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Sand of Skaill

Beach in Orkney

Scotland

Sand of Skaill

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay Credit: Chris Downer

Sand of Skaill is a picturesque beach located on the west coast of Mainland Orkney, Scotland. Situated near the village of Sandwick, it is renowned for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers in length, the beach offers a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike.

The sand at Sand of Skaill is notably fine and golden, creating a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply strolling along the shoreline. The beach is backed by grassy dunes, which provide a natural buffer against the wind and add to the beauty of the landscape. Visitors can also explore the nearby Skaill House, a historic manor dating back to the 17th century, which adds an element of cultural interest to the area.

The beach is a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as it boasts a diverse range of bird species. Seals and otters can occasionally be spotted in the surrounding waters, adding to the natural charm of the location. The clear and unpolluted waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, allowing visitors to appreciate the marine life beneath the surface.

Sand of Skaill is easily accessible, with ample parking available nearby and public transportation options for those without a vehicle. The beach offers a peaceful and idyllic setting, making it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, nature exploration, or a scenic coastal walk.

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Sand of Skaill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.158288/-2.9419808 or Grid Reference HY4630. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Egilsay: a view from Rousay
Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.
Mae Banks A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Mae Banks
A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Fishing boat passing Mae Banks
A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.
Beach below Maeness A view of Egilsay from a passing ferry, though the hills behind are on Rousay. St Magnus Church is far right.
Beach below Maeness
A view of Egilsay from a passing ferry, though the hills behind are on Rousay. St Magnus Church is far right.
Mae Ness A very low headland on Egilsay. St Magnus Church is in the centre, while Knitchen Hill on Rousay stands behind.
Mae Ness
A very low headland on Egilsay. St Magnus Church is in the centre, while Knitchen Hill on Rousay stands behind.
Gorehouse, Rousay Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island.
Gorehouse, Rousay
Small farmstead above the shoreline on the east side of the island.
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
St. Magnus Church, Egilsay
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road
Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: southward view along the road The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: southward view along the road
The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour
Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach
A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the road to the ferry
Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.
Egilsay: the school The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: the school
The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61 The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61
The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument
The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay The island's postbox (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584959">HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61</a>) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay
The island's postbox (see HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.
Egilsay: St. Magnus church The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/2697/egilsay-st-magnuss-church">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>
Egilsay: St. Magnus church
The ruins of the 12th-century church dedicated to Earl Magnus, who was killed a short distance southeast of here in about 1116.LinkExternal link
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
Egilsay: welcome to Onziebust Nature Reserve
Looking along the road east from the crossroads. The island across the water is Eday.
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Sand of Skaill is located at Grid Ref: HY4630 (Lat: 59.158288, Lng: -2.9419808)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///hired.flattered.scrub. Near Brinian, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Point of Steedie Sand of Skaill North Happ Skaill Taing South Happ St Magnus's Ch

Related Wikis

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...

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...

Egilsay
Egilsay

Egilsay (, Scots: Egilsay) is one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, lying east of Rousay. The island is largely farmland and is known for its corncrakes...

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...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 59.158288,-2.9419808
Saint Magnus Church - early church C12
Former Amenity: place_of_worship
Religion: christian
Source: OS7;Bing
Tourism: attraction
Lat/Long: 59.15692/-2.9352698
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ferry Terminal
Egilsay Ferry Terminal
Lat/Long: 59.1549457/-2.9446211
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Egilsay slip
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Light Height: 4
Seamark Light Period: 3
Seamark Light Range: 4
Seamark Light Reference: A 3740
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.3+(2.7)
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 59.1546578/-2.9449542
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1551015/-2.9410864
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.15514/-2.9401691
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1552143/-2.9384257
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1552693/-2.9367842
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.16032/-2.9343112
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 59.1610295/-2.9351266
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
War Memorial
Historic: memorial
Lat/Long: 59.1568815/-2.9349856
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Toilets
Lat/Long: 59.1559138/-2.9424129
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Sands of Skaill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 59.1583381/-2.9412759
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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