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Links of Scockness

Beach in Orkney

Scotland

Links of Scockness

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck Credit: Gordon Hatton

Links of Scockness is a picturesque beach located in Orkney, a group of islands situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. This beach is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The beach stretches along a sandy coastline, with crystal-clear turquoise waters that glisten under the sun. It is backed by low dunes covered in lush vegetation, which provide a natural barrier against strong coastal winds. The dunes also offer a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.

Links of Scockness boasts a diverse range of wildlife and is a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot various species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and terns, nesting along the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, with seals often seen basking on the nearby rocks.

The beach is easily accessible and offers ample parking facilities nearby. It is a great spot for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The shallow waters make it suitable for families with young children to enjoy a safe and fun day at the beach.

Surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, Links of Scockness provides an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll along the shore, enjoying a picnic on the dunes, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the surroundings, this beach offers a truly unforgettable experience.

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Links of Scockness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.173601/-2.9552955 or Grid Reference HY4532. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lane towards Breck Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Lane towards Breck
Lane heading past Breck towards Faraclett and Scockness. A chapel is shown on the map here, but there's nothing resembling such a building amongst those to the right of the road.
Nethermill Rousay This also appears to be known as Sourin Mill and has an old cast iron wheel on this side, but does the wall to the right of the wheel show a former water race and possibly a breast shot arrangement? Lots of activity at the mill on this occasion as it looks as though it is under conversion to a dwelling.
Nethermill Rousay
This also appears to be known as Sourin Mill and has an old cast iron wheel on this side, but does the wall to the right of the wheel show a former water race and possibly a breast shot arrangement? Lots of activity at the mill on this occasion as it looks as though it is under conversion to a dwelling.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Hillside down to the Yetnasteen stone
No an easy subject to photograph as access across nearby fields is discouraged. The stone - 'Jotunna-steinn' in old Norse, which simply means 'giant stone' is over 2m high and is said to be a giant who was turned into stone. The giant must still have a thirst as legend says that the stone makes a few strides down the nearby Loch of Scockness at Hogmanay for a drink before returning. I guess that most locals would prefer a rather stronger drink at Hogmanay.
Farmstead for superheros? The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Farmstead for superheros?
The abandoned farmstead is shown as Pow on the map, but maybe that should read as 'POW!' if owned by a local superhero. Slowly decaying with roofs collapsing and weeds rampant.
Fields down to the shore A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Fields down to the shore
A near straight stone wall heads down the hillside towards the bar separating the Loch of Scockness from the sea.
Cairn on Faraclett Head The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
Cairn on Faraclett Head
The half mile or so between this point and the beginning of green fields further east is not a place to hang around during bird breeding season. Half a dozen arctic skuas, nasty characters at the best of times, take it in turns to fly aggressively at any human interloper. A trekking pole raised above the head fends off most attacks.
North west side of Faraclett Head A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
North west side of Faraclett Head
A path makes a traverse of grassy slopes here, but the immediate coastal views of cliffs are disappointing due to the nature of the ground above. Views along the coast to the west are good.
Two chambered cairns by the path Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
Two chambered cairns by the path
Green humps, shown as chambered cairns on the map, with only the nearer one being within the grid square. The nearby stile marks the way down towards the small parking area to the south of Faraclett farm, but the route is different to that shown on the 1:25000 map as it now heads directly down to the kink in the farm lane above the car park. Some expertise in gymnastics required to climb over two very high and part broken stiles on the way.
The minor road near Hurtiso
The minor road near Hurtiso
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
Looking down the road from the junction below the car park at Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
View across Faraclett Head
Rousay Mill, Orkney The mill is described on the RCAHMS website <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/2734/details/rousay+nethermill+sourin/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/2734/details/rousay+nethermill+sourin/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> as "19th century. A three-storey rubble building, harled on the main frontage, with an eight-spoke overshot wood and iron wheel. The lade is carried on a drystone wall."
Rousay Mill, Orkney
The mill is described on the RCAHMS website LinkExternal link as "19th century. A three-storey rubble building, harled on the main frontage, with an eight-spoke overshot wood and iron wheel. The lade is carried on a drystone wall."
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Tidal pond, Scock Ness, Rousay, Orkney
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney Looking towards Eday.
Bow of Cavequoy, Rousay, Orkney
Looking towards Eday.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney Looking towards Smithy Sound and Kili Holm.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Looking towards Smithy Sound and Kili Holm.
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Bay of Ham from the car park at Faraclett
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Rousay: looking down to Bigland from above Swartafiold
Across the sound lies the small island of the Holm of Scockness and beyond that the larger Egilsay: on the horizon is Eday.
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
Coastline, Egilsay, Orkney
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Links of Scockness is located at Grid Ref: HY4532 (Lat: 59.173601, Lng: -2.9552955)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///doted.upset.enthused. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Sound of Longataing Little Peat Geo The Clett Muckle Peat Geo Geo of Etherhellia Scock Ness

Related Wikis

Holm of Scockness
Holm of Scockness

The Holm of Scockness is a small island in the Orkney Islands, between Rousay and Egilsay. It is currently used for grazing. Its name is Norse in origin...

Rinyo
Rinyo

Rinyo was a Neolithic settlement on Rousay in Orkney, Scotland. The site was discovered in the winter of 1837–38 on the lands of Bigland Farm in the north...

Kili Holm
Kili Holm

Kili Holm is a tidal island in the Orkney Islands, linked to Egilsay. Unusually, like its neighbour Egilsay, it may have a partly Gaelic etymology, in...

St Magnus Church, Egilsay
St Magnus Church, Egilsay

St Magnus's Church is a ruined medieval church located on the island of Egilsay, in Orkney, Scotland. The site is recognized as the place of execution...

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Located within 500m of 59.173601,-2.9552955
Turning Loop
Lat/Long: 59.1764467/-2.9604094
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1752479/-2.9624167
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1750638/-2.9607162
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1747202/-2.9575592
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1748865/-2.9590961
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1746404/-2.9567358
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Marker: cable
Lat/Long: 59.1752727/-2.9545149
OpenStreetMap
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1765618/-2.9604962
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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