Dingyshowe Bay

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Dingyshowe Bay

Anti-tank structures These are not marked on any map I can find, nor is their purpose obvious. But research reveals that they are WW2 anti tank (anti-invasion) structures. Mostly of truncated pyramids though some are filled oil-drums. Others, I&#039;m told, can be found nearby on dry land. — Anti-tank structures Credit: Derek Mayes

Dingyshowe Bay is a picturesque bay located on the island of Orkney, which is part of the archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This beautiful bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The bay is characterized by its pristine sandy beach, which stretches for approximately half a mile along the coastline. The sand is golden in color and is often dotted with shells and pebbles, adding to its charm. The crystal-clear waters of the bay are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, and the beach provides ample space for sunbathing and picnicking.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and picturesque cliffs, Dingyshowe Bay offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of the North Sea. The bay is also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The bay is easily accessible and has ample parking facilities nearby. There are also a few local amenities, including a café and restroom facilities, making it convenient for visitors. Dingyshowe Bay is a tranquil and idyllic destination that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this stunning location.

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Dingyshowe Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.91407/-2.7846641 or Grid Reference HY5403. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Anti-tank structures

These are not marked on any map I can find, nor is their purpose obvious. But research reveals that they are WW2 anti tank (anti-invasion) structures. Mostly of truncated pyramids though some are filled oil-drums. Others, I'm told, can be found nearby on dry land.

Derek Mayes

Lastlight in the bay

Dingieshowe Bay is very popular in the summer. Lovely sand, gentle beach, sand-dunes, toilets and a good view of islands. This is the beach where I collect washed-up small red seaweeds to identify at home.

Derek Mayes

Dingieshowe Bay west end

A very popular bay all year but specially with summer visitors, the skies are big and the sea bracing!

Derek Mayes

The isthmus connecting Deerness to Mainland, from the air

Mike Pennington

The Kame of Camy

It has taken me 6 years to get to the square good and proper. Taken of the buttress seen in Link the outer edge of which is in the square where I am sat in my kayak. It can all be seen in Link but the stack (probably called King of Camy) is just out of sight in this picture.

Derek Mayes

The King of Camy

Taken about 10 metres from the foot of the rickety stack on the calmest day possible. One can see the complete scene here Link and today it was possible to paddle around the whole tower. The bay is pretty locked off by cliffs but a descent can possibly be made at the southern corner, just seen in the picture.

Derek Mayes

Tombolo

The isthmus that links Deerness to the rest of Orkney is a tombolo, formed by two beaches back-to-back.

Anne Burgess

Beach on Taracliff Bay

This is the southerly, and more exposed, of the two sandy beaches making up the tombolo between Deerness and the rest of Mainland. The farms on the headland are Turnpike on the left and Biggings on the right.

Anne Burgess

Sandi Sand

This is the more northerly, and much more sheltered, of the two beaches that together make up the tombolo that links Deerness to the rest of Mainland.

Anne Burgess

Old Milestone by the A960, St Peter's Pool, Kirkwall

By the A960, in parish of Kirkwall St Ola (Mainland District), St Peter's Pool, West of bungalow. Inscription reads:- : K / 8 : : D / 3¾ : (To Kirkwall and Deerness) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_KWDN08

Milestone Society

Old Milestone by the A960, west of Grind, St Andrews and Deerness

Stone post by the A960, in parish of St Andrews and Deerness (Mainland District), West of Grind, on banking, South side of road. Inscription reads:- : K / 9 : : D / 2¾ : (To Kirkwall and Deerness) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_KWDN09

Milestone Society

Wartime Structures

These structures are worth recording - I can find no Web-references. They are significant historical and ecological features. The whole line, of mostly concrete truncated pyramids, reaches nearly 200 metres from dry land to quite low water. Some are exposed for most of the day, others for only an hour or two. They all have a good coating of Wracks (seaweeds) which hide a varied collection of other Marine organisms, some quite rare. Linked to Link and my series of iSpot Observations here Link

Derek Mayes

Rare seaweed

The Wartime anti-tank structures at this location Link are ecologically significant. Some of the lowest ones host quite rare marine organisms. There are plenty of common limpets of course. On a few, and on some concrete surfaces, there is the quite rare seaweed Colaconema caespitosum - Link

World distribution - Link

Personally, I think the structures should be protected for their historical and environmental value.

Derek Mayes

Taracliff Bay

Sandy bay on the south side of the isthmus that joins the peninsula of Deerness to the rest of Mainland Orkney.

Gordon Hatton

Sandi Sand

This looks rather less inviting [except to wading birds] than the fine sandy beach on the other side of the isthmus.

Gordon Hatton

Eggs for Sale

By the roadside near Garth.

David Bremner

Sandi Sand

Anti-tank structures on the left of the photograph.

David Bremner

Deerness: Sandi Sand

An undeniably accurate name for this sandy beach at the head of St. Peter's Bay, viewed from the sand dunes running across the very narrow isthmus which connects Deerness with the bulk of the Orkney mainland. A car park is immediately below us.

Chris Downer

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Dingyshowe Bay is located at Grid Ref: HY5403 (Lat: 58.91407, Lng: -2.7846641)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands