Bay of Skaill

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Skaill

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond. — Egilsay: a view from Rousay Credit: Chris Downer

The Bay of Skaill is a picturesque bay located on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. It stretches between the dramatic cliffs of Marwick Head and Point of Ayre, offering breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The bay is renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. It is home to the world-famous Neolithic site of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was discovered in 1850 after a severe storm uncovered the remains of a prehistoric village. Skara Brae provides a unique insight into the lives of the inhabitants who occupied the area around 5,000 years ago.

The Bay of Skaill is a popular destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike. The sandy beach, known as Skaill Bay, is a haven for wildlife, with various species of seabirds nesting in the cliffs and seals often spotted lounging on the shore. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, taking in the stunning coastal scenery and exploring the rock pools teeming with marine life.

The bay also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The surrounding landscape is dotted with ancient sites and landmarks, including the Brough of Birsay, a small tidal island accessible by causeway, and the Kitchener Memorial, erected in memory of Lord Kitchener who died in 1916 when his ship sank nearby.

Overall, the Bay of Skaill is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a must-visit location for those exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Bay of Skaill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.145744/-2.94036 or Grid Reference HY4629. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay

Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.

St. Magnus Church, Egilsay

St. Magnus Church, Egilsay

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road

Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.

Egilsay: southward view along the road The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island&#039;s postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.

Egilsay: southward view along the road

The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour Looking across the island&#039;s new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour

Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.

Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.

Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach

A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.

Egilsay: the road to the ferry Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.

Egilsay: the road to the ferry

Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.

Egilsay: the school The island&#039;s school is currently &#039;mothballed&#039; because there are no children of primary school age on the island.

Egilsay: the school

The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.

Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61 The island&#039;s postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.

Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61

The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.

Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument The plaque states:

Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.

Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument

The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.

Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay The island&#039;s postbox (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584959">HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61</a>) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.

Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay

The island's postbox (see HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.

Egilsay: St. Magnus church The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church">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>

Egilsay: St. Magnus church

The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.Link

Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.

Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve

Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.

Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.

Egilsay: rocks at Manse Beach

White sand and rocky outcrops on the east coast of the island.

Egilsay: Manse Beach A lovely white sandy beach on the east coast of the island.

Egilsay: Manse Beach

A lovely white sandy beach on the east coast of the island.

Egilsay: St. Magnus church is pointed out Pretty much the only proper road sign on the island - apart from a couple of weight restrictions facing traffic coming off the ferry - gives advance notice to turn left at the crossroads for <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a>, which we see in the field beyond.

Egilsay: St. Magnus church is pointed out

Pretty much the only proper road sign on the island - apart from a couple of weight restrictions facing traffic coming off the ferry - gives advance notice to turn left at the crossroads for HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church, which we see in the field beyond.

Egilsay: approaching the ferry slipway I believe the road signs in this photo are, with the exception of a tourist direction sign for the church, the only ones on the island. The road is seen here as it curves round to the slipway where the ferry berths.

Egilsay: approaching the ferry slipway

I believe the road signs in this photo are, with the exception of a tourist direction sign for the church, the only ones on the island. The road is seen here as it curves round to the slipway where the ferry berths.

Egilsay: public telephone The phone is in the waiting room for the ferry.

Egilsay: public telephone

The phone is in the waiting room for the ferry.

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Bay of Skaill is located at Grid Ref: HY4629 (Lat: 59.145744, Lng: -2.94036)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clues.series.mash. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

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Mavay Point of Skaill Bay of Skaill

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.145744,-2.94036

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.1427609/-2.9339182

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.1435107/-2.933532

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.144171/-2.933237

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 59.1449606/-2.93284

The Hubbit (old habour)

Historic: archaeological_site

Lat/Long: 59.1438772/-2.9371088

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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