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Halcro Head (Gloup of)

South Ronaldsay, Halcro Head, Orkney.

A 85 m long subterranean passage runs from the massive sinkhole (called the Gloup) [ND 47267 85614], a 45 m deep shaft dropping to sea level north by east to the sea [ND 47284 85684]. Recorded on the OS map of 1879 as a cave and cavern connected by a subterranean passage.

The impressive cliffs continue towards Halcro Head with amazing rock arches, caves and a tunnel leading into a gloup where a shaft of light penetrates the back of the tunnel via a collapsed roof 100 m inland. [The Northern Isles]

A massive fenced Gloup - a collapsed sea cave. Viewing platforms enable you to peer into its depths. [Walkhighlands]

A stout barbed wire fence prevented me from getting too close a look at it, but, to be honest, there are better examples in Orkney. [Richardh1905, Walking Forum]

Between the Gloup and the cliff edge, an earthen bank, aligned at 900 to the coast, extends inland for c. 30 m. It is grass-covered, measures 1.5 m wide and stands up to 0.5 m high. [Canmore]

Alternative Names: Gloup of Halcro Head

Notes: So far, no reference has been found for anyone passing through the sea cave.

Some OS map layers mark this as 'Cavern'. Perhaps there is a wider chamber at sea level, below the gloup. It is also possible that the sea level tunnel extends southward beyond the vertical tunnel.

Reference is made to the Gloup in an old Scots Ballad, The Fine Field of Flax.

Mention is also made of locals disposing of worn out horses in the gloup. [Bernie Bell]

Hydrographic Feeds: Pentland Firth

Hydrographic Resurgences: Pentland Firth