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Bay of Holland

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Holland

Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Bay of Holland is a picturesque bay located on the island of Orkney, off the northeast coast of mainland Scotland. It lies on the eastern side of the island, facing the North Sea. The bay is named after the nearby settlement of Holland, which is situated a short distance to the south.

The Bay of Holland is characterized by its stunning natural beauty and rugged coastal landscape. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the pristine sandy beach that stretches along its shoreline. The beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and leisure activities.

The bay is also notable for its rich wildlife and diverse marine ecosystem. It is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The waters of the bay are teeming with marine life, with seals often spotted basking on the rocks and dolphins occasionally seen swimming offshore.

In addition to its natural attractions, the Bay of Holland holds historical significance. The nearby village of Holland is home to Holland House, a grand mansion built in the 17th century. The house has been converted into a hotel and is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and historical accommodation experience.

Overall, the Bay of Holland offers visitors a combination of breathtaking natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and a touch of history. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring the beauty of Orkney.

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Bay of Holland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.075728/-2.610142 or Grid Reference HY6521. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Grochlie Geo, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards the Point of Freyageo.
Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards Lamb Head.
Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards Lamb Head.
Kelp forest, Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney Looking towards Lamb Head.
Kelp forest, Langa Mae, Stronsay, Orkney
Looking towards Lamb Head.
Sand of the Crook and ayre, Stronsay, Orkney Behind the ayre (shingle bank) is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1086440">HY6621 : Lea Shun</a> loch.
Sand of the Crook and ayre, Stronsay, Orkney
Behind the ayre (shingle bank) is HY6621 : Lea Shun loch.
Stronsay: the road to Holland Actually the road FROM Holland in this view.
Stronsay: the road to Holland
Actually the road FROM Holland in this view.
Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma A particularly large number of seals are to be seen along this part of the Stronsay coast - certainly a couple of hundred as we walked along here this afternoon.
Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma
A particularly large number of seals are to be seen along this part of the Stronsay coast - certainly a couple of hundred as we walked along here this afternoon.
Stronsay: seals making a splash Unsettled by our appearance, a large group of seals is roughly halved in size as the other half scarper underwater.
Stronsay: seals making a splash
Unsettled by our appearance, a large group of seals is roughly halved in size as the other half scarper underwater.
Stronsay: two seals As well as some very large groups of seals (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4713951">HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma</a>), there were a few scattered all along the shore here. They were curious enough to turn their heads as I and another walked past, but on the whole didn't feel so threatened as to disappear.
Stronsay: two seals
As well as some very large groups of seals (see HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma), there were a few scattered all along the shore here. They were curious enough to turn their heads as I and another walked past, but on the whole didn't feel so threatened as to disappear.
Stronsay: Bight of Scarma A small bay on the east side of Bay of Holland, seen at a low tide with lots of visible rocks. These are awash with seals - see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4713951">HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma</a>.
Stronsay: Bight of Scarma
A small bay on the east side of Bay of Holland, seen at a low tide with lots of visible rocks. These are awash with seals - see for example HY6521 : Stronsay: seals at the Bight of Scarma.
Stronsay: cemetery at Holland A quite large, square, walled cemetery opposite Holland Farm, with a few sheep grazing within.
Stronsay: cemetery at Holland
A quite large, square, walled cemetery opposite Holland Farm, with a few sheep grazing within.
Holland Farm, Stronsay A substantial stone farm in the south of Stronsay with much of its land managed for wildlife.
Holland Farm, Stronsay
A substantial stone farm in the south of Stronsay with much of its land managed for wildlife.
Cemetery at Holland Farm Looking across the cemetery over the Bay of Holland
Cemetery at Holland Farm
Looking across the cemetery over the Bay of Holland
Bird hide on Lea Shun This hide is on the SNH reserve at Holland Farm. Part of the farm is managed specifically for corncrakes.
Bird hide on Lea Shun
This hide is on the SNH reserve at Holland Farm. Part of the farm is managed specifically for corncrakes.
Seal hide This seal hide is an old submarine telephone cable cabin. It overlooks a small beach where common seals regularly haul out, and where they pup in early summer. The hide is part of the SNH Holland Farm reserve.
Seal hide
This seal hide is an old submarine telephone cable cabin. It overlooks a small beach where common seals regularly haul out, and where they pup in early summer. The hide is part of the SNH Holland Farm reserve.
Snipe by Lea Shun A snipe demonstrates the effectiveness of its camouflage in the wet bog beside Lea Shun, seen from the hide shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/217172">HY6521 : Bird hide on Lea Shun</a>. At time of the photo, male snipe were "drumming" - a remarkable noise produced by vibrating tail feathers during steep dives.
Snipe by Lea Shun
A snipe demonstrates the effectiveness of its camouflage in the wet bog beside Lea Shun, seen from the hide shown in HY6521 : Bird hide on Lea Shun. At time of the photo, male snipe were "drumming" - a remarkable noise produced by vibrating tail feathers during steep dives.
Track from Holland to Mells Kirk Looking westwards along the line of the stone wall. The building on the left horizon is a seal hide!
Track from Holland to Mells Kirk
Looking westwards along the line of the stone wall. The building on the left horizon is a seal hide!
Looking towards Inganoust From the track to the coast.
Looking towards Inganoust
From the track to the coast.
Walking to Lea Shun Near the bird hide.
Walking to Lea Shun
Near the bird hide.
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Bay of Holland is located at Grid Ref: HY6521 (Lat: 59.075728, Lng: -2.610142)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///replying.zoomed.inflation. Near Whitehall, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Sand of the Crook Point of Freyageo Bight of Scarma Bay of Holland

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