Bay of Hinderayre

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Hinderayre

Seal Skerry A small lighthouse on the Seal Skerry - but no seals! — Seal Skerry Credit: Graeme Smith

The Bay of Hinderayre, located in the Orkney Islands, is a picturesque coastal area that stretches along the northeastern coast of Mainland Orkney. With its stunning views of the North Sea and its unique geographical features, the bay attracts visitors from around the world.

The bay is characterized by its vast sandy beaches, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The coastline is also dotted with rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, adding to its natural beauty. The bay is known for its rich marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

The surrounding area of the bay is mainly rural and agricultural, with scattered farms and small villages. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and green pastures, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.

One of the main attractions near the Bay of Hinderayre is the Brough of Birsay, a small tidal island that can be accessed by a causeway during low tide. This historic site is home to the remains of a Norse settlement and a medieval church, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

The Bay of Hinderayre is easily accessible by road and is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney. Its natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and historical sites make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Bay of Hinderayre Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.059109/-3.0035856 or Grid Reference HY4219. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Seal Skerry

A small lighthouse on the Seal Skerry - but no seals!

Graeme Smith

Holm of Rendall

The eastern edge of the Holm of Rendall

Graeme Smith

Rendall Doocot, Hall of Rendall, Mainland

This dovecot is the only such one on Orkney, although dovecots are relatively common at medieval or early modern sites, as a way of keeping a supply of protein on site. The ridged sides apparently are to make it difficult for rats to scale the dovecot.

Christopher Hilton

Rendall doocot

Peter Turner

Rendall doocot

17th Century beehive-type dovecote, 10 ft in diameter at the top, 18 ft high.

David Hawgood

Breck of Rendall farm

With Gairsay insland in the distance.

James Allan

Doocot at Hall of Rendall

James Allan

Coastal fields

With Gairsay island in the distance.

James Allan

Rendall Doocot

Historic Scotland B Listed. (Ident-345600). HY 42262 20731. 17th Century. Beehive dovecote with its four external string-courses is unique in the Northern Isles. The nests for the pigeons are simply irregular gaps left in the rough masonry of the internal wallface.

Andrew Riley

Rendall Doocot Interior

Historic Scotland B Listed. (Ident-345600). 17th Century.

Andrew Riley

Down the straight

Straight road dropping downhill past Breck Farm.

Gordon Hatton

Rendall doocot

Listed building and one of 11 doocots listed on the Orkney Islands. This one has a low door which can be opened, but the amount of guano just inside is sufficient to put one off a thorough inspection.

Gordon Hatton

Seaward view at Rendall

Looking out to sea with the small island of Gairsay in the distance.

Gordon Hatton

View towards Gairsay

Just at the point where the land drops down to the shore, the top of an old WW2 concrete defensive position can be seen. The island in the background is Gairsay.

Gordon Hatton