Bay of Berstane

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Berstane

Bungalows near Towerhill Credit: David Medcalf

The Bay of Berstane is located on the northeastern coast of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Situated approximately 7 miles south of the town of Stromness, it is a picturesque bay with a rich history and diverse natural beauty.

The bay stretches for about 2 miles and is characterized by its sandy beach, clear blue waters, and stunning cliffs that surround it. The bay offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Its tranquil atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The Bay of Berstane also holds historical significance, with ancient burial mounds and archaeological sites scattered along its coastline. These remnants of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements provide insights into the early inhabitants of the Orkney Islands and their way of life.

The bay is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. It also serves as a habitat for various marine plants and algae. The surrounding cliffs offer nesting grounds for seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots, and puffins, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Access to the Bay of Berstane is relatively easy, with a car park and footpath leading visitors to the beach. The bay offers opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and beachcombing. However, caution is advised when swimming or engaging in water activities due to the strong currents and unpredictable weather conditions typical of the area.

In summary, the Bay of Berstane in Orkney is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and a peaceful ambiance, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Orkney Islands.

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Bay of Berstane Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.97975/-2.9166963 or Grid Reference HY4710. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bungalows near Towerhill

David Medcalf

Wreck in Inganess Bay

For more information see HY4708 : Wreck, Inganess Bay.

Anne Burgess

Nissen Hut above Kirkwall

One of a pair of roadside huts on a hill to the southeast of Kirkwall.

Richard Webb

Field off Bignold Park Road

Between a couple of roads above Kirkwall.

Richard Webb

Towerhill

Narrow road and pasture above Kirkwall. The hill is between Kirkwall and the airport.

Richard Webb

Towerhill from Kirkwall Airport

Mike Pennington

Sand of Wideford, from the air

With the wreck of the Juniata just offshore.

Mike Pennington

Inganess and Berstane, from the air

Mike Pennington

Inganess Beach

Some maps insist on calling this beach the "Sands of Wideford", named after the burn that enters the sea at the far end. But among local swimmers this is known simply as Inganess beach. Inganess road runs from Kirkwall to a parking area just next to the bay.

Aleks Scholz

Shelter belt planting

There is little natural tree growth in Orkney. Where there is sufficient shelter, trees like Sycamore and Whitebeam (and others) grow to almost full maturity. There are some good stands of trees but usually on private ground and planted by the owners. Given the right shelter, most tees will do well here. In this picture, quick growing willow-stems are planted to produce habitat and shelter at the roadside. The farm seen here is Quoydandy

Derek Mayes

Wreck of the Juniata, Inganess Bay

Ian appears to have done more than enough research for this old wreck here HY4708 : Wreck of the Juniata, Inganess Bay

Stuart Wilding

Wreck, Inganess Bay

The identity of this wreck seems to have been much disputed but a plausible explanation, confirming that of Ian Balcombe HY4708 : Wreck of the Juniata, Inganess Bay, is provided by several correspondents here Link

R N Baird provided the following information in his post of 06 September 2007: 'The tanker Sprucol was built for the Admiralty by Short Bros, Sunderland in 1918. She had two screws and was powered by two Bolinders 8-cylinder oil engines, which gave her a speed of 9.5 knots. She was renamed Juniata in 1920 when acquired by the Anglo-American Oil Co. Ltd. In July 1934 she was sold to the French company Ste. Auxiliare de Transports, but in 1936 Anglo-American Oil bought her back again. On 17 April 1940 she was sunk as a block-ship in Water Sound, as part of No.4 Barrier, east of the Churchill Barrier linking the islands of South Ronaldsay and Burray. The wreck lay in the northern part of the channel, in the shallows of Burray, and remained there until July 1949, when she was raised for scrapping. It was found that her condition would not permit towing her to a shipbreaking yard, so she was towed to Inganess Bay and beached. Some scrapping work seems to have been carried out there, as the stern section has been separated from the wreck, leaving only the bow section still visible above the surface, only a short distance out from the sandy beach off the end of the main runway at Kirkwall airport.'