Taracliff Bay

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Taracliff 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

Taracliff Bay is a picturesque bay located on the island of Orkney, which is situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. This bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs that provide breathtaking views.

The bay is nestled on the western coast of the island, just a short distance from the village of Birsay. It spans approximately 2 kilometers in length and is flanked by towering cliffs on either side, creating a secluded and tranquil atmosphere. The bay is often described as a hidden gem, as it remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Taracliff Bay offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. The sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely strolls along the shoreline. The calm and clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Many visitors also enjoy exploring the rock pools, which are teeming with fascinating marine life.

Nature enthusiasts will find Taracliff Bay to be a haven for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. The surrounding cliffs also provide nesting grounds for these birds. Additionally, seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocks near the bay.

Overall, Taracliff Bay is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil and unspoiled coastal experience. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and peaceful ambiance make it a true hidden gem in the Orkney Islands.

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Taracliff Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.915385/-2.7780264 or Grid Reference HY5503. 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

Deerness Grazing Land

A small flock of sheep in one of many small fields on Deerness.

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 B9051, Halley Road, North Windbreck

Stone post by the B9051, in parish of St Andrews and Deerness (Mainland District), North Windbreck, over ditch on banking, East side of road. Inscription reads:- : K / 10 : : D / 1¼ : (To Kirkwall and Deerness) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_KWDN10

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