Choldertoo

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Orkney

Scotland

Choldertoo

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney Credit: John Ferguson

Choldertoo is a prominent headland located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated on the mainland of Orkney, Choldertoo is characterized by its rugged cliffs, rocky shoreline, and panoramic views of the North Sea.

The headland is formed by the erosion of the surrounding coastline over millions of years, resulting in its distinctive shape and dramatic steep cliffs. These cliffs, which reach heights of up to 100 meters, are composed of layers of sandstone and shale, providing a glimpse into the geological history of the area.

Choldertoo offers a diverse range of wildlife, with seabird colonies nesting on its cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The headland is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with various migratory species passing through during different seasons.

In addition to its natural beauty, Choldertoo has historical significance. The headland is home to an Iron Age broch, an ancient stone tower-like structure, which provides insights into the lives of the inhabitants of Orkney thousands of years ago.

Visitors to Choldertoo can enjoy scenic coastal walks along the cliff tops, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands. The headland is also a popular spot for photographers, offering opportunities to capture the dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Overall, Choldertoo is a captivating coastal feature, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Choldertoo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.103255/-3.3574136 or Grid Reference HY2224. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Mar Wick bay, Orkney
Kitchener Memorial, Orkney
Kitchener Memorial, Orkney
Cliffs at Marwick Head The cliffs here are a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, being used for nesting by birds of many species. The tower is the Kitchener Monument.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
The cliffs here are a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, being used for nesting by birds of many species. The tower is the Kitchener Monument.
Path to Marwick Head The path leads from the car park at Mid Comloquoy to the cliff edge north of Marwick Head.
Path to Marwick Head
The path leads from the car park at Mid Comloquoy to the cliff edge north of Marwick Head.
Rabbit There's no shortage of rabbits here, and plenty of evidence of burrows on the cliff tops.
Rabbit
There's no shortage of rabbits here, and plenty of evidence of burrows on the cliff tops.
Cattle at Comloquoy A herd apparently of mixed breeds of cattle.
Cattle at Comloquoy
A herd apparently of mixed breeds of cattle.
Cliffs at Marwick Head The cliffs here are getting on for 100 metres in height.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
The cliffs here are getting on for 100 metres in height.
Kitchener Memorial The memorial is a prominent feature on Marwick Head.
Kitchener Memorial
The memorial is a prominent feature on Marwick Head.
Bird Monitoring Camera The camera is aimed at the nesting seabirds on the cliffs at Marwick Head. Notice how it is weighed down with stones against westerly gales.
Bird Monitoring Camera
The camera is aimed at the nesting seabirds on the cliffs at Marwick Head. Notice how it is weighed down with stones against westerly gales.
Plaque on Kitchener Memorial The plaque on <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7585917">HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial</a> is self-explanatory.
Plaque on Kitchener Memorial
The plaque on HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial is self-explanatory.
Memorial Wall The <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7585917">HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial</a> on Marwick Head originally mentioned only Field Marshal Earl Kitchener by name. This wall, erected only as recently as 2016, finally commemorates 737 other officers and men lost when HMS 'Hampshire' was sunk by a mine on 5 June 1916. Only twelve men survived.
Memorial Wall
The HY2225 : Kitchener Memorial on Marwick Head originally mentioned only Field Marshal Earl Kitchener by name. This wall, erected only as recently as 2016, finally commemorates 737 other officers and men lost when HMS 'Hampshire' was sunk by a mine on 5 June 1916. Only twelve men survived.
Photographer and Rabbit The photographer was hoping for photographs of birds, but was, for the moment, targeting a rabbit. We managed to avoid spooking it and I hope he got a good image.
Photographer and Rabbit
The photographer was hoping for photographs of birds, but was, for the moment, targeting a rabbit. We managed to avoid spooking it and I hope he got a good image.
Boundary Marker I assume that the stone is a boundary marker between two properties. In the distance are the cliffs around Yesnaby and, further away, the hills on the island of Hoy.
Boundary Marker
I assume that the stone is a boundary marker between two properties. In the distance are the cliffs around Yesnaby and, further away, the hills on the island of Hoy.
Cliffs at Marwick Head A long line of cliffs makes up Marwick Head, on top of which stands the Kitchener Monument.
Cliffs at Marwick Head
A long line of cliffs makes up Marwick Head, on top of which stands the Kitchener Monument.
Standing Stone by the Path The path starts to descend here from Marwick head to sea level, and the stone is one of several that stand beside it. I don't think they are ancient.
Standing Stone by the Path
The path starts to descend here from Marwick head to sea level, and the stone is one of several that stand beside it. I don't think they are ancient.
Standing Stones I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Standing Stones
I don't think these stones are ancient monuments. They are beside the path down from Marwick Head to the beach.
Storm Beach The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Storm Beach
The rock strata on the cliff top have been progressively stripped away by winter storms.
Dipping Strata On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Dipping Strata
On the south side of Marwick Head, with a view south to Yesnaby and the island of Hoy.
Show me another place!

Choldertoo is located at Grid Ref: HY2224 (Lat: 59.103255, Lng: -3.3574136)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///pills.credible.replaying. Near Birsay, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.103255,-3.3574136
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 59.1050885/-3.3551728
H.M.S. Hampshire Memorial Wall
Historic: memorial
Memorial: war_memorial
Lat/Long: 59.1063689/-3.3521545
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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