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Bay of Hookin

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Hookin

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

The Bay of Hookin is a picturesque inlet located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Nestled between the rugged cliffs and rolling hills, this bay offers stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.

Stretching for about 2 kilometers, the Bay of Hookin is a popular spot for visitors seeking a peaceful escape. The bay's crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and other water activities, attracting both locals and tourists during the warmer months. The sandy beach that lines the bay provides a perfect place for sunbathing and picnicking, while the surrounding dunes offer a sense of privacy and seclusion.

The Bay of Hookin is also renowned for its rich wildlife. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with various bird species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes nesting along the cliffs. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, adding to the bay's natural charm.

For those interested in history, the Bay of Hookin has a historical significance. It is believed to have been an important landing site for Viking ships during their expeditions, as Orkney has a strong Norse heritage. Ruins of ancient settlements and burial mounds can be found nearby, offering glimpses into the island's past.

Overall, the Bay of Hookin is a serene and captivating destination that showcases Orkney's natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you are seeking relaxation, outdoor activities, or a glimpse into the island's past, this bay offers something for everyone.

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Bay of Hookin Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.346579/-2.8810961 or Grid Reference HY4951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray
Swans on the Shore Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Swans on the Shore
Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Remains of a Fence The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Remains of a Fence
The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Zigzag Rocks I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Zigzag Rocks
I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Bay of Burland The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Bay of Burland
The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.org.uk/event/639213">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> : "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."
Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney
From LinkExternal link : "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray
Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Mill Point, Papa Westray There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Mill Point, Papa Westray
There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Chambered Cairn Remains Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Chambered Cairn Remains
Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Holm of Papay
Holm of Papay
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air
Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
Cliffs, Holm of Papay A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
Cliffs, Holm of Papay
A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...
From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick
Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn
Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into
Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray
Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into
Sheltered cove, Holm of Papay, with Kittiwakes nesting
Sheltered cove, Holm of Papay, with Kittiwakes nesting
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
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Bay of Hookin is located at Grid Ref: HY4951 (Lat: 59.346579, Lng: -2.8810961)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///worth.majoring.recover. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Laws Point Papa Westray Skate Geo Katie's Pow Bay of Hookin

Related Wikis

Holm of Papa
Holm of Papa

The Holm of Papa (or Holm of Papay, Holm of Papa Westray and known locally as the Papay Holm,) is a very small uninhabited island in the Orkney Islands...

Holland House, Papa Westray
Holland House, Papa Westray

Holland Farm is a historic farm complex located on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland. The two-storey harled flagstone house with crow-stepped...

Papa Westray
Papa Westray

Papa Westray () (Scots: Papa Westree), also known as Papay, is one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, United Kingdom. The fertile soil has long been a...

Papa Westray Airport
Papa Westray Airport

Papa Westray Airport (IATA: PPW, ICAO: EGEP) is located 22 NM (41 km; 25 mi) north of Kirkwall Airport on Papa Westray, Orkney Islands, Scotland. The facility...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.346579,-2.8810961
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3481776/-2.8882508
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3494304/-2.8879189
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3488855/-2.8871271
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3483508/-2.8868642
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3470505/-2.8862952
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.3479897/-2.8867168
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Bay of Tafts Orkney
Bay of Burland Orkney

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