Bakkahorda

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Shetland

Scotland

Bakkahorda

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

Bakkahorda is a prominent headland located on the eastern coast of the Shetland Islands, situated in the northern part of Scotland. This coastal feature is known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged cliffs, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The headland is characterized by its rocky terrain, which is predominantly composed of sandstone and shale. The cliffs at Bakkahorda rise up to impressive heights, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape. These cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The name "Bakkahorda" is derived from Old Norse and translates to "the high headland." This name aptly describes the towering cliffs that dominate the area. The headland is also known for its picturesque beaches, with stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. These beaches provide an ideal spot for visitors to relax, sunbathe, or even engage in water activities such as swimming or kayaking.

Bakkahorda is easily accessible by road, with a well-maintained coastal path that leads to the headland. The rugged beauty of this coastal feature, combined with its rich biodiversity and stunning vistas, makes Bakkahorda a must-visit destination for those exploring the Shetland Islands.

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Bakkahorda Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.752732/-0.8156847 or Grid Reference HP6408. 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
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound A very rare visitor from North America, this is, nevertheless, the second seen on Unst, after one in 1987.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Ordaal, Baltasound
A very rare visitor from North America, this is, nevertheless, the second seen on Unst, after one in 1987.
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
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
First-summer male King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), Baltasound
Normally a resident of the High Arctic, birds are seen almost annually in Shetland, but infrequently in midsummer. This bird has been in Shetland since at least March.
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
MV Island Sky at anchor off Baltasound
Curlew (Numenius arquata), Baltasound
Curlew (Numenius arquata), Baltasound
Tall ship anchored near Balta Haar is obscuring most of the island.
Tall ship anchored near Balta
Haar is obscuring most of the island.
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
Baltasound voe on a calm day
Baltasound voe on a calm day
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Bakkahorda is located at Grid Ref: HP6408 (Lat: 60.752732, Lng: -0.8156847)

Unitary Authority: Shetland Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///relies.interview.wound. Near Baltasound, Shetland Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 60.752732,-0.8156847
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 60.7520237/-0.8239383
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 60.7517885/-0.8235858
Swarta Skerry
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 60.7491608/-0.8127433
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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