Hesti Geo cave

Early OS maps show this as a cave but later maps show a natural arch. Aerial photographs suggest the cave or arch is in a narrow slot midway along a narrow geo between high (40 ft) rocky cliffs with the possibility of a tunnel through the rock parallel to the main channel. A surface feature may possibly be a small gloup or roof collapse midway along the lower tunnel.

Reported location of arch or cave based on map records. No further information. Entrance unconfirmed. [Report 1145]

Links and Resources:

Shetland, Sheet LXIX (includes: Dunrossness), Survey date: 1878 Publication date: 1881 shows this as 'cave'. Current OS has 'Natural Arch' (often meaning a sea cave in the islands) and a tunnel outline - see below for scan.
Pastmap Aerial marked up to show the cave entrance location (GSG11) on the N side of Hesti Geo. The possible gloup location is also indicated.
Pastmap current OS, a high resolution layer. On the right, 'Natural Arch' and a tunnel outline running a bit N of parallel (NE) to Hesti Geo and ending in a wider part which is about where the possible gloup is.
Map 9 from p149 of FI Caves (GSG version), annexe to Report 1145. This cave GSG11, is fairly near the bottom right, in Hesti Geo.
Rpt 1145 Harries, D.B., Purcell, A., Moore, C.G., Lyndon A.R., Porter, J.S., Saunders, G.R. and Hume, C.L. 2024. Distribution mapping and baseline monitoring survey of sea caves around Fair Isle. NatureScot Research Report 1145.

This entry was last updated: 2026-01-01 18:08:07

Errors or omissions in this information? Submit corrections/additions/comments for this entry to the registrars.

NGR:	HZ 19775 70180
WGS84:	59.51712, -1.65232
Length:	28 m
Vert. Range:	13 m
Altitude:	0 m
Geology:	Ward Hill Sandstone Formation-dolomitic argillaceous rock
Tags:	Cave, Hole, SeaCave
Registry:	main

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