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Cantick Head is a headland at the tip of the Walls peninsula on the Orkney island of Hoy, grid reference ND3489. Surrounded by the sea, Cantick Head is flanked by the gentle waters of Kirk Hope to the north west, the notorious Pentland Firth to the south and overlooks both Cantick Sound and the southern entrance to Scapa Flow.
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Several currents
and tides meet at the Ruff of Cantick, waves and surf try to reach the cliffs
and often crash against each other like mighty white stallions racing for the
shore. Even the roughest of seas will have little pools of calm drifting amidst
the more turbulent currents, giving the appearance that someone has attempted to
pour "oil on troubled waters". |
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Numerous birds and marine
life enjoy Cantick Head, wild flowers grow at random and where they please.
Dolphins, Porpoises and Seals are often seen in the area, Orcas have been sighted several times
since June 2003. 2005 sightings include Minke July 24th, Orca July 11th &
Pilot whales June 22nd. 2006/7 sightings include Minke, Orca & Pilot whales along with 'new' visitors Basking Sharks and Dolphins.
Birsi Geo is a popular birthing ground for Common & Grey Seals from September to December and 'families' can often be seen on Kirk Hope. Resident sea birds include Cormorants, Curlews, Great Skuas, Guillemots, many members of the Gull family, Oystercatchers and Shags. Arctic Skuas, Terns, Barnacle Geese, Ganets, Eider ducks and Puffins are more seasonal visitors.
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The viewpoint outside the Lighthouse attracts locals and visitors
alike, the sea and landscape views are reputed to be the best in Orkney.
The ever changing sea is permanently framed by landscapes from the Hoy hills in
the west to mainland Orkney, the islands of Flotta, Switha, South Ronaldsay,
Swona, Stroma and south to the unmistakeable outline of Duncansby Head and
Scotland's northerly coastline. All around are cliffs and granite rocks
interspersed with sandy areas, "balconies" and "seats" have
been carved out of the granite by years of sea and wind erosion; it is very easy
to lose oneself gazing out to sea or watching birds glide silently by...
The old farmhouse, Cantick House, lies derelict below the Lighthouse which is now the only habitable property on the headland providing an ideal opportunity to confront Nature's raw yet rugged beauty in a peaceful environment. Perhaps your dream is to really get away from it all ... whether beachcombing for shells and driftwood or just gazing at the sea you will rarely be disturbed.
By night Cantick Head offers beautiful sunsets and starry skies
illuminated by pure white moonlight... |
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Cantick to the Candle of Snelsetter
Old Man of Hoy
Rackwick Bay
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