Berst Ness

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Berst Ness

Rocky foreshore This is near to Muckle Water, with a view of Skea Hill in the background.
Rocky foreshore Credit: Isla17

Berst Ness is a small settlement located on the Orkney Islands, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is located on the island of Mainland, which is the largest and most populous island in the Orkneys.

Berst Ness is known for its stunning coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. The settlement itself is comprised of a handful of houses and cottages, giving it a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the main attractions in Berst Ness is the Brough of Birsay, an uninhabited tidal island connected to the mainland by a causeway. This historic site is home to the remains of an ancient Norse settlement, including a well-preserved Viking-era church. Visitors can explore the island, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.

Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunities for wildlife spotting in Berst Ness. The coastal waters are teeming with various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Grey seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while occasional sightings of whales and dolphins add an element of excitement.

In summary, Berst Ness is a picturesque settlement on the Orkney Islands, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, historical interest, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins or simply enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, this idyllic location has something to offer everyone.

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Berst Ness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.259437/-2.982041 or Grid Reference HY4441. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocky foreshore This is near to Muckle Water, with a view of Skea Hill in the background.
Rocky foreshore
This is near to Muckle Water, with a view of Skea Hill in the background.
Tuquoy: Cross Kirk A small ruined chapel by the water's edge, currently undergoing renovation work.
Tuquoy: Cross Kirk
A small ruined chapel by the water's edge, currently undergoing renovation work.
Tuquoy: Cross Kirk churchyard Looking across the graveyard at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2630796">HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk</a>, a view cunningly avoiding the most conspicuous of the renovation work, although a couple of scaffold poles are visible.
Tuquoy: Cross Kirk churchyard
Looking across the graveyard at HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk, a view cunningly avoiding the most conspicuous of the renovation work, although a couple of scaffold poles are visible.
Tuquoy: looking through the church arch A view through the arch of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2630796">HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk</a>, with the renovation work currently underway behind us. The tops of the gravestones can be seen over the east wall of the church, with the Rapness part of Westray across the other side of the Bay of Tuquoy.
Tuquoy: looking through the church arch
A view through the arch of HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk, with the renovation work currently underway behind us. The tops of the gravestones can be seen over the east wall of the church, with the Rapness part of Westray across the other side of the Bay of Tuquoy.
Tuquoy: sea view from the church Looking towards the distant island of Rousay from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2630796">HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk</a>.
Tuquoy: sea view from the church
Looking towards the distant island of Rousay from HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk.
Tuquoy: Kirk Taing Looking across the broad, shallow ledge of rocks to the south of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2630796">HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk</a>, on whose churchyard wall we are stood. The wall directly separates the church grounds from the shoreline. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Tuquoy: Kirk Taing
Looking across the broad, shallow ledge of rocks to the south of HY4543 : Tuquoy: Cross Kirk, on whose churchyard wall we are stood. The wall directly separates the church grounds from the shoreline. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Skea Skerries, Westray Firth Grey Atlantic seals, Shags and Great black-backed gulls on Skea Skerries.
Skea Skerries, Westray Firth
Grey Atlantic seals, Shags and Great black-backed gulls on Skea Skerries.
West side of Bakie Skerry, Berst Ness, Westray Bedrock slabs of sandstone form Bakie Skerry on Berst Ness, Westray.
West side of Bakie Skerry, Berst Ness, Westray
Bedrock slabs of sandstone form Bakie Skerry on Berst Ness, Westray.
Cross-kirk, Tuquoy, Westside, Westray The ruins of a medieval church on Westray. This photo is from the west side of the church.
Cross-kirk, Tuquoy, Westside, Westray
The ruins of a medieval church on Westray. This photo is from the west side of the church.
Cross-kirk at Tuquoy Atmospheric site for the ruin, in its graveyard right at the edge of the shore.
Cross-kirk at Tuquoy
Atmospheric site for the ruin, in its graveyard right at the edge of the shore.
Knowe o Skea, near Langskaill View over farmland at Langskaill towards Knowe o Skea (the 'bump' with green tent on it).  Island of Rousay in background to right.
Knowe o Skea, near Langskaill
View over farmland at Langskaill towards Knowe o Skea (the 'bump' with green tent on it). Island of Rousay in background to right.
Sandy Links of Gairy, Westside, Westray Like all sandy areas in Westray, this is over-run with rabbits.  Is used occasionally for Motocross races.
Sandy Links of Gairy, Westside, Westray
Like all sandy areas in Westray, this is over-run with rabbits. Is used occasionally for Motocross races.
Arable farmland, Powdykes, Westside, Westray Farmland of Powdykes in foreground - being cut for winter silage.  Cottages of Netherhouse on horizon.
Arable farmland, Powdykes, Westside, Westray
Farmland of Powdykes in foreground - being cut for winter silage. Cottages of Netherhouse on horizon.
Overgrown burn (stream) near Netherhouse, Westray This burn, or stream, carries on to the sea.  To the right of centre, you can just make out a little bump against the sea which is the remains of the Broch o Burristae.
Overgrown burn (stream) near Netherhouse, Westray
This burn, or stream, carries on to the sea. To the right of centre, you can just make out a little bump against the sea which is the remains of the Broch o Burristae.
Old Manse, Westside, Westray The Old Manse has recently been extensively renovated.  The farm steading to the right is now also being converted into a dwelling house.
Old Manse, Westside, Westray
The Old Manse has recently been extensively renovated. The farm steading to the right is now also being converted into a dwelling house.
Mae Sands, Westside, Westray
Mae Sands, Westside, Westray
Bakie Skerry, off Knowe of Skea
Bakie Skerry, off Knowe of Skea
Westray Firth Taken from Knowe of Skea, Westside, Westray.  Island of Rousay in background.
Westray Firth
Taken from Knowe of Skea, Westside, Westray. Island of Rousay in background.
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Berst Ness is located at Grid Ref: HY4441 (Lat: 59.259437, Lng: -2.982041)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///committee.pets.recording. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.259437,-2.982041
Knowe of Skea
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 59.2591277/-2.9814346
Cairns
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 59.2605494/-2.9827767
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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