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Longa Tonga

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Longa Tonga

Fence and Grass The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Fence and Grass Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Longa Tonga is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland or point due to its distinctive geographical characteristics.

Situated on the western coast of Shetland, Longa Tonga is surrounded by the vast North Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea. The headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with cliffs rising steeply from the water below. The cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, exhibiting layers that provide glimpses into the region's geological history.

Longa Tonga is also notable for its diverse wildlife and bird population. The area is home to various seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. These birds can often be seen nesting on the cliff ledges, adding to the picturesque beauty of the headland. Additionally, seals can be spotted resting on the exposed rocks, while occasional sightings of whales and dolphins are not uncommon.

The headland serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers. Its picturesque surroundings and dramatic cliffs make it an ideal spot for capturing stunning coastal landscapes. Hiking trails wind along the cliffs, providing opportunities for exploration and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Overall, Longa Tonga is a captivating coastal feature in Shetland, offering a unique blend of geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and stunning vistas. Its rugged beauty and rich natural heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the raw and untouched beauty of the Scottish coastline.

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Longa Tonga Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.729681/-1.0352296 or Grid Reference HP5205. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fence and Grass The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Fence and Grass
The cliff edge is just at the top here.
Rocky Coast at Brei Wick
Rocky Coast at Brei Wick
Sheep in the Seaweed There were quite a few sheep down on the rocks here tucking into this stuff.
Sheep in the Seaweed
There were quite a few sheep down on the rocks here tucking into this stuff.
Rocky Shore, Ness of Houlland On one side of the Ness of Houlland is the beautiful Breckon Sands beach. On the other side, the shoreline reverts to being less hospitable. The orange thing is some of the assorted fishing debris that washes up from time to time.
Rocky Shore, Ness of Houlland
On one side of the Ness of Houlland is the beautiful Breckon Sands beach. On the other side, the shoreline reverts to being less hospitable. The orange thing is some of the assorted fishing debris that washes up from time to time.
Site of a Settlement, Ness of Houlland This is the site of a big area of archaeological remains. This view shows the large enclosure at the centre of the site. Closer to, the outlines of huts and buildings are easy to find. Some of it has already vanished into the sea from erosion.
Site of a Settlement, Ness of Houlland
This is the site of a big area of archaeological remains. This view shows the large enclosure at the centre of the site. Closer to, the outlines of huts and buildings are easy to find. Some of it has already vanished into the sea from erosion.
Ancient Walls Part of a large settlement site near the Sands of Breckon.
Ancient Walls
Part of a large settlement site near the Sands of Breckon.
Birrier Stack A small island with a spot height of 23 metres marked on the map. It looks like it should be more, somehow.
Birrier Stack
A small island with a spot height of 23 metres marked on the map. It looks like it should be more, somehow.
Ancient Walls 2 Another view on this ancient settlement site.
Ancient Walls 2
Another view on this ancient settlement site.
Sands of Breckon
Sands of Breckon
Fencepost with a hat on Not being from round here, when I first saw this I thought somebody had been messing about, but then I noticed a lot of other posts topped with assorted buckets, boxes, hard hats etc. I guess it protects the wood against rain soaking down the grain and rotting the post. Good idea.
Fencepost with a hat on
Not being from round here, when I first saw this I thought somebody had been messing about, but then I noticed a lot of other posts topped with assorted buckets, boxes, hard hats etc. I guess it protects the wood against rain soaking down the grain and rotting the post. Good idea.
On The Point Of Whack The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise. This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left. Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
On The Point Of Whack
The Point of Whack on Gloup Ness, to be precise. This is a small promontory off the main headland, with the Geo of Whack on the left. Am I being over imaginative, or is there something sheep-like about that rock?
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Looking at the view, Gloup Ness
The name Gloup comes from Old Norse for a ravine.
Skulls on a Tomb, St Olaf's Churchyard The remains of St Olaf's church are just beyond this rather creepy old tomb with its skulls and bones. St Olaf (995-1030) was a king of Norway. There is a long page about him on Wikipedia <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaf_II_of_Norway" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaf_II_of_Norway">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>. which suggests that he wasn't exactly up there with the apostles in the league of saintliness, but as he is the Patron saint of Norway I will tactfully leave it there.
Skulls on a Tomb, St Olaf's Churchyard
The remains of St Olaf's church are just beyond this rather creepy old tomb with its skulls and bones. St Olaf (995-1030) was a king of Norway. There is a long page about him on Wikipedia LinkExternal link. which suggests that he wasn't exactly up there with the apostles in the league of saintliness, but as he is the Patron saint of Norway I will tactfully leave it there.
Kirk Loch From St Olaf's Churchyard.
Kirk Loch
From St Olaf's Churchyard.
A Bit of Colour at Midbrake A touch of random decorating along the road to Breckon Sands.
A Bit of Colour at Midbrake
A touch of random decorating along the road to Breckon Sands.
Parking Notice at Breckon The usual beach car park was being used by farm vehicles today, bringing in the hay crop. We were re directed into someone's back yard.
Parking Notice at Breckon
The usual beach car park was being used by farm vehicles today, bringing in the hay crop. We were re directed into someone's back yard.
A field of flowers at Breckon Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this is Machair, where wind blown sand mixes with peat to form good pasture. That's what it was on Tiree anyway. It may be called something else here.
A field of flowers at Breckon
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this is Machair, where wind blown sand mixes with peat to form good pasture. That's what it was on Tiree anyway. It may be called something else here.
The road to the beach This leads to the Sands of Breckon, visible in the distance.
The road to the beach
This leads to the Sands of Breckon, visible in the distance.
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Longa Tonga is located at Grid Ref: HP5205 (Lat: 60.729681, Lng: -1.0352296)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///jeering.crawling.expansion. Near Gutcher, Shetland Islands

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Outer Yea Blue Geo Boadi Geo Whale Geo Birrier Stack Inna Yea

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.729681,-1.0352296
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Tammy Pittifirth Geo Shetland
Andie Geo Shetland

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