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Beach of Saltness

Beach in Orkney

Scotland

Beach of Saltness

Banks of Runabout Several Nissen Huts stand as reminder of WWII activities in this area which housed a coastal battery to protect Kirkwall.
Banks of Runabout Credit: Andy Farrington

The Beach of Saltness is a stunning coastal area located on the island of Orkney, off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Known for its untouched natural beauty and unspoiled surroundings, it is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike.

Stretching over a mile long, the Beach of Saltness offers breathtaking views of the North Sea and the surrounding rugged cliffs. The beach boasts pristine white sands that contrast beautifully with the clear turquoise waters, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.

The beach is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species. Visitors can spot various seabirds, including puffins, gulls, and terns, nesting along the coastline. The area is also a designated site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich geological features and unique flora and fauna.

Besides enjoying the scenic beauty, the Beach of Saltness offers opportunities for various recreational activities. Visitors can indulge in beachcombing, picnicking, and sunbathing on the soft sands. The crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, while the strong coastal winds attract windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Facilities at the Beach of Saltness are limited, with no designated parking or amenities nearby. However, the beach's remote location adds to its charm, providing a peaceful and undisturbed atmosphere for visitors to connect with nature.

Overall, the Beach of Saltness is a hidden gem on the Orkney Islands, offering a serene and captivating coastal experience for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.

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Beach of Saltness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.059467/-2.9164138 or Grid Reference HY4719. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Banks of Runabout Several Nissen Huts stand as reminder of WWII activities in this area which housed a coastal battery to protect Kirkwall.
Banks of Runabout
Several Nissen Huts stand as reminder of WWII activities in this area which housed a coastal battery to protect Kirkwall.
Banks of Runabout Low cliffs and a precariously placed building on the north side of Shapinsay.
Banks of Runabout
Low cliffs and a precariously placed building on the north side of Shapinsay.
Banks of Runabout The steep sandy banks don't look very stable. On top is one of the Nissen huts supporting the coastal defences on Salt Ness.
Banks of Runabout
The steep sandy banks don't look very stable. On top is one of the Nissen huts supporting the coastal defences on Salt Ness.
Coastal erosion at Banks of Runabout
Coastal erosion at Banks of Runabout
Garth This is the last farm on the north end of the western tip on Shapinsay.
Garth
This is the last farm on the north end of the western tip on Shapinsay.
Coastal erosion The soft cliffs are collapsing and eroding away. A worry as the remains of a wartime coastal battery lie here and some of the features are in danger of collapsing into the sea. The buildings in the middle distance, looking a little like Nissen huts, will have been generator houses for searchlights etc.
Coastal erosion
The soft cliffs are collapsing and eroding away. A worry as the remains of a wartime coastal battery lie here and some of the features are in danger of collapsing into the sea. The buildings in the middle distance, looking a little like Nissen huts, will have been generator houses for searchlights etc.
Shapinsay, Farm of Garth Farm of Garth has an excellent stock of Orkney rare farm animals.
Shapinsay, Farm of Garth
Farm of Garth has an excellent stock of Orkney rare farm animals.
Ware Geo, Shapinