Bay of London

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of London

Eday Youth Hostel 1992
Eday Youth Hostel 1992 Credit: fabio sassi

The Bay of London, Orkney, commonly referred to as Bay, is a picturesque coastal village located on the eastern coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland. Situated about 15 miles north of Kirkwall, the island's largest town, Bay is nestled along the shores of the easternmost part of Scapa Flow, a natural harbor renowned for its historical significance.

With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Bay attracts visitors from all over the world. The bay offers breathtaking views of the North Sea, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and sandy beaches. The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including seals, otters, and various seabirds. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the coastline, taking in the tranquility and immersing themselves in the peaceful surroundings.

Bay is steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites and landmarks scattered throughout the village. The nearby Broch of Gurness, a well-preserved Iron Age settlement, provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Orkney life. Additionally, the area is home to the remains of several wartime structures, serving as a reminder of Orkney's strategic importance during both World Wars.

The village itself is small but charming, with a handful of residential houses and a local pub that serves as a gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. Although Bay lacks major amenities and commercial establishments, its serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it an idyllic retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway.

In summary, the Bay of London, Orkney, is a captivating coastal village renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and tranquility. Whether exploring its archaeological sites or simply enjoying the beauty of the bay, visitors are sure to be enchanted by this hidden gem on Orkney Mainland.

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Bay of London Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.191599/-2.7577109 or Grid Reference HY5634. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Eday Youth Hostel 1992
Eday Youth Hostel 1992
London airport, Eday, 2007: aerial
London airport, Eday, 2007: aerial
London Airport, Eday 2007 Aircraft is Cessna 150, G-AVUH.
London Airport, Eday 2007
Aircraft is Cessna 150, G-AVUH.
Eday; Trig point on Stennie Hill
Eday; Trig point on Stennie Hill
Eday; London Airport sign The other London Airport
Eday; London Airport sign
The other London Airport
Stennie Hill Short walk on occasionally deep heather with Jim Bloomer, Richard Tibbetts and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon.
Name: Stennie Hill
Hill number:12233
Height: 66m / 217ft
Parent (Ma/M):none
Area:23: Orkney Islands
Class:0
Grid ref: HY563355 (est)
Drop: 34m
Col: 32m  HY561362
Stennie Hill
Short walk on occasionally deep heather with Jim Bloomer, Richard Tibbetts and Tricky Speirs on a sunny afternoon. Name: Stennie Hill Hill number:12233 Height: 66m / 217ft Parent (Ma/M):none Area:23: Orkney Islands Class:0 Grid ref: HY563355 (est) Drop: 34m Col: 32m HY561362
Eday: the old course of the B9063 It is obvious from the map, and just as obvious on the ground, that the main road across the island used to maintain its dead straight path, but the Bay of London has gradually worked its way inward forcing the present-day curved route of the road.

The two stumps of the original road survive, with the bay protruding between them. The road swings left just alongside us, and rejoins the straight course in line with the building visible in the distance.
Eday: the old course of the B9063
It is obvious from the map, and just as obvious on the ground, that the main road across the island used to maintain its dead straight path, but the Bay of London has gradually worked its way inward forcing the present-day curved route of the road. The two stumps of the original road survive, with the bay protruding between them. The road swings left just alongside us, and rejoins the straight course in line with the building visible in the distance.
Eday: the B9063 starts to swing around Bay of London The main road across the island diverts from its dead-straight course in order to get around the Bay of London. Immediately to our right is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4707641">HY5633 : Eday: the old course of the B9063</a>, which is the original course of the road.

Ahead of us is the terminal building of Eday's London Airport.
Eday: the B9063 starts to swing around Bay of London
The main road across the island diverts from its dead-straight course in order to get around the Bay of London. Immediately to our right is HY5633 : Eday: the old course of the B9063, which is the original course of the road. Ahead of us is the terminal building of Eday's London Airport.
Eday: London Airport The terminal building of Eday's London Airport, an important lifeline feature of the island. The inter-island flights from Kirkwall call here.
Eday: London Airport
The terminal building of Eday's London Airport, an important lifeline feature of the island. The inter-island flights from Kirkwall call here.
Eday: the old Faray postbox This stone-built structure looks rather like it once contained a postbox, and indeed it did: and a postbox which had a specific function.

