The Viels

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

The Viels

White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar Credit: Mike Pennington

The Viels is a prominent coastal feature located on the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. Situated on the mainland, The Viels is a headland that juts out into the North Sea, forming a distinct point along the coastline.

This coastal feature is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape. The cliffs that make up The Viels are composed of ancient, sedimentary rock formations, displaying layers of sandstone and shale. These cliffs rise steeply from the sea, reaching heights of up to 200 feet, creating a visually stunning and imposing sight.

The Viels offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see the vast expanse of the North Sea stretching out to the horizon, and the distant islands that dot the coastal waters. The headland also overlooks a picturesque bay, with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The Viels is known for its rich biodiversity. The cliff faces provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and occasionally even whales.

Due to its striking beauty and natural significance, The Viels is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The area offers several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the headland and take in its stunning vistas. The Viels is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognizing its importance for conservation and scientific study.

In summary, The Viels is a captivating coastal feature on the Shetland Islands, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a rugged, natural landscape that attracts visitors from near and far.

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The Viels Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.777191/-0.817849 or Grid Reference HP6411. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
White Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Stile beside the old coastguard lookout on the Keen of Hamar
Stile beside the old coastguard lookout on the Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) and Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Keen of Hamar
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) at Keen of Hamar
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) at Moss Campion (Silene acaulis) at Keen of Hamar
Shetland Mouse-ear (Cerastium nigrescens), Keen of Hamar
Shetland Mouse-ear (Cerastium nigrescens), Keen of Hamar
Bull at Hamar, Baltasound
Bull at Hamar, Baltasound
Swinna Ness and Balta from the Keen of Hamar
Swinna Ness and Balta from the Keen of Hamar
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
Unstfest Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound There was no Unstfest in 2021, due to COVID-19, but the Puffins made an appearance, with a Treasure Island theme, as the map in Robert Louis Stephenson's Treasure Island is said to be based on a map of Unst, inspired by Stephenson's visit with his father and uncle during the construction of Muckle Flugga lighthouse.
Unstfest Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound
There was no Unstfest in 2021, due to COVID-19, but the Puffins made an appearance, with a Treasure Island theme, as the map in Robert Louis Stephenson's Treasure Island is said to be based on a map of Unst, inspired by Stephenson's visit with his father and uncle during the construction of Muckle Flugga lighthouse.
Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris), Keen of Hamar
Field Gentian (Gentianella campestris), Keen of Hamar
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
Cattle and the Keen of Hamar, Baltasound
Cattle and the Keen of Hamar, Baltasound
Heath Dog Violet (Viola canina), Keen of Hamar
Heath Dog Violet (Viola canina), Keen of Hamar
God Save the Queen Jubilee Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound
God Save the Queen Jubilee Puffin at Bobby's Bus Stop, Baltasound
Stone Bramble (Rubus saxatilis), Keen of Hamar
Stone Bramble (Rubus saxatilis), Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis), Keen of Hamar
Moss Campion (Silene acaulis), Keen of Hamar
Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Keen of Hamar
Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Keen of Hamar
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The Viels is located at Grid Ref: HP6411 (Lat: 60.777191, Lng: -0.817849)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///grad.corded.shifts. Near Haroldswick, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.777191,-0.817849
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7783659/-0.8265644
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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