Russness Bay

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Russness Bay

View of Gairsay, from the ferry terminal at Tingwall
View of Gairsay, from the ferry terminal at Tingwall Credit: Christopher Hilton

Russness Bay is a picturesque bay located on the western coastline of Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is nestled between the settlements of Evie and Birsay, offering stunning views of the North Sea. The bay is known for its rugged beauty, with its rocky shores, cliffs, and sandy beaches that stretch along its coastline.

The bay is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its diverse wildlife and natural features. It provides a habitat for a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. The surrounding waters are also home to seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales, further adding to the bay's natural allure.

Russness Bay offers visitors a range of activities to enjoy. The sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and sunbathing during the summer months. The bay's cliffs are popular among climbers, offering challenging routes and breathtaking views from the top. Additionally, the area is ideal for coastal walks, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the rugged coastline and discover hidden coves and caves.

The bay's location also makes it a great starting point for exploring the wider Orkney Islands. Nearby attractions include the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the Broch of Gurness, and the Brough of Birsay, all of which offer insights into Orkney's rich history and ancient heritage.

With its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and proximity to other attractions, Russness Bay is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in Orkney.

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Russness Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.088526/-2.9480425 or Grid Reference HY4522. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View of Gairsay, from the ferry terminal at Tingwall
View of Gairsay, from the ferry terminal at Tingwall
Hen of Gairsay As seen from the ferry to Westray, with Rousay standing behind.
Hen of Gairsay
As seen from the ferry to Westray, with Rousay standing behind.
North Head, Gairsay North Head, Gairsay with a view towards Sweyn Holm.
North Head, Gairsay
North Head, Gairsay with a view towards Sweyn Holm.
Ward of Gairsay Bagged this island on an Alan Holmes boat trip as a group of twelve via Harvey's boat the Charles Ann from Tingwall.
Name: Ward of Gairsay
Hill number: 4930
Height: 102m / 335ft
Parent (Ma/M): none
Area: 23: Orkney Islands
Class: Hu,1
Grid ref: HY441223 (est)
Drop: 102m
Col: Sea
Ward of Gairsay
Bagged this island on an Alan Holmes boat trip as a group of twelve via Harvey's boat the Charles Ann from Tingwall. Name: Ward of Gairsay Hill number: 4930 Height: 102m / 335ft Parent (Ma/M): none Area: 23: Orkney Islands Class: Hu,1 Grid ref: HY441223 (est) Drop: 102m Col: Sea
View Towards Ward of Gairsay A taste of the moorland on the island of Gairsay as I head towards its summit.
View Towards Ward of Gairsay
A taste of the moorland on the island of Gairsay as I head towards its summit.
Sweyn Holm Landing here, alone on a calm day, is a treat few would experience.
Looking North-west into the Sound of Eynhallow - Rousay on the right.
Sweyn Holm
Landing here, alone on a calm day, is a treat few would experience. Looking North-west into the Sound of Eynhallow - Rousay on the right.
Gravel Beach A view along the gravel beach on Gairsay towards Sweyn Holm.
Gravel Beach
A view along the gravel beach on Gairsay towards Sweyn Holm.
Hen of Gairsay A view along the northern edge of the Hen of Gairsay with its gravel beach.
Hen of Gairsay
A view along the northern edge of the Hen of Gairsay with its gravel beach.
Jetty At Millburn Bay, Gairsay
Jetty At Millburn Bay, Gairsay
Gairsay, from the ferry No doubt a supplemental, as it's pretty sub-fusk.  It does, however, show pretty much all that's interesting in Gairsay, i.e. the cairn on the hill.
Gairsay, from the ferry
No doubt a supplemental, as it's pretty sub-fusk. It does, however, show pretty much all that's interesting in Gairsay, i.e. the cairn on the hill.
Millburn Bay, Gairsay Looking over Wide Firth to Shapinsay and Bay of Kirkwall
Millburn Bay, Gairsay
Looking over Wide Firth to Shapinsay and Bay of Kirkwall
Eynhallow Sound from Gairsay Mainland to left, Wyre and Rousay to right.
Eynhallow Sound from Gairsay
Mainland to left, Wyre and Rousay to right.
Millburn Bay from Hen of Gairsay
Millburn Bay from Hen of Gairsay
Atlantic Grey Seal with pup on Hen of Gairsay shore
Atlantic Grey Seal with pup on Hen of Gairsay shore
Derelict farm, Gairsay
Derelict farm, Gairsay
Caterpillar by old schoolhouse, Gairsay
Caterpillar by old schoolhouse, Gairsay
"Shearwater" in Gairsay
"Shearwater" in Gairsay
Sweyn Holm from Gairsay Sweyn Holm probably takes its name from its 12th century Viking owner Sweyn Asleifsson. The rock in the foreground, (Gairsay), is Middle Old Red Sandstone.
Sweyn Holm from Gairsay
Sweyn Holm probably takes its name from its 12th century Viking owner Sweyn Asleifsson. The rock in the foreground, (Gairsay), is Middle Old Red Sandstone.
Show me another place!

Russness Bay is located at Grid Ref: HY4522 (Lat: 59.088526, Lng: -2.9480425)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///twee.embraced.cursing. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

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