Butter Geo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Butter Geo

Skaw Taing, Whalsay Out Skerries in the distance.
Skaw Taing, Whalsay Credit: Mike Pennington

Butter Geo is a prominent coastal feature located on the island of Shetland, off the northern coast of Scotland. It is classified as a headland or a point and is known for its unique geological formations and stunning natural beauty.

Situated on the western side of Shetland, Butter Geo juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which are formed from layers of sedimentary rocks. These cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue waters.

At Butter Geo, visitors can witness the raw power of the ocean as waves crash against the rocks. The constant erosion caused by the waves has carved out sea caves and natural arches, adding to the area's charm. The headland is also home to a diverse range of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The name "Butter Geo" is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "gjá," which means 'chasm' or 'gorge.' This name accurately describes the deep, narrow clefts that can be found in the cliffs at Butter Geo, providing a sense of intrigue and mystery to the site.

Access to Butter Geo is relatively easy, with a path leading from the nearby village. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering an opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of Shetland's coastline and immerse oneself in the stunning natural surroundings.

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Butter Geo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.380834/-0.90424687 or Grid Reference HU6066. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Skaw Taing, Whalsay Out Skerries in the distance.
Skaw Taing, Whalsay
Out Skerries in the distance.
Nacka Skerry, off Skaw, Whalsay
Nacka Skerry, off Skaw, Whalsay
Millsie Geo, Skaw, Whalsay
Millsie Geo, Skaw, Whalsay
Nacka Skerry from Skaw, Whalsay
Nacka Skerry from Skaw, Whalsay
Cairn at Skaw Taing, Whalsay Out Skerries in the background.
Cairn at Skaw Taing, Whalsay
Out Skerries in the background.
Outermost green on the Skaw golf course, Whalsay Noss and Bressay on the horizon.
Outermost green on the Skaw golf course, Whalsay
Noss and Bressay on the horizon.
Cairn and golf green at Skaw Taing, Whalsay
Cairn and golf green at Skaw Taing, Whalsay
Outer Holm of Skaw, Whalsay In the distance, Fetlar on the left and Muckle Skerry on the right.
Outer Holm of Skaw, Whalsay
In the distance, Fetlar on the left and Muckle Skerry on the right.
Easter Netlar, Skaw, Whalsay The pole marks the point where the sub-sea electricity cable leaves for Out Skerries.
Easter Netlar, Skaw, Whalsay
The pole marks the point where the sub-sea electricity cable leaves for Out Skerries.
View across Easter Netlar to Sponger Point and Inner Holm of Skaw
View across Easter Netlar to Sponger Point and Inner Holm of Skaw
Planticrubs near the Sea Old enclosures for vegetable cultivation.
Planticrubs near the Sea
Old enclosures for vegetable cultivation.
Golf by the Sea The golf ball loss on this course must be considerable. Just walking around the edge we were finding balls all over the place in streams and rock pools. That's not counting the ones that have sunk in a bog or are rolling around on the sea bed.
This is the northernmost point of Whalsay, with the Inner Holm of Skaw beyond.
Golf by the Sea
The golf ball loss on this course must be considerable. Just walking around the edge we were finding balls all over the place in streams and rock pools. That's not counting the ones that have sunk in a bog or are rolling around on the sea bed. This is the northernmost point of Whalsay, with the Inner Holm of Skaw beyond.
Small Stream at Pundsi Geo Another water hazard for the golfers on Whalsay Golf Course, this rivulet drains a small pond right out on the headland. It's a tiny catchment, can't be more than a few hundred square metres, but it's flowing nicely.
Small Stream at Pundsi Geo
Another water hazard for the golfers on Whalsay Golf Course, this rivulet drains a small pond right out on the headland. It's a tiny catchment, can't be more than a few hundred square metres, but it's flowing nicely.
Nacka Skerry, Whalsay
Nacka Skerry, Whalsay
Nista, Whalsay
Nista, Whalsay
Mooa, Whalsay
Mooa, Whalsay
Skaw Taing, Whalsay, Shetland The 11th green on the Whalsay Golf Club with the cairn at Skaw Taing behind and the islands of Out Skerries on the skyline.
Skaw Taing, Whalsay, Shetland
The 11th green on the Whalsay Golf Club with the cairn at Skaw Taing behind and the islands of Out Skerries on the skyline.
Easter Netlar, Whalsay, Shetland The small bay of Easter Netlar, with the marker pole showing where the electricity  cable to the Out Skerries goes into the sea.
Easter Netlar, Whalsay, Shetland
The small bay of Easter Netlar, with the marker pole showing where the electricity cable to the Out Skerries goes into the sea.
Show me another place!

Butter Geo is located at Grid Ref: HU6066 (Lat: 60.380834, Lng: -0.90424687)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///scatter.customers.massing. Near Symbister, Shetland Islands

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