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South Bay

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

South Bay

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield Credit: Chris Downer

South Bay is a picturesque coastal village located on the southwestern coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Situated on the mainland, it is nestled between the villages of St. Margaret's Hope and Hoxa, and overlooks the stunning waters of Scapa Flow.

This charming settlement is known for its tranquil and idyllic setting, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. The bay itself is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species, including oystercatchers, curlews, and herons. Seals can also often be spotted basking on the rocks near the shore.

South Bay boasts a rich maritime history, with remnants of World War II still visible in the form of the nearby Hoxa Battery, a coastal defense battery that played a crucial role during the war. The area is also known for its connection to the Italian Chapel, a beautiful chapel built by Italian prisoners of war using limited resources.

The village offers a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, with a small population that relies on fishing and agriculture as the main sources of income. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, exploring the rugged cliffs, or simply soaking up the tranquility of the surroundings.

Although South Bay is a quiet and secluded village, it is within easy reach of amenities and attractions. The nearby town of St. Margaret's Hope offers a range of shops, restaurants, and accommodation options, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore the rest of the Orkney Islands.

Overall, South Bay is a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of the Orkney Islands, offering visitors a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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South Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.353146/-2.4334686 or Grid Reference HY7551. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: old petrol pump by the airfield
I think it's a few years since this pump last dispensed any fuel.
North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk Despite being the 'new' kirk (in relation to the 'old' kirk south of here), the church is itself disused from a religious point of view. It has, though, been reincarnated as a heritage centre with a whole host of photographs and information documenting all aspects of life on the island. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705808">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk</a> for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.
North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk
Despite being the 'new' kirk (in relation to the 'old' kirk south of here), the church is itself disused from a religious point of view. It has, though, been reincarnated as a heritage centre with a whole host of photographs and information documenting all aspects of life on the island. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk for a glimpse of some of the information panels within.
North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk Looking down from the gallery of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4705795">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk</a>, on the western end of the exhibition of North Ronaldsay life. It is a fascinating place, with panels looking at different aspects of the island - postal, school, etc. - and continues in the smaller part of the building.
North Ronaldsay: inside the new kirk
Looking down from the gallery of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the New Kirk, on the western end of the exhibition of North Ronaldsay life. It is a fascinating place, with panels looking at different aspects of the island - postal, school, etc. - and continues in the smaller part of the building.
North Ronaldsay: approaching by air Looking through the front window of the plane as it approaches the airfield on North Ronaldsay. This is the 10:50 from Kirkwall, which arrives at 11:08. The odd shiny lines are reflections of the leather seat on the glass.
North Ronaldsay: approaching by air
Looking through the front window of the plane as it approaches the airfield on North Ronaldsay. This is the 10:50 from Kirkwall, which arrives at 11:08. The odd shiny lines are reflections of the leather seat on the glass.
North Ronaldsay: the post office The post office is more or less in the centre of the island, and is open 10-12 Monday and Wednesday-to-Friday, and 12-2 on Tuesdays. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706053">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119</a> for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.
North Ronaldsay: the post office
The post office is more or less in the centre of the island, and is open 10-12 Monday and Wednesday-to-Friday, and 12-2 on Tuesdays. See HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 for a close-up of the postbox in the wall.
North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119 The island's only postbox is set into a window of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4706045">HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office</a>. It is a nice, and increasingly rare, example of what is known as a 'carpenter's box' - one that was locally made to suit, and clearly not a regular design. The window is also embellished with a whalebone.
North Ronaldsay: postbox № KW17 119
The island's only postbox is set into a window of HY7553 : North Ronaldsay: the post office. It is a nice, and increasingly rare, example of what is known as a 'carpenter's box' - one that was locally made to suit, and clearly not a regular design. The window is also embellished with a whalebone.
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Although named South Bay on OS maps, this is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay
Looking across towards the pier; although named South Bay on OS maps, the bay is known as Nouster Bay locally.
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
South Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Off loading cars from MV Earl Sigard at North Ronaldsay North Ronaldsay is the only inhabited island in the Orkney Islands where vehicles need to be craned off and on.
Off loading cars from MV Earl Sigard at North Ronaldsay
North Ronaldsay is the only inhabited island in the Orkney Islands where vehicles need to be craned off and on.
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - South Bay
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - walking from the jetty towards Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
North Ronaldsay Airport
North Ronaldsay Airport
Old mills at Nesstoun, North Ronaldsay The large building is a watermill, built in 1907 to replace another nearby. The conical stump is the base of Peckhouse Windmill which had a wooden upper structure.
Old mills at Nesstoun, North Ronaldsay
The large building is a watermill, built in 1907 to replace another nearby. The conical stump is the base of Peckhouse Windmill which had a wooden upper structure.
Haskie Taing and Bridesness, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Haskie Taing and Bridesness, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air Named South Bay on the maps but known as Nouster Bay on the island. Twingness and Loch Gretchen are in the background.
Nouster Bay, North Ronaldsay, from the air
Named South Bay on the maps but known as Nouster Bay on the island. Twingness and Loch Gretchen are in the background.
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South Bay is located at Grid Ref: HY7551 (Lat: 59.353146, Lng: -2.4334686)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///committee.superhero.loads. Near Hollandstoun, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Hindoo Geo South Bay

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.353146,-2.4334686
Ferry Terminal
Nouster
Ferry: yes
Public Transport: station
Lat/Long: 59.3552948/-2.4410211
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Seamark Light Character: Q
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 5
Seamark Light Reference: A 3724
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 59.3553076/-2.4409238
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Hindoo Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3525424/-2.4258874
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
South Bay
Natural: bay
Wikidata: Q24637477
Lat/Long: 59.3544707/-2.432935
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Howmae Brae
Historic: archaeological_site
Wikidata: Q56668261
Lat/Long: 59.3561427/-2.4269992
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Montrose Bay Angus / Kincardineshire
Bay of Ryasgeo Orkney

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