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Bay of Ryasgeo

Bay in Orkney

Scotland

Bay of Ryasgeo

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

The Bay of Ryasgeo is a picturesque bay located on the southern coast of the Orkney Islands, north of mainland Scotland. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The bay is nestled between two headlands, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and rolling hills.

The bay's name, Ryasgeo, is derived from Old Norse, meaning "reef or rock inlet," which accurately describes its geological features. The bay is characterized by its rocky coastline, interspersed with small sandy coves. At low tide, an intricate network of rock formations is revealed, providing a rich habitat for marine life and making it a haven for snorkelers and divers.

The bay's location also lends itself to a variety of recreational activities. The calm waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for sunbathing and picnicking. The surrounding cliffs offer opportunities for hiking, with breathtaking views of the bay and the North Sea beyond.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Bay of Ryasgeo holds historical significance. The nearby village of St. Margaret's Hope was once a bustling port, and remnants of its maritime past can still be seen today. Visitors can explore the village's charming streets, lined with traditional stone houses, and visit the local museum to learn more about the area's history.

Overall, the Bay of Ryasgeo is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical charm. Whether you are seeking relaxation on the sandy shores or adventure in the surrounding waters, this bay has something for everyone.

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Bay of Ryasgeo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.380768/-2.433786 or Grid Reference HY7555. 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: sheep on the beach at Linklet Bay The island is known for its seaweed-eating sheep so I presume that is what these sheep were doing before being interrupted by my approach.
North Ronaldsay: sheep on the beach at Linklet Bay
The island is known for its seaweed-eating sheep so I presume that is what these sheep were doing before being interrupted by my approach.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
North Ronaldsay: Linklet Bay beach on a cloudless day
A pristine view along the beach on this glorious summer's day.
North Ronaldsay: rocky coastline along Linklet Bay The fine sandy beach just off to our right gives way to this stretch of low rocks, as we look towards the Old Beacon at the distant Dennis Head.
North Ronaldsay: rocky coastline along Linklet Bay
The fine sandy beach just off to our right gives way to this stretch of low rocks, as we look towards the Old Beacon at the distant Dennis Head.
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.
North Ronaldsay: a typical island croft house Many of the croft houses of North Ronaldsay have these flagstone roofs; it seems to be a particular feature of this island.
North Ronaldsay: a typical island croft house
Many of the croft houses of North Ronaldsay have these flagstone roofs; it seems to be a particular feature of this island.
North Ronaldsay: rocks, sand and a lighthouse view Looking across the northwest edge of Linklet Bay, the distant lighthouse faintly reflected in the sand between outcrops of rock.
North Ronaldsay: rocks, sand and a lighthouse view
Looking across the northwest edge of Linklet Bay, the distant lighthouse faintly reflected in the sand between outcrops of rock.
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
Holland House from Nouster, North Ronaldsay
North Ronaldsay from the air
North Ronaldsay from the air
North Ronaldsay emerging from the gloom
North Ronaldsay emerging from the gloom
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
On North Ronaldsay - Trig point at Holland
On North Ronaldsay - View along Garso Wick to Lighthouse
On North Ronaldsay - View along Garso Wick to Lighthouse
On North Ronaldsay - view W along track towards Ancumtoun
On North Ronaldsay - view W along track towards Ancumtoun
North Ronaldsay Airport
North Ronaldsay Airport
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Bay of Ryasgeo is located at Grid Ref: HY7555 (Lat: 59.380768, Lng: -2.433786)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///flows.unrealistic.chiefs. Near Hollandstoun, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

The Staff Grey Stane Staff Geo Bay of Ryasgeo Point of Savegeo Tor Ness

Related Wikis

Ancumtoun
Ancumtoun

Ancumtoun is a small settlement in the north of the island of North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is within the parish of Cross and Burness...

North Ronaldsay Airport
North Ronaldsay Airport

North Ronaldsay Airport (IATA: NRL, ICAO: EGEN) is located on North Ronaldsay island, 28 NM (52 km; 32 mi) northeast by north of Kirkwall, Orkney Islands...

Bustatoun
Bustatoun

Bustatoun is a village on the island of North Ronaldsay, in Orkney, Scotland. The settlement is within the parish of Cross and Burness. == References... ==

Broch of Burrian
Broch of Burrian

The Broch of Burrian is an Iron Age broch located on North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland (grid reference HY76275138). == Location == The...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.380768,-2.433786
Tor Ness
Place: locality
Wikidata: Q24637971
Lat/Long: 59.3835585/-2.4309414
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Cellar of Hamargeo
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.3769487/-2.4314956
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Grey Stane
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.3840636/-2.4332256
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Inglass Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3779171/-2.4316622
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bay of Ryasgeo
Natural: bay
Wikidata: Q24639261
Lat/Long: 59.3794746/-2.4335075
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Trangie
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3771699/-2.4329947
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The Staff
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.3818477/-2.4325762
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Staff Geo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 59.3814543/-2.4343143
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
South Bay Orkney
Ringstead Bay Dorset

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