Bay of Work

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Work

Spoiled View This is a Scottish Water site and, except for the skips, it has a very beautiful view.
That is Balfour Castle across the String. — Spoiled View Credit: Derek Mayes

The Bay of Work, located in Orkney, Scotland, is a charming and picturesque bay that offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Situated on the northeastern coast of the Mainland island, it is nestled between the villages of St. Margaret's Hope and South Ronaldsay.

The bay stretches for approximately 2 kilometers and is characterized by its pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering opportunities for various recreational activities such as swimming, beachcombing, and picnicking. The calm and sheltered nature of the bay makes it an ideal location for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Aside from its natural beauty, the Bay of Work also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been a significant landing point for Vikings during their expeditions in the region. Archaeological evidence, including artifacts and remains of Viking settlements, have been discovered in the surrounding areas, further adding to the bay's allure.

In addition to its recreational and historical value, the Bay of Work is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Seals are often spotted lounging on the rocks, while seabirds, including guillemots and puffins, can be seen nesting along the cliffs. The bay's marine ecosystem supports various fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, the Bay of Work in Orkney offers a combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

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Bay of Work Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.001292/-2.9082523 or Grid Reference HY4713. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Spoiled View

This is a Scottish Water site and, except for the skips, it has a very beautiful view. That is Balfour Castle across the String.

Derek Mayes

Head of Work Shoreline

The peninsula of Work is very inviting. Vehicle access stops at the Scottish Water treatment plant but once beyond the locked gate, a wondrous coast opens up. Signs of otter, small sandy beaches, beds of wild flowers, nesting birds, ponies grazing, sea views, Pre-history sites and wonderful views over the String. In season, HUGE liners come through The String to enter Kirkwall Bay. All the year 'round some impressive Service Vessels go to and from the tidal test site, located off the island of Eday. One can just see the apparently abandoned skips, owned by Scottish water. See HY4714 : Spoiled View

Derek Mayes

Perfect Shelter-pen

How nice this would be on a wild day. A perfectly built shelter for ponies. Excellent views from within, not that the ponies would be tall enough. Clearly marked on the 1:25000 map as a Geograph.

Derek Mayes

Chambered Cairn Head of Work

This burial chamber has been opened and left to the elements. Normally, the chambers or stalls are underground and in similar sites, human remains have been found. Much more information here - Link

Derek Mayes

Ayre, Loch of Carness

An ayre, usually in the form seen here, is built by Nature. Link

Yet here is a Man-made one ND4794 : Coastal defences at Ayre of Carra a rare thing. Not to be confused with a tombolo - here HU3677 : Gluss Isle Tombolo nor a natural, albeit submersing, causeway here HY3713 : Causeway to the Holm of Grimbister

Derek Mayes

Head of Holland Quarry

This is the quarry from which a good proportion of Kirkwall Cathedral stone was taken from 1165 onwards. In more recent times it has been reopened for further extraction to enable restoration work - here HY4410 : Rose Window. The recent weather-scar seen in this picture exposes the delightful red colouring

Derek Mayes

The String

The String is a small part of the narrow sound between Orkney Mainland and Shapinsay. Most commercial shipping approaches and departs Kirkwall through this sound. Here Black Watch is at the seaward end, close to the Pilot Station. Link

Derek Mayes

The String - Pilot Station

Crown Princess HY4814 : The String and the Princess leaving the String HY4814 : The String. Near here the Kirkwall Pilot disembarks, having navigated the liner safely through the narrows to more open water. One can see, in the small hatchway, the Pilot awaiting his chances as the Pilot boat surges up beside the huge liner See also here HY4814 : The String and the Princess

Derek Mayes

The String

The narrow stretch of water, beyond the buildings of Hatston and just in front of Shapinsay, is called the String HY4814 : The String.

Derek Mayes

The Hare and The String

Near the road's-end on the Head of Work, a hare awaits my next move. The strip of water is called The String HY4814 : The String and the 1892 Stevenson Lighthouse is on Helliar Holm (Shapinsay)

Derek Mayes

The gate and Astor

This gate marks the end of the tarmac. Beyond which the String HY4814 : The String lies. The liner Astor can be seen leaving Orkney Waters. The pilot boat follows and will collect the Pilot when his task is complete

Derek Mayes

The String and the Princess

Crown Princess Link

leaving the String HY4714 : The String, passes Saeva Ness HY4815 : Saeva Ness Light - Helliar Holm lighthouse. By any standards, she is enormous, having cabin capacity for well over 3000 passengers as well as a crew of over 1200.

Derek Mayes

The String, Astor and Balfour Castle

Astor enters The String HY4714 : The String, having just left Kirwall. She is guided by an onboard Pilot for a mile or two until she clears the sound. In the background is Balfour Castle (Shapinsay) Link

Derek Mayes