Muckle Rip-heelor

NGR:	HZ 21261 70569
WGS84:	59.52054, -1.62603
Length:	35 m
Vert. Range:	32 m
Altitude:	-12 m
Geology:	Vaasetter Sandstone Formation - sandstone interbedded with conglomerate.
Tags:	Cave, SeaCave
Registry:	main

Entrance estimated ~10 m in width at waterline and ceiling at height ~22 m ACD. Passage narrows to estimated ~3 m width ~20 m within entrance and ceiling height reduced to ~14 m ACD. After a further ~10 m the passage width is reduced to a narrow (~1 m) fissure which was not entered due to wave surge. Cave floor at entrance was ~12 m BCD on left side and ~5 m BCD on right. Water depth remained several metres deep (floor not visible) throughout cave. Passage length estimated at ~35 m. Partially illuminated throughout. [NS Report 1145 - FI Caves (GSG version) p 134]

Links and Resources:

Not indicated as a cave on any OS map layer.
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 is site CI47 in the report. FI Caves (GSG version) is a supplement to this report.
Photo 1 shows this entrance in the middle. FI Caves (GSG version) p132
Photo 2 entrance from just outside it. FI Caves (GSG version) p133.
Sketch plan and description. I Caves (GSG version) p134.

This entry was last updated: 2026-02-02 10:30:01

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