Hackness

Settlement in Orkney

Scotland

Hackness

Cantick Head Lighthouse from the Orkney Ferry Passing the lighthouse at Cantick Head. Now like all of them around our coast it is fully automated. — Cantick Head Lighthouse from the Orkney Ferry Credit: Malcolm Neal

Hackness is a small settlement located in the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. It is situated on the main island of Orkney, known as Mainland, specifically in the parish of Holm. Hackness is located approximately 6 miles northeast of the largest town in Orkney, Kirkwall.

The main feature of Hackness is the Hackness Martello Tower, which was built in the early 19th century as a coastal defense against potential Napoleonic invasions. The tower is a cylindrical structure made of stone, standing at a height of 30 feet and boasting a commanding view over the surrounding coastline.

The surrounding area of Hackness is characterized by its rugged natural beauty, with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches. The landscape is dotted with several archaeological sites, including the remains of Iron Age settlements and burial mounds, showcasing the rich history of the area.

Despite its small size, Hackness offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for those seeking a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The community in Hackness is tight-knit, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. While there are no major amenities in the immediate vicinity, the town of Kirkwall is easily accessible and provides a range of services including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Overall, Hackness provides a glimpse into the natural beauty and historical significance of Orkney, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those in search of tranquility.

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Hackness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.80145/-3.1457709 or Grid Reference ND3391. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cantick Head Lighthouse from the Orkney Ferry

Passing the lighthouse at Cantick Head. Now like all of them around our coast it is fully automated.

Malcolm Neal

South Walls (Hoy) - Moodie family Mausoleum at Osmondwall

Colin Park

South Walls (Hoy) - Cantick Head lighthouse in fog

Unfortunately a day when the fog was reluctant to lift.

Colin Park

Cantic Head lighthouse

Seen from a distance of around 4.5km from the deck of the Alfred en route for Gills Bay.

Gordon Hatton

Cantick Head lighthouse, South Walls, from the sea

Taken from about ND 3083

Mike Pennington

Cantick Head lighthouse

Marks the south east corner of South Walls

Alan Reid

South Walls: postbox № KW17 48

A Victorian postbox set into a marvellous stone wall of a house towards the east of the island. It is emptied at 7:45 six days a week, like most of the boxes on the island. Although Hoy and South Walls are postally within KW16 (Stromness), all the postboxes on the two islands are numbered KW17, presumably in error.

Chris Downer

South Walls: view towards Switha from Cantick Head

A view across the water from by the lighthouse. Switha is the island to right of centre.

Chris Downer

South Walls: Cantick Head lighthouse

Looking over the wall of the premises towards the tower. The lighthouse is now private and used as self-catering accommodation.

Chris Downer

South Walls: the road approaches Cantick Head

Looking back from the lighthouse down the road which hugs the northern and then eastern edge of the peninsula, seen here on its very last stretch. The beacon at Ruff of Cantick can be seen to the right.

Chris Downer

South Walls: Cantick Head lighthouse from the north

Looking across the eastern extremity of the peninsula towards the lighthouse, which is now self-catering accommodation.

Chris Downer

South Walls: beacon at Ruff of Cantick

A navigational aid at the eastern tip of South Walls. The island whose whole witdth is seen in the background is Switha.

Chris Downer

South Walls: across Kirk Hope from Cantick Head

Looking oust across the water from the northern edge of Cantick Head. The prominent wind turbine is on the island of Flotta.

Chris Downer

South Walls: burial ground near Cantick Head

Looking across the head of Kirk Hope towards a burial ground and its small chapel.

Chris Downer

Entrance to Scapa Flow, from Cantick Head

Straight ahead, the island of Switha, and beyond it South Ronaldsay. The Pentland Firth, into which Scapa Flow merges at this point, has a notorious tide-race even on a still day and in bad weather is extremely dangerous; standing on Cantick Head one can watch the water churning and "boiling", as can be seen here.

Christopher Hilton