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Loch of Scockness

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Loch of Scockness

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck Credit: Gordon Hatton

Loch of Scockness is a small freshwater loch located in the Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is situated near the village of Finstown and is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and lush green fields. The loch covers an area of approximately 8 hectares and has a maximum depth of around 8 meters.

The water of Loch of Scockness is predominantly clear and fresh, thanks to its remote location and minimal human interference. It is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant flow of water throughout the year. The loch is also home to a diverse range of aquatic vegetation, including water lilies, reeds, and various species of submerged plants.

The surrounding area of Loch of Scockness serves as an important habitat for various species of birds, including mute swans, mallards, and tufted ducks. These birds can often be seen gliding gracefully across the tranquil waters or nesting along the shores. The loch also supports a healthy population of fish, such as brown trout and pike, making it a popular spot for anglers.

With its serene beauty and abundant wildlife, Loch of Scockness offers a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors alike. Its idyllic setting provides the perfect opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy birdwatching, fishing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shores. Whether exploring the loch's rich biodiversity or admiring the stunning panoramic views, Loch of Scockness truly epitomizes the natural splendor of the Orkney Islands.

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Loch of Scockness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.179256/-2.9630122 or Grid Reference HY4532. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck
Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone
No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Farmstead for superheros? The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Farmstead for superheros?
The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Fields down to the shore A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Fields down to the shore
A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Cairn on Faraclett Head The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
Cairn on Faraclett Head
The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
North west side of Faraclett Head A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
North west side of Faraclett Head
A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
Coastline west of Faraclett Head The foreground here is within the grid square, but much of the cliffline beyond is in an adjoining square.
Coastline west of Faraclett Head
The foreground here is within the grid square, but much of the cliffline beyond is in an adjoining square.
Swandale, Rousay Looking right across the grid square from the Faraclett headland path towards the long abandoned farmstead of Swandale on the far side of a shallow valley.
Swandale, Rousay
Looking right across the grid square from the Faraclett headland path towards the long abandoned farmstead of Swandale on the far side of a shallow valley.
Two chambered cairns by the path Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
Two chambered cairns by the path
Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
The minor road near Hurtiso
The minor road near Hurtiso
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney Looking towards Eday.
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney
Looking towards Eday.
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold
Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Shoreline, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney The water on the left is Ham Bay and the high ground is Blotchnie Fiold to the left and Kierfea Hill to the right.
Shoreline, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
The water on the left is Ham Bay and the high ground is Blotchnie Fiold to the left and Kierfea Hill to the right.
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Loch of Scockness is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.179256, Lng: -2.9630122)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///repeating.dairies.projects. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Axnie Geo Little Peat Geo Gunnies Geo Tainga Sker Scrimpo Scock Ness

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.179256,-2.9630122
Turning Loop
Lat/Long: 59.1764467/-2.9604094
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Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 59.1783749/-2.9707205
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1755929/-2.9655415
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1754293/-2.9640743
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1752479/-2.9624167
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1750638/-2.9607162
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1765618/-2.9604962
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1764107/-2.9621995
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1762732/-2.9638839
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1761344/-2.9650989
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1759585/-2.9665419
OpenStreetMap
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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