Cairn Head

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Orkney

Scotland

Cairn Head

Cairn Head is a stunning coastal marsh and saltings located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the main island, this natural wonder spans an area of approximately 20 hectares.

The landscape of Cairn Head is characterized by its diverse and unique features. The marshland itself is a low-lying area that is often subject to tidal flooding, creating a dynamic ecosystem that supports a multitude of plant and animal species. The saltings, on the other hand, are areas of land that are periodically flooded by seawater, resulting in a blend of salt-tolerant vegetation and mudflats.

Visitors to Cairn Head will be awe-struck by the breathtaking beauty of the area. The marsh is adorned with a variety of vibrant wildflowers, including sea aster, thrift, and sea lavender, which paint the landscape with a burst of color. The saltings, on the other hand, boast a unique array of halophytic plants such as sea purslane and glasswort.

The abundance of wildlife in Cairn Head is equally remarkable. The marsh and saltings provide a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including redshanks, curlews, and oystercatchers. The area is also a haven for a variety of invertebrates, such as marsh fritillary butterflies and dragonflies.

Cairn Head offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of a coastal marsh and saltings ecosystem. It is a place where nature thrives, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of plant and animal life.

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Cairn Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.34627/-2.8682524 or Grid Reference HY5051. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

Swans on the Shore

Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

Zigzag Rocks

I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.

Anne Burgess

Bay of Burland

The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.

Anne Burgess

Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney

From Link

: "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."

Claire Pegrum

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

Mill Point, Papa Westray

There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.

Rob Burke

Chambered Cairn Remains

Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

Adam Ward

Holm of Papay

Isla17

View of the Holm of Papay, from the air

Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land

hayley green

Cliffs, Holm of Papay

A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top

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From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick

Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...

hayley green

Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn

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Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn

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Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray

Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into

hayley green