Seli Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Seli Geo

Noss ferry approaching the Bressay shore Credit: Mike Pennington

Seli Geo is a prominent coastal feature located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. It is classified as a headland, also referred to as a point, and is situated on the east coast of the mainland, near the village of Sumburgh.

This striking geological formation is characterized by its steep cliffs, which rise dramatically from the North Sea. Seli Geo is composed mainly of sedimentary rock, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped over millions of years by the relentless forces of erosion. The cliffs showcase various layers of rock, providing a glimpse into the island's geological history.

The headland offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can witness the powerful waves crashing against the cliffs, creating a spectacular display of natural beauty. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including seabirds, seals, and occasionally, dolphins and whales.

Seli Geo is easily accessible, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when exploring the area, as the cliffs can be unstable and slippery. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and adhere to any safety signs or guidelines.

Overall, Seli Geo is a remarkable coastal feature in Shetland, offering stunning views, geological insights, and a chance to connect with the raw power of nature.

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Seli Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.167507/-1.0469057 or Grid Reference HU5242. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Noss ferry approaching the Bressay shore

Mike Pennington

Gungstie, Noss, from Noss Sound

Mike Pennington

Gungstie, Noss

I am looking back as we leave Noss Sound, Shetland, on our way back to Lerwick. The rocky outcrop of Gungstie is to the right of shot and the distinctive Hill of Setter (to the south of Noss) can be seen in the distance.

Carroll Pierce

Hill of Setter, Noss

Taken as we pass north east along the coast of Bressay, en route back to Lerwick, Shetland, I am looking back towards the distinctive Hill of Setter on Noss.

Carroll Pierce

Skerry-hopping at Loder Head

Last time I'd been to Bressay nine years ago, we didn't even get round the corner to see Noss, as the wind was too much. On this trip, despite a spell of bad weather as we came to Shetland on the ferry, the wind had dropped dramatically by our second day, and the east side of Shetland was relatively protected from the big swells. Coming round the top of Bressay, there was still enough for rock-hopping (paddling over reefs and rocks that would be too shallow without the help of a wave and good timing) but it was unpredictable enough (the result of two separate swell directions interfering producing occasional big waves) that sport was certainly to be had. The first through this gap had been caught by a bigger set as he came over, then three of us had popped through before the next set arrived. The last paddler has dropped back a little to wait for the next calmer spell and is just about to make her way through.

Andy Waddington

Geo of Vatsvie

More of an embayment than a deep cleft, the Geo of Vatsvie cuts into Old Red Sandstone on the east coast of Bressay's Loder Head peninsula. There's swell coming in from the east, reflecting off the foot of the rocks and rushing back towards the kayak which always makes getting in close fun. Not far ahead the Island of Noss starts to provide more shelter and the sea becomes pretty much flat - great for nervous tourists on the tiny RIB passenger ferry, but a bit dull for sea kayaks. The opposite side of Noss was to provide a lot more excitement...

Andy Waddington

Getting onto the Noss ferry

Whilst the Bressay ferry used to get here takes vehicles and has a "proper" dock, the Noss ferry is only for very small numbers of pedestrians, so needs no more than a set of steps down to sea level. There's no timetable - when the ferryman notices that there are people waiting, he will come across to get them. Whether this works on foggy days is another question entirely, and not one we needed answered, as we were visiting in our own boats, just popping over to look at the ferry terminal out of curiosity.

Andy Waddington

Landing on Noss

Although, coming from Voe of Cullingsborough round Loder Head, we hadn't paddled very far to reach Noss, the island offers few other landing places apart from the west side, facing Bressay across Noss Sound. Thus our group stopped for an early lunch in anticipation that we would be on the water for rather longer to complete our trip all the way round. This beach is just north of the tourist ferry landing, out of their way, and even seemed quite sheltered (we'd had a very windy 24 hours the previous day and the open sea was still quite lumpy, whilst here in the Sound it was essentially flat).

Andy Waddington

Southwest shore, Voe of Cullingsborough

Although the Voe of Cullingsborough looks sheltered, there is a low pass through the island of Bressay just to its south and today's southerly wind was being canalised through the gap, giving us the strongest headwind of our day's paddle round Noss. A somewhat unexpected end to a day where we'd anticipated the most challenging conditions to be out on the open coast. However, it's not far to go now - the landing is on the little shingle beach on the left of the photo, which lies just below the end of the public road, and the parked cars of both our group of sea kayakers and another, bigger group, who'd gone round the other way and were not far behind us.

Andy Waddington

Coastguard Lookout, Ander Hill from Setter, Bressay

Historic Environment Scotland Scheduled Monument the Admiralty lookout station was built between 1912 and 1917. In addition to the tower, an underground shelter, accessed by a ground-level trapdoor, a cast-iron water-pump and a concrete footing with the remains of a wooden signalling pole survive in close proximity. The now floorless concrete tower commands fantastic views reaching as far as Foula and Sumburgh Head on a fine day. The building was in use as a coastguard lookout until it was abandoned in 1969.

Jo and Steve Turner

Ander Hill, Bressay, from Noss Sound

Mike Pennington

Mansie's Berg, Noss, from the sea

Mike Pennington

The Noss ferry on the Bressay side of Noss Sound

Mike Pennington

Bressay: theoretical view of Noss

The island of Noss is only 100 yards or so directly ahead of us but the fog is so thick today that it is completely invisible. The passenger ferry would run from here but is cancelled when the weather is bad - denoted by a red flag on the island which I suppose we must assume is flying now!

Chris Downer

Bressay: farm building by Noss Sound

Some farm building I suppose, stands in a state of disuse but reasonable repair, as the track ahead quickly gets lost in the fog.

Chris Downer

Bressay - Burn of Setter

The Burn of Setter trickles down to meet the sea at the Voe of Cullingsburgh (see HU5141 : Bressay - Burn of Setter meets the sea). A slightly different view can be seen here HU5141 : Bressay - Burn of Setter - Looking upstream

Rob Farrow

Bressay - Burn of Setter - Looking upstream

Looking upstream along the Burn of Setter as it nears its meeting with the sea in the Voe of Cullingsburgh (see HU5141 : Bressay - Burn of Setter meets the sea). Taken from the track which passes over the stream as a flat bridge. See also HU5141 : Bressay - Burn of Setter

Rob Farrow