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Furrow of Agricola

Beach in Orkney

Scotland

Furrow of Agricola

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Shapinsay Gas House Credit: Shirley Grant

Furrow of Agricola is a stunning beach located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is situated on the eastern coast of the largest island, known as Mainland, specifically in the parish of Sandwick. This remote and unspoiled beach stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers and offers visitors a breathtaking natural landscape.

The beach is characterized by its unique geological features, including a distinct furrow that runs parallel to the shoreline, giving it its name. This furrow is a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which carved out the land and created a deep channel in the area. The beach is composed of fine sand and pebbles, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.

Furrow of Agricola is also known for its diverse wildlife and rich marine ecosystem. Visitors can often spot various seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and fulmars, nesting along the cliffs that surround the beach. The clear waters of the North Sea teem with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Aside from its natural beauty, Furrow of Agricola holds historical significance. The area is believed to have been named after the Roman general Agricola, who is said to have visited Orkney during his campaign in northern Britain. The beach is also situated near the ruins of the Broch of Gurness, an ancient Iron Age settlement, adding an extra layer of historical interest to the site.

Overall, Furrow of Agricola is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway in the stunning Orkney Islands.

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Furrow of Agricola Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.043396/-2.9271225 or Grid Reference HY4617. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shapinsay Gas House All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Shapinsay Gas House
All that remains of former gas works which dates from the mid 19th century.
Mill Dam, RSPB Reserve This reserve has a hide overlooking the dam. The reserve is home to many birds including ducks such as the pintail, waders, black headed gulls and the water rail. In winter the ducks are joined by whooper swans and greylag geese.
Mill Dam, RSPB Reserve
This reserve has a hide overlooking the dam. The reserve is home to many birds including ducks such as the pintail, waders, black headed gulls and the water rail. In winter the ducks are joined by whooper swans and greylag geese.
Main Street, Balfour Village This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Main Street, Balfour Village
This village was called Shoreside and was built in the late 1700s as home for workers on the Balfour estate.
Elwick Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.
Elwick
Looking south west across the square to Balfour Castle in the distance.
Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.
Bathhouse/dovecot tower, Balfour Castle, Shapinsay
This curious tower was built as a doocot and sea-water shower for residents and guests at Balfour Castle.
Shapinsay pier
Shapinsay pier
Skerry of Vasa Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Skerry of Vasa
Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Furrowend
Furrowend
South West corner of Grass Holm South West corner of Grass Holm. This is a small island inhabited only by a few sheep. Photo taken from an inflatable workboat. Island of Gairsay can be seen in the background.
South West corner of Grass Holm
South West corner of Grass Holm. This is a small island inhabited only by a few sheep. Photo taken from an inflatable workboat. Island of Gairsay can be seen in the background.
Furrowend Bay looking towards Galt Ness Outer Islands ferry passing the Galt Ness Gun Battery
Furrowend Bay looking towards Galt Ness
Outer Islands ferry passing the Galt Ness Gun Battery
Balfour Castle Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.
Balfour Castle
Grapes were once grown in the greenhouses here, in defiance of Adam Smith's assertion that a grape harvest in Scotland would be hopelessly uneconomic. Now the household confines its fruit-growing ambitions to rhubarb jam.
The Shapinsay Ferry Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.
The Shapinsay Ferry
Vehicles must reverse on to this shallow bottomed craft which takes about 25 minutes for the journey to Kirkwall. It serves islanders commuting to Kirkwall as well as tourists visiting this agricultural island.
Field near Balfour An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".
Field near Balfour
An old mill which may become a crafts centre looms above the grassy hillside north-east of Balfour. In the foreground are the distinctive kochia or "red hot pokers".
Balfour Castle Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
Balfour Castle
Imposing Victorian pile built around Cliffdale, the previous house. It is now an exclusive hotel.
Shapinsay Harbour Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!
Shapinsay Harbour
Lobster boats and the Kirkwall RO / RO ferry use the small harbour at Balfour. Cannon decorate the quayside and the round tower in the background is "The Douche" - supposed to be a doocot and a saltwater shower!
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west. Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Strombery and Twi Ness viewed from the west.
Balfour Castle and the Doocot to the south of the castle can be seen in the distance.
Mill Dam RSPB wetlands, extreme northern verge, Shapinsay The photo is taken from a ridgetop somewhat north of the hide.
Mill Dam RSPB wetlands, extreme northern verge, Shapinsay
The photo is taken from a ridgetop somewhat north of the hide.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
Elwick Bay, Shapinsay
North tower of Balfour Castle visible in extreme upper left of image.
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Furrow of Agricola is located at Grid Ref: HY4617 (Lat: 59.043396, Lng: -2.9271225)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///seagull.attitudes.dissolve. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Agricola Furrow of Agricola Kaiser Clett West Banks

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