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Loch of Harray

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Loch of Harray

Pontooth, Loch of Harray, Orkney
Pontooth, Loch of Harray, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Loch of Harray is a freshwater lake located on the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is one of the largest lochs in Orkney, covering an area of about 8.4 square kilometers. The lake is situated in a picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling hills and heather-covered moorland.

The Loch of Harray is known for its rich biodiversity and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It supports a wide variety of aquatic plant species, including water lilies, reeds, and pondweeds, which provide important habitats for many aquatic organisms. The lake is also home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. Common sightings include herons, swans, ducks, and various wading birds.

Fishing is another popular activity on the Loch of Harray, with anglers attracted by the lake's abundant fish population. The lake is particularly renowned for its brown trout, which can reach impressive sizes. In addition to trout, the lake also supports populations of perch, pike, and roach.

Surrounding the Loch of Harray, there are several archaeological sites of interest, including the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient monuments provide a fascinating glimpse into Orkney's rich history and attract visitors from around the world.

Overall, Loch of Harray is a natural gem in the Orkney Islands, offering stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and fishing. Its historical and cultural significance further adds to its appeal for both locals and tourists alike.

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Loch of Harray Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.041629/-3.2385086 or Grid Reference HY2917. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pontooth, Loch of Harray, Orkney
Pontooth, Loch of Harray, Orkney
Extreme Kayaking At first it was difficult to tell what this yellow object was zooming across the fields near Loch Harray. On closer inspection it turned out to be a kayak on its side atop a car presumably looking for access to the Loch!
Extreme Kayaking
At first it was difficult to tell what this yellow object was zooming across the fields near Loch Harray. On closer inspection it turned out to be a kayak on its side atop a car presumably looking for access to the Loch!
Harray Harmony The curiously named little headland of Pontooth on the shores of Loch Harray. Idyllic summers day and obviously similar weather to that experienced by Claire the next day.
Harray Harmony
The curiously named little headland of Pontooth on the shores of Loch Harray. Idyllic summers day and obviously similar weather to that experienced by Claire the next day.
Loch Harray, Pontooth Typical Orcadian scenery, big dramatic sky, fertile farmland, water and bundles of abandoned barbed wire amongst a pile of rubble and stones in the foreground - the only thing missing is some archaeological remains - but then I could have been standing on some taking the photograph!
Loch Harray, Pontooth
Typical Orcadian scenery, big dramatic sky, fertile farmland, water and bundles of abandoned barbed wire amongst a pile of rubble and stones in the foreground - the only thing missing is some archaeological remains - but then I could have been standing on some taking the photograph!
Arctic Tern Summers day on the shore of Loch Harray and the Terns and Oystercatchers make their feelings about my presence clear indeed. Arctic Tern clearly showing the translucent flight feathers on the wings.
Arctic Tern
Summers day on the shore of Loch Harray and the Terns and Oystercatchers make their feelings about my presence clear indeed. Arctic Tern clearly showing the translucent flight feathers on the wings.
Road past Briarlea Minor road close to the shores of Loch of Harray in the area signposted as Russland.
Road past Briarlea
Minor road close to the shores of Loch of Harray in the area signposted as Russland.
Mixed farm stock, Russland Cattle are far more numerous on mainland Orkney than sheep, with beef herds outnumbering dairy.
Mixed farm stock, Russland
Cattle are far more numerous on mainland Orkney than sheep, with beef herds outnumbering dairy.
Sign for the Merkister Hotel I was interested to see that not much had changed 15 years later - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/56226">HY3019 : Room for the night?</a>
Sign for the Merkister Hotel
I was interested to see that not much had changed 15 years later - HY3019 : Room for the night?
The Merkister Hotel From the shore of the Loch of Harray.
The Merkister Hotel
From the shore of the Loch of Harray.
Loch of Harray This shallow loch is the largest loch on Orkney, and renowned for its trout fishing. In the distance are the hills on the Island of Hoy.
Loch of Harray
This shallow loch is the largest loch on Orkney, and renowned for its trout fishing. In the distance are the hills on the Island of Hoy.
Houses on Russland Road Modern houses dot the countryside east of the Loch of Harray. As well as being a locality in Orkney 'Russland' is the German name for Russia!
Houses on Russland Road
Modern houses dot the countryside east of the Loch of Harray. As well as being a locality in Orkney 'Russland' is the German name for Russia!
Boats at the Merkister Hotel Boats provided by the Merkister Hotel for its fishing guests on the Loch of Harray.
Boats at the Merkister Hotel
Boats provided by the Merkister Hotel for its fishing guests on the Loch of Harray.
Merkister Hotel A traditional and popular hotel catering for anglers on the Loch of Harray. It's also a good place for dinner.
Merkister Hotel
A traditional and popular hotel catering for anglers on the Loch of Harray. It's also a good place for dinner.
Loch of Harray The inlet south of the promontory where the Merkister Hotel stands. Across the road is a restored mill complete with mill wheel.
Loch of Harray
The inlet south of the promontory where the Merkister Hotel stands. Across the road is a restored mill complete with mill wheel.
The Merkister Hotel Just south of Dounby and close to the shores of Loch of Harray.
The Merkister Hotel
Just south of Dounby and close to the shores of Loch of Harray.
Loch of Harray Orkney's largest inland loch which must have brackish waters, being linked by a bridge to the Loch of Stenness which is part tidal.
Loch of Harray
Orkney's largest inland loch which must have brackish waters, being linked by a bridge to the Loch of Stenness which is part tidal.
To the shores of Loch of Harray A bay of the loch with the small peninsula of Kirk Quoy in the middle distance.
To the shores of Loch of Harray
A bay of the loch with the small peninsula of Kirk Quoy in the middle distance.
Harray Loch, and the Merkister Hotel Harray Loch is a famous brown trout fishery and the Merkister primarily a fishing hotel. Like Stenness Loch next door, Harray is shallow and has unexpected skerries to trap the unwary.
Harray Loch, and the Merkister Hotel
Harray Loch is a famous brown trout fishery and the Merkister primarily a fishing hotel. Like Stenness Loch next door, Harray is shallow and has unexpected skerries to trap the unwary.
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Loch of Harray is located at Grid Ref: HY2917 (Lat: 59.041629, Lng: -3.2385086)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///squeezed.windmill.tests. Near Harray, Orkney Islands

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Loch of Harray

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