Loch of Lythe

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Loch of Lythe

Loch of Lythe is a freshwater loch located on the island of Orkney in Scotland. Situated in the parish of Birsay, it is nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of this remote archipelago. The Loch is roughly rectangular in shape, with a length of approximately 1.5 kilometers and a width of about 500 meters.

Surrounded by gently rolling hills and lush green vegetation, Loch of Lythe is a renowned site for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The area is abundant in diverse flora and fauna, providing a thriving ecosystem for numerous species. The loch is particularly known for its resident populations of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and geese. These birds can often be seen gracefully gliding across the calm waters or nesting on the small islands that dot the Loch.

The surrounding landscape of Loch of Lythe is characterized by a mix of grassy meadows, reed beds, and shrubbery, creating a rich and varied habitat. The loch itself is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 2 meters, and its waters are clear and pristine.

Visitors to Loch of Lythe can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area by engaging in activities such as fishing, boating, or simply strolling along its shores. The loch is easily accessible, with a nearby car park and designated walking paths leading to various viewpoints. Its idyllic setting and diverse wildlife make Loch of Lythe a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Orkney.

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Loch of Lythe Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.756659/-2.961233 or Grid Reference ND4485. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay

Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.

Jo and Steve Turner

St Mary's Church, Burwick

Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

Farmland, Mossetter

Eirian Evans

Loch of Lythe

Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right

Eirian Evans

Tomison's Academy

Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction

Eirian Evans

Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier

Eirian Evans

St Mary's Church, Burwick

A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick. Old St Mary’s is in the very south of the south parish at Burwick. It is on the site where the first Christian missionaries reputedly arrived in Orkney. The church is thought to have last been used for regular worship around 1959, then used for occasional services until around 1995. It is on the Churches at Risk register, especially since it was struck by lightning in 2013.

Eirian Evans

John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick

Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth

Alan Reid

Road to somewhere

Beda Itin

Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay

Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.

Rob Farrow