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Stroma (Gloup of) [W]

Stroma, Orkney.

NGR:ND 34903 78263
WGS84:58.68723, -3.12461
Length:165 m
Vert. Range:40 m
Altitude:0 m
Geology:Not recorded
Tags:none
Registry:second

Western or seaward entrance to the natural arch between the coast and the Gloup.

A partially collapsed sea cave called The Gloup is located in the northwest of the island. This feature is a deep rocky pit, filled with sea water.[1] It is located at the junction of the two fault lines and is connected to the sea by a subterranean passage 165 yd (151 m) long, created by erosion along the east-northeast fault.[8] The passage is said to have been used for smuggling; the islanders reportedly concealed illegal distilling from HM Customs and Excise by hiding the stills and alcohol in a cave within The Gloup, called "the Malt Barn", which was only accessible at low tide. [Wikipedia]

The slot in the cliffs appears to be about 10 m wide and 40 m high running straight through the cliffs to the Gloup.

In 2011, a group of English tourists were rescued from Stroma after getting into trouble in the Gloup. Along with the two crew of the rigid-hulled inflatable tour boat, they clambered out on to the top of the cave from where they were rescued by lifeboat. Due to mechanical difficulties their boat lost reverse gear and the boat was swept against the rocks. Three of the inflatable panels burst and the bow dropped. The passengers, one by one, duly jumped on to a rock ledge and made their way along the edge of a cliff to a shelf of rock on top of the cave. The alert was sounded by the crew, with an RAF helicopter from Shetland scrambled, along with Thurso lifeboat. [John O Groats Journal]

Alternate Names: Malt Barn (The)

Notes: ND 34903 78263 to ND 35040 78310

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This entry was last updated: 2020-10-27 17:21:40

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