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Bay of Tafts

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Tafts

Ferry approaching the pier in Rapness, Westray
Ferry approaching the pier in Rapness, Westray Credit: stalked

The Bay of Tafts is a picturesque coastal inlet located on the island of Westray in the Orkney archipelago, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This bay is situated on the western side of the island and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant meadows, the Bay of Tafts offers visitors breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the shimmering turquoise waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. The bay itself is a sheltered inlet, providing a safe haven for various marine species and a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including fulmars, puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it an important habitat for seabirds. During the breeding season, the bay becomes a bustling colony, with thousands of birds nesting on the cliffs and foraging in the waters.

The Bay of Tafts also boasts a sandy beach, known for its fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors, who can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, picnics, or simply soak up the sun while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Bay of Tafts holds historical significance, with nearby sites such as the Noltland Castle and the Westray Heritage Centre providing insights into the island's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, the Bay of Tafts is a hidden gem in Orkney, offering visitors a tranquil and idyllic coastal experience amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.

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Bay of Tafts Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.251365/-2.8828627 or Grid Reference HY4940. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ferry approaching the pier in Rapness, Westray
Ferry approaching the pier in Rapness, Westray
Rapness Pier This is where the vehicle ferry from Kirkwall lands, at the south end of the island of Westray.
Rapness Pier
This is where the vehicle ferry from Kirkwall lands, at the south end of the island of Westray.
Craw Nev Having got accustomed to all the rocks in Orkney being in fairly orderly strata with a gentle dip, I was astonished to see this headland of extensively deformed rock.
Craw Nev
Having got accustomed to all the rocks in Orkney being in fairly orderly strata with a gentle dip, I was astonished to see this headland of extensively deformed rock.
Boardwalk For the convenience of those walking to and from the cliff path, a boardwalk has been provided to get across a rough or wet patch.
Boardwalk
For the convenience of those walking to and from the cliff path, a boardwalk has been provided to get across a rough or wet patch.
Pink Campion Red Campion and White Campion, both of which occur here, are known to hybridise. This pale-flowered plant is probably such a hybrid.
Pink Campion
Red Campion and White Campion, both of which occur here, are known to hybridise. This pale-flowered plant is probably such a hybrid.
Puffin (Fratercula arctica) Although we were assured by several people that there were hundreds of Puffins at the Castle of Burrian, we saw only a few, of which this one posed obligingly for several minutes for us.
Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
Although we were assured by several people that there were hundreds of Puffins at the Castle of Burrian, we saw only a few, of which this one posed obligingly for several minutes for us.
Cove at Saaclay The old six-inch map suggests that Saaclay is the name of the promontory from which this view was taken, but none of the maps names the cove itself.
Cove at Saaclay
The old six-inch map suggests that Saaclay is the name of the promontory from which this view was taken, but none of the maps names the cove itself.
Sands of Helzie Another of the string of little sandy beaches along the south coast of Westray. At the far side of the bay is Rapness Pier, where the vehicle ferry from Kirkwall comes in.
Sands of Helzie
Another of the string of little sandy beaches along the south coast of Westray. At the far side of the bay is Rapness Pier, where the vehicle ferry from Kirkwall comes in.
Rack Wick A bay which penetrates towards the central spine of Westray.
Rack Wick
A bay which penetrates towards the central spine of Westray.
Helzie Farm The barns are still in use, but the farmhouse is roofless.
Helzie Farm
The barns are still in use, but the farmhouse is roofless.
Sands of Helzie Fine white sand.
Sands of Helzie
Fine white sand.
The Sands of Helzie and a ferry The ferry from Kirkwall is about to arrive at Rapness.
The Sands of Helzie and a ferry
The ferry from Kirkwall is about to arrive at Rapness.
Westray - MV Golden Mariana at Rapness Pier This photograph was taken well before the pier was extended as the main ferry terminal on the island.
Westray - MV Golden Mariana at Rapness Pier
This photograph was taken well before the pier was extended as the main ferry terminal on the island.
Varagen arriving at Westray
Varagen arriving at Westray
Rapness Mill, Westray Two storey grain mill with repairs in modern materials that was placed on the at risk register in 1990. Canmore date it to the 18th century but a walking guide apparently by Orkney Island Council claims it to be built about 1850. Immediately prior to 1933 the Harcus family are said to work the mill. The 1843-1882 OS map shows the mill but I can't find an earlier detailed map.
Rapness Mill, Westray
Two storey grain mill with repairs in modern materials that was placed on the at risk register in 1990. Canmore date it to the 18th century but a walking guide apparently by Orkney Island Council claims it to be built about 1850. Immediately prior to 1933 the Harcus family are said to work the mill. The 1843-1882 OS map shows the mill but I can't find an earlier detailed map.
Towards Point of Geldibist Near the southern tip of Westray is this small rocky beach looking out on Rapness Sound.
Towards Point of Geldibist
Near the southern tip of Westray is this small rocky beach looking out on Rapness Sound.
Westray: the coast near Ness Looking towards the southern tip of Westray, which is a bit farther round, from the end of the coast road.
Westray: the coast near Ness
Looking towards the southern tip of Westray, which is a bit farther round, from the end of the coast road.
Westray: short sandy beach near Ness Looking across a tiny sandy inlet on the road to Ness. Eday is the island spread out in the background.
Westray: short sandy beach near Ness
Looking across a tiny sandy inlet on the road to Ness. Eday is the island spread out in the background.
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Bay of Tafts is located at Grid Ref: HY4940 (Lat: 59.251365, Lng: -2.8828627)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///skate.stuffy.lavished. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

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Geo of Stancro Bay of Tafts Point of Peterkirk

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.251365,-2.8828627
Bay of Tafts
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.2555929/-2.8823233
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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