A quick guide to lovely beaches in Orkney
Orkney has a huge variety of beaches, ranging from those exposed to Atlantic and North Sea storms to more tranquil sheltered bays.
The North Isles of Westray, Sanday and Stronsay are famous for their extensive sands, often backed by large areas of dunes. Smaller islands such as North Ronaldsay and Papay also excel.
All are at their most colourful in summer, when the seaside wild flowers come into bloom in turn. They are also frequented by breeding seabirds, waterfowl, waders and nearby landbirds. Seals and Otters may be present and cetaceans offshore.
Dynamic beaches vary greatly from year to year depending on winter storms. On the Mainland these include the Brough of Birsay, Bay of Skaill and Warebeth.
Two favourite examples in the Isles are Grobust in Westray and Rackwick in Hoy. All are popular with visiting families and locals. The variable amounts of sand, shingle and exposed rocks make them especially interesting at low tide.
Those in search of sheltered, more tranquil beaches are spoilt for choice no matter what the wind direction. These include Evie Sands, Waulkmill Bay, Inganess Bay and Halley on the Mainland.
Over the Barriers there are beautiful beaches at the third and fourth Barriers, built up since the 1940s. South Ronaldsay also has several others such as Honeysgeo and Windwick.
The North Isles of Westray, Sanday and Stronsay are famous for their extensive sands, often backed by large areas of dunes. Smaller islands such as North Ronaldsay and Papay also excel.
Throughout Orkney there are numerous “secret” coves to visit, sheltered by cliffs and rocks but with sand and shingle. You never need to look far!
Most beaches are best towards low tide, so it is worth checking tide times. This is especially the case towards Full Moon, when most sand may be covered.
As for my favourite Orkney beach, it is hard not to mention Grobust in Westray and Doun Helzie in Sanday, but often enough the ever popular Scapa near Kirkwall is also good.
There is something for everyone and every type of weather. We even sometimes get a storm in midsummer.
By Charles TaitCharles Tait is an Orcadian photographer and author. His Orkney Guide Book, Shetland Guide Book and North Coast 500 Guide Book are essential purchases for those visiting the Northern Isles and North of Scotland. Find out more at www.charles-tait.co.uk
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