A lady has contacted me with the following information: The pillar contained a postbox until 1947, and it was used for post for the island of Faray, off the west of Eday. A Faray islander would come across each week and collect their mail from here. [Faray has been uninhabited since 1947, so this story fits perfectly.]
Eday: the old Faray postbox
This stone-built structure looks rather like it once contained a postbox, and indeed it did: and a postbox which had a specific function. A lady has contacted me with the following information: The pillar contained a postbox until 1947, and it was used for post for the island of Faray, off the west of Eday. A Faray islander would come across each week and collect their mail from here. [Faray has been uninhabited since 1947, so this story fits perfectly.]
Eday: Sands of Doomy A rather splendid sandy beach, similar to the one behind us (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4707693">HY5433 : Eday: Sands of Mussetter</a>). The two beaches are separated by a small rocky patch on which we are standing.
Eday: Sands of Doomy
A rather splendid sandy beach, similar to the one behind us (HY5433 : Eday: Sands of Mussetter). The two beaches are separated by a small rocky patch on which we are standing.
Eday: towards the Sands and Loch of Doomy The Sands of Doomy are separated by a ridge of dunes from the loch of the same name.
Eday: towards the Sands and Loch of Doomy
The Sands of Doomy are separated by a ridge of dunes from the loch of the same name.
Eday: the kirk The Church of Scotland kirk is alongside the main road in the southern half of the island, its green square churchyard contrasting with the surrounding moorland.
Eday: the kirk
The Church of Scotland kirk is alongside the main road in the southern half of the island, its green square churchyard contrasting with the surrounding moorland.
Eday: the old St. Mary’s church The ruined church stands on the eastern coast of the island. The surrounding cemetery appears still to be in use.
Eday: the old St. Mary’s church
The ruined church stands on the eastern coast of the island. The surrounding cemetery appears still to be in use.
Eday: postbox № KW17 96 This postbox is of a modern design, constructed of pressed steel and designed to be more robust, rustproof and theft-proof than the traditional cast iron box that it will have replaced in the last couple of years.

It stands by the Westside turning and is one of four boxes on the island, all of the same design.
Eday: postbox № KW17 96
This postbox is of a modern design, constructed of pressed steel and designed to be more robust, rustproof and theft-proof than the traditional cast iron box that it will have replaced in the last couple of years. It stands by the Westside turning and is one of four boxes on the island, all of the same design.
Eday: through the doorway of the old church A view through the door of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4709070">HY5632 : Eday: the old St. Mary’s church</a>, with one of the wind turbines on Spur Ness, western Sanday, facing us.
Eday: through the doorway of the old church
A view through the door of HY5632 : Eday: the old St. Mary’s church, with one of the wind turbines on Spur Ness, western Sanday, facing us.
Eday: Mill Bay A long, narrowish inlet seen at low tide. The island of Sanday can be seen in the distance.
Eday: Mill Bay
A long, narrowish inlet seen at low tide. The island of Sanday can be seen in the distance.
Old Milestone by the B9063, Eday parish Stone post by the B9063, in parish of Eday (District), South of bend, South of church, on verge.

Inscription once read:-
: (Greentoft / 2½) : : (Carrick / 4) :

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: OR_EDAY02
Old Milestone by the B9063, Eday parish
Stone post by the B9063, in parish of Eday (District), South of bend, South of church, on verge. Inscription once read:- : (Greentoft / 2½) : : (Carrick / 4) : Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: OR_EDAY02
Show me another place!

Bay of London is located at Grid Ref: HY5634 (Lat: 59.191599, Lng: -2.7577109)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///comb.dwarf.idea. Near Backaland, Orkney Islands

Related Wikis

Eday Airport

Eday London Airport (IATA: EOI, ICAO: EGED) is located on Eday in Orkney, Scotland. As it is close to the Bay of London it is known locally as just London...

Eday

Eday (, Scots: Aidee) is one of the islands of Orkney, which are located to the north of the Scottish mainland. One of the North Isles, Eday is about 24...

Backaland

Backaland is a settlement on the island of Eday in Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is also within the parish of Eday, and it is located to the south west...

Vinquoy chambered cairn

Vinquoy chambered cairn (grid reference HY56013809) is a Neolithic chambered cairn located on the island of Eday, in Orkney, Scotland. The tomb probably...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.191599,-2.7577109
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Lat/Long: 59.1904434/-2.7646977
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Lat/Long: 59.1892255/-2.7635121
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Lat/Long: 59.1899948/-2.7645716
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Lat/Long: 59.1906295/-2.7651215
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Lat/Long: 59.1940597/-2.7647245
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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