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Bay of Burland

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Burland

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

The Bay of Burland, located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical significance. Situated on the eastern side of the island of Shapinsay, the bay offers visitors a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Bay of Burland is renowned for its sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The beach stretches for approximately half a mile, providing ample space for leisurely walks and picnics. The bay is also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as kayaking and sailing available for those seeking adventure.

The surrounding area is abundant in wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks, while a variety of seabirds soar gracefully above the waves. The bay is also home to an array of marine life, including dolphins and porpoises, adding to its allure as a natural paradise.

In addition to its natural charm, the Bay of Burland holds historical significance. The remains of Burland Castle, a 16th-century tower house, can be found nearby, offering a glimpse into the island's past. The castle is a popular attraction for history buffs and provides an insight into Orkney's rich heritage.

Overall, the Bay of Burland is a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene coastal escape, abundant in natural beauty and steeped in history.

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Bay of Burland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.337429/-2.8782574 or Grid Reference HY5050. 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.
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
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
Cliff view, Holm of Papay
Looking back at the Holm of Papay, from the water
Looking back at the Holm of Papay, from the water
Orkney Islands, from the air Taken having left North Ronaldsay and heading towards Papay. Can see the Holm of Papay, then Papay and then the hills of Westray beyond
Orkney Islands, from the air
Taken having left North Ronaldsay and heading towards Papay. Can see the Holm of Papay, then Papay and then the hills of Westray beyond
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Bay of Burland is located at Grid Ref: HY5050 (Lat: 59.337429, Lng: -2.8782574)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///clearly.tabs.nibbles. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Redcraig Geo Boglin Geo Saoul Less Bull Flag Bay of Burland Red Craig

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