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Bay of Carness

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Carness

Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney Beef and sheep farm on a headland to the north east of Kirkwall, Orkney. Small loch impounded by an 'ayre' or bar at right
Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney Credit: Karl Cooper

Bay of Carness is a picturesque bay located on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland in Scotland. Situated between the towns of Stromness and Skara Brae, this bay offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Bay of Carness is known for its tranquil and unspoiled beauty. With its pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs, it is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. The bay is surrounded by lush green grasslands and rolling hills, adding to its charm and serenity.

The bay is a popular spot for various outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. The calm and sheltered waters make it ideal for families with young children. The beach is also a great place for birdwatching, as it attracts a variety of seabirds and wading birds.

For history enthusiasts, Bay of Carness offers a glimpse into the past. The bay is home to several archaeological sites, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the fascinating history of this prehistoric settlement.

Access to the Bay of Carness is relatively easy, with a car park located nearby. There are also public transportation options available. The bay is a hidden gem in the Orkney Islands, offering a peaceful and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Bay of Carness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.010028/-2.9226553 or Grid Reference HY4714. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney Beef and sheep farm on a headland to the north east of Kirkwall, Orkney. Small loch impounded by an 'ayre' or bar at right
Work Farm and Head of Work, St Ola, Orkney
Beef and sheep farm on a headland to the north east of Kirkwall, Orkney. Small loch impounded by an 'ayre' or bar at right
Foreshore Bay of Kirkwall Looking N towards Iceland Skerry
Foreshore Bay of Kirkwall
Looking N towards Iceland Skerry
Blackhall
Blackhall
Carness
Carness
Farm of Blackhall The farm, with the Shapinsay Sound and Isle of Shapinsay beyond.
Farm of Blackhall
The farm, with the Shapinsay Sound and Isle of Shapinsay beyond.
Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Saeva Ness lighthouse from Shapinsay Ferry
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Car Ness from Shapinsay Ferry
Wartime coastal defences at the tip of Car Ness viewed from the Shapinsay ferry.
Saeva Ness Lighthouse Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.
Saeva Ness Lighthouse
Saeva Ness lighthouse looks out across The String a short distance to the Head of Work on Mainland.
Cormorants on rock outcrop
Cormorants on rock outcrop
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm.
Saeva Ness lighthouse on Helliar Holm.
Nor'east of Thieves Holm en route to Kirkwall
Nor'east of Thieves Holm en route to Kirkwall
Thieves Holm
Thieves Holm
Buildings on Car Ness
Buildings on Car Ness
Passing Place The lane leads to a facility run by Scottish Water, it can be quite busy at times.
Passing Place
The lane leads to a facility run by Scottish Water, it can be quite busy at times.
Farmland near Blackhall Looking towards the Bay of Meil with the Head of Holland beyond.
Farmland near Blackhall
Looking towards the Bay of Meil with the Head of Holland beyond.
The West Coast of Helliar Holm Low tide on a rainy day, (the first for weeks) and the wave-cut platform is exposed. The buildings to the left are the lighthouse complex at the southern end of the island. The headlands to the right are on Mainland: the Head of Work with the Head of Holland behind and slightly to the left.
The West Coast of Helliar Holm
Low tide on a rainy day, (the first for weeks) and the wave-cut platform is exposed. The buildings to the left are the lighthouse complex at the southern end of the island. The headlands to the right are on Mainland: the Head of Work with the Head of Holland behind and slightly to the left.
Folded sedimentary rock foreshore of southern Helliar Holm The Skaeva Light and old victorian stone mansion sit atop the low lying bluff of southern Helliar Holm.
Folded sedimentary rock foreshore of southern Helliar Holm
The Skaeva Light and old victorian stone mansion sit atop the low lying bluff of southern Helliar Holm.
Coastline below Castlegreen, Carness Castlegreen is the large house. Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry coming into Hatston and position confirmed by GPS.
Coastline below Castlegreen, Carness
Castlegreen is the large house. Taken from the Aberdeen-Orkney-Shetland ferry coming into Hatston and position confirmed by GPS.
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Bay of Carness is located at Grid Ref: HY4714 (Lat: 59.010028, Lng: -2.9226553)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///student.rankings.potential. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Bay of Carness The String

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.010028,-2.9226553
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0066622/-2.9199922
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0060876/-2.9210517
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.0069853/-2.9201907
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.0068438/-2.9198353
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.0081624/-2.9164271
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.008311/-2.9160245
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 59.0084915/-2.9156684
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bay of Carness
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.0092904/-2.9245949
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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