Bay of Firth

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Firth

A965 approaching Finstown, Orkney — A965 approaching Finstown, Orkney Credit: Alpin Stewart

The Bay of Firth is a picturesque coastal area located in the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in Scotland. Situated on the eastern side of the Orkney Mainland, the bay is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the North Sea.

The bay is characterized by its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and rolling green hills. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities such as walking, birdwatching, and photography. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of bird species, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The Bay of Firth is also steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity. The nearby village of Finstown is home to the Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age settlement that provides insights into ancient life in Orkney. Additionally, the bay is situated close to the historic town of Kirkwall, which boasts its own attractions, including the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral and the Orkney Museum.

The bay is easily accessible by road, with car parking facilities available for visitors. It offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and tranquility. Whether exploring the area's natural beauty, immersing oneself in history, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, the Bay of Firth is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Orkney Islands.

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Bay of Firth Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.008942/-3.0901201 or Grid Reference HY3714. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A965 approaching Finstown, Orkney

A965 approaching Finstown, Orkney

A965 at Finstown, Orkney

A965 at Finstown, Orkney

A966 leaving Finstown, Orkney

A966 leaving Finstown, Orkney

The drain into The Ouse

The drain into The Ouse

The tidal flats of The Ouse

The tidal flats of The Ouse

The Pomona Inn in Finstown

The Pomona Inn in Finstown

Houses in Finstown

Houses in Finstown

Looking down to The Ouse

Looking down to The Ouse

The shoreline at Finstown

The shoreline at Finstown

Looking towards Thickbigging The rock slabs are natural to the site, but re-arranged to provide a sea defence.

Looking towards Thickbigging

The rock slabs are natural to the site, but re-arranged to provide a sea defence.

Buildings at Horraldshay In varying states of repair - some roofs are missing.

Buildings at Horraldshay

In varying states of repair - some roofs are missing.

The lane to Horraldshay Looking out to the Bay of Firth, with the island Holm of Grimbister in the middle.

The lane to Horraldshay

Looking out to the Bay of Firth, with the island Holm of Grimbister in the middle.

Looking north from Cuween chambered cairn

Looking north from Cuween chambered cairn

It's not a bird box! Remarkably, the curators of Cuween chambered cairn provide a torch for the use of visitors to explore the inside of the cairn. This is the box that it is kept in. The notice reminds users to switch the torch off when replacing it!
Vandalism is not a problem here.

It's not a bird box!

Remarkably, the curators of Cuween chambered cairn provide a torch for the use of visitors to explore the inside of the cairn. This is the box that it is kept in. The notice reminds users to switch the torch off when replacing it! Vandalism is not a problem here.

Looking east from Cuween chambered cairn Towards Wideford Hill.

Looking east from Cuween chambered cairn

Towards Wideford Hill.

A house below the minor road Too new to be named on the map, perhaps.

A house below the minor road

Too new to be named on the map, perhaps.

Looking towards Holland farm

Looking towards Holland farm

The entrance to Cursiter Quarry There&#039;s a map name anomaly here - the local area, the farm and the old ruin are called Cursiter, not Cursister as the quarry is. A mistake? Or deliberate? A number of other photos in the square label the quarry as &#039;Cursiter Quarry&#039;, though this is not what it is called on the map. I googled the quarry and found that Orkney Council, who have a depot there, call it Cursiter Quarry. So I assume that is correct!

The entrance to Cursiter Quarry

There's a map name anomaly here - the local area, the farm and the old ruin are called Cursiter, not Cursister as the quarry is. A mistake? Or deliberate? A number of other photos in the square label the quarry as 'Cursiter Quarry', though this is not what it is called on the map. I googled the quarry and found that Orkney Council, who have a depot there, call it Cursiter Quarry. So I assume that is correct!

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Bay of Firth is located at Grid Ref: HY3714 (Lat: 59.008942, Lng: -3.0901201)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///lucky.important.version. Near Finstown, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Skerries of Coubister Bay of Firth

Related Wikis

Holm of Grimbister

Holm of Grimbister

Holm of Grimbister is an inhabited tidal islet in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland. Located in the Bay of Firth near Finstown it is connected to Mainland...

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Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn (grid reference HY364127) is a Neolithic chambered cairn on Mainland, the main island of Orkney, Scotland, about 6 miles west...

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