Graemston Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Graemston Loch

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.
Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay Credit: Jo and Steve Turner

Graemston Loch, located in Orkney, Scotland, is a stunning freshwater loch surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in a remote and tranquil area, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, Graemston Loch is a shallow body of water with depths ranging from 1 to 5 meters. The loch is renowned for its crystal-clear, unpolluted waters, which sustain a diverse ecosystem. The surrounding marshlands and reed beds provide a habitat for an array of plant and animal species.

The loch serves as an important breeding ground and stopover site for a variety of migratory and resident birds. Commonly spotted species include grebes, ducks, swans, and wading birds. Birdwatchers flock to the area to observe these magnificent creatures and their behaviors.

Graemston Loch is also home to a rich variety of aquatic vegetation, including water lilies, reeds, and rushes. These plants not only enhance the loch's aesthetic appeal but also provide a vital habitat for many aquatic organisms.

The loch is accessible to the public, with footpaths and observation points strategically placed to allow visitors to admire the wildlife without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. The serene setting and serene ambiance make Graemston Loch an ideal location for nature walks, picnics, and photography.

In summary, Graemston Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch in Orkney, Scotland, offering a haven for wildlife and a place of tranquility for visitors. Its pristine waters, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic surroundings make it an enchanting destination for nature enthusiasts.

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Graemston Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.745993/-2.9509685 or Grid Reference ND4584. 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.
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.
Brough Ness Southern tip of South Ronaldsay overlooking the Pentland Firth.
Brough Ness
Southern tip of South Ronaldsay overlooking the Pentland Firth.
View west from the Pentland Venture ferry Just before entering the port at Burwick
View west from the Pentland Venture ferry
Just before entering the port at Burwick
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.
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.
Pentland Venture ferry at Burwick
Pentland Venture ferry at Burwick
Loch of Lythe  Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
Loch of Lythe
Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right
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
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
Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier
Waiting for the ferry at Burwick Pier
St Mary's Church, Burwick A better view of the church than when we arrived earlier in the day <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7443070">ND4384 : St Mary's Church, Burwick</a>. 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.
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.
Breakwater at Burwick Ferry Port
Breakwater at Burwick Ferry Port
John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth
John o' Groats ferry arrives at Burwick
Summer sailings across the Pentland Firth
Tomb of the Eagles, South Ronaldsay
Tomb of the Eagles, South Ronaldsay
Sunset
Sunset
Cloudy
Cloudy
Coastguard lookout Brough Ness
Coastguard lookout Brough Ness
Sky on fire
Sky on fire
Bronze Age House at Liddel Farm
Bronze Age House at Liddel Farm
Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.
Approaching the harbour at Burwick, Orkney Islands
Taken from the John O'Groats ferry.
Show me another place!

Graemston Loch is located at Grid Ref: ND4584 (Lat: 58.745993, Lng: -2.9509685)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///prickly.crabmeat.stealthier. Near St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Cleat Graemston Loch

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.745993,-2.9509685
Post Box
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: KW17 56
Royal Cypher: scottish_crown
Lat/Long: 58.7482194/-2.9488322
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7454933/-2.9566124
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7446583/-2.9435152
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Lat/Long: 58.7448489/-2.9589915
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Lat/Long: 58.7448489/-2.9576558
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Lat/Long: 58.744867/-2.9563898
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Lat/Long: 58.7443507/-2.9561779
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7437885/-2.9559794
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Lat/Long: 58.7435324/-2.9547322
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Lat/Long: 58.7433375/-2.9537961
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Lat/Long: 58.7430759/-2.9525167
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Lat/Long: 58.7431956/-2.9512185
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7433236/-2.9499498
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7434377/-2.9487294
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Lat/Long: 58.7439095/-2.9464898
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Lat/Long: 58.7442588/-2.9455483
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Lat/Long: 58.744238/-2.944057
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Lat/Long: 58.743872/-2.9434267
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7480635/-2.95091
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Lat/Long: 58.7477796/-2.9517549
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7473357/-2.9529673
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Lat/Long: 58.7469753/-2.954075
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Lat/Long: 58.7466831/-2.9549253
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7463881/-2.9557568
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7460262/-2.9568082
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.7461598/-2.9582566
West Quoys
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.7480455/-2.9493079
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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