sea
Ward of Bressay
Bagged with Tricky Speirs straight off the 8 am ferry. Name: Ward of Bressay Hill number: 1537 Height: 226m / 741ft Area:22: Shetland Islands Class:Ma Grid ref: HU 50283 38709 Summit feature:trig point Drop: 226m Col: Sea
Heading towards Ward of Bressay Walking up the access track to the Marilyn summit of Ward of Bressay.
Heading towards Ward of Bressay
Walking up the access track to the Marilyn summit of Ward of Bressay.
Ward of Bressay Alternative Summit A possible higher point is found inside the communication fence but is likely to be built up with rubble.  View towards Noss.
Ward of Bressay Alternative Summit
A possible higher point is found inside the communication fence but is likely to be built up with rubble. View towards Noss.
Bonxies off the coast of Noss Great Skuas following the boat southwards between Bressay, seen in the background, and Noss. They were feeding on ginger nut biscuits from the hands of a crew member.
Bonxies off the coast of Noss
Great Skuas following the boat southwards between Bressay, seen in the background, and Noss. They were feeding on ginger nut biscuits from the hands of a crew member.
Virda Dale Bog on Ward of Bressay.
Virda Dale
Bog on Ward of Bressay.
Show me another place!

Scarf Stane is located at Grid Ref: HU5239 (Lat: 60.133004, Lng: -1.0652208)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///splints.round.arrived. Near Lerwick, Shetland Islands

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