Westayre Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Orkney

Scotland

Westayre Loch

Wreck of B-98, Bay of Lopness, Sanday Remains of a World War 1 German Torpedo Ship-Destroyer stranded at Bay of Lopness in 1920 when being towed to Rosyth to be broken up.
Wreck of B-98, Bay of Lopness, Sanday Credit: Alpin Stewart

Westayre Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located on the Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is situated near the village of Finstown and covers an area of approximately 15 hectares. The loch is fed by several small streams and is surrounded by gentle rolling hills and lush green vegetation.

The water in Westayre Loch is clear and tranquil, reflecting the surrounding landscape. It is home to a diverse range of aquatic flora and fauna, including various species of water lilies, reeds, and submerged plants. These provide a habitat for a multitude of invertebrates, fish, and waterfowl.

The loch serves as an important breeding ground for numerous bird species, including the tufted duck, teal, and greylag goose. It also attracts migratory birds during the spring and autumn seasons, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Westayre Loch is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for peaceful walks and birdwatching. The surrounding area is a mix of farmland and wetland habitats, creating a diverse and rich ecosystem. Visitors can observe a wide range of bird species, as well as other wildlife such as otters, voles, and frogs.

Overall, Westayre Loch is a beautiful and ecologically significant freshwater body in Orkney, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a tranquil retreat for visitors.

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Westayre Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.284711/-2.4815464 or Grid Reference HY7244. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wreck of B-98, Bay of Lopness, Sanday Remains of a World War 1 German Torpedo Ship-Destroyer stranded at Bay of Lopness in 1920 when being towed to Rosyth to be broken up.
Wreck of B-98, Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Remains of a World War 1 German Torpedo Ship-Destroyer stranded at Bay of Lopness in 1920 when being towed to Rosyth to be broken up.
Ruin at Newark, Sanday
Ruin at Newark, Sanday
Track at Sellibister, Sanday
Track at Sellibister, Sanday
B9069 by Bay of Lopness, Sanday
B9069 by Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Disused house and church at Rusness, Sanday
Disused house and church at Rusness, Sanday
Disused Sanday church There were three parishes on Sanday at one time. They are now combined, but this is one of the original churches.
Disused Sanday church
There were three parishes on Sanday at one time. They are now combined, but this is one of the original churches.
Bay of Lopness, Sanday Looking East across the shallow Bay of Lopness.
Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Looking East across the shallow Bay of Lopness.
Looking South West across the Bay of Lopness, Sanday Looking across the shallow Bay of Lopness with Long Taing of Newark in the distance.
Looking South West across the Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Looking across the shallow Bay of Lopness with Long Taing of Newark in the distance.
Looking East South East across the Bay of Lopness, Sanday Looking across the Bay of Lopness towards Lopness in the far distance.
Looking East South East across the Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Looking across the Bay of Lopness towards Lopness in the far distance.
Looking South to Long Taing of Newark, Sanday The shallow bays of Bay of Lopness and Bay of Newark meet at this rocky headland.
Looking South to Long Taing of Newark, Sanday
The shallow bays of Bay of Lopness and Bay of Newark meet at this rocky headland.
Shore detail, Bay of Lopness, Sanday Shell sand gives way to flat sandstone cobbles along the shoreline of the Bay of Lopness.
Shore detail, Bay of Lopness, Sanday
Shell sand gives way to flat sandstone cobbles along the shoreline of the Bay of Lopness.
Scarecrow near Millhouse, Sanday, Orkney Disused Parish Church in background. See <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1898799" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1898799">Link</a>
Scarecrow near Millhouse, Sanday, Orkney
Disused Parish Church in background. See Link
Coastline near Seater, Sanday, Orkney The seaweed is extensive here.  There are remains of kelp workings nearby.

I'm not sure what the pillars are, but I saw similar ones elsewhere on the island carrying sewage pipes into the sea.
Coastline near Seater, Sanday, Orkney
The seaweed is extensive here. There are remains of kelp workings nearby. I'm not sure what the pillars are, but I saw similar ones elsewhere on the island carrying sewage pipes into the sea.
Stone dyke and farm track near Sellibister, Sanday, Orkney The track is an extension of the minor road which ends at Cleat and can be followed to the B9069.
Stone dyke and farm track near Sellibister, Sanday, Orkney
The track is an extension of the minor road which ends at Cleat and can be followed to the B9069.
Mound near Sellibister, Sanday, Orkney The derelict farm at Seater can be seen on the far right horizon.

This is the site of a chapel, Peterkirk, which was built on a prehistoric site, possibly a broch (ref <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3626/details/sanday+peterkirk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/3626/details/sanday+peterkirk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ).
Mound near Sellibister, Sanday, Orkney
The derelict farm at Seater can be seen on the far right horizon. This is the site of a chapel, Peterkirk, which was built on a prehistoric site, possibly a broch (ref LinkExternal link ).
Tidal pool, Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney The Tofts Ness peninsula can just be seen on the far right horizon.

The pool has possibly been used as a fish trap in the past (ref <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/306735/details/sanday+taing+of+tor+sker/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/306735/details/sanday+taing+of+tor+sker/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ).
Tidal pool, Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney
The Tofts Ness peninsula can just be seen on the far right horizon. The pool has possibly been used as a fish trap in the past (ref LinkExternal link ).
Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney The dots in the sea in the middle of the photo are hauled out seals.
Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney
The dots in the sea in the middle of the photo are hauled out seals.
Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney Tofts farm on the Tofts Ness peninsula can just be seen on the horizon.
Taing of Tor Sker, Sanday, Orkney
Tofts farm on the Tofts Ness peninsula can just be seen on the horizon.
Show me another place!

Westayre Loch is located at Grid Ref: HY7244 (Lat: 59.284711, Lng: -2.4815464)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lots.clearcut.snuck. Near Kettletoft, Orkney Islands

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West Ayre Westayre Loch

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.284711,-2.4815464
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2805831/-2.4801099
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2810106/-2.4789639
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2814304/-2.4778932
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2818348/-2.4768075
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2822546/-2.4757218
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.2826205/-2.4747341
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.282971/-2.4736408
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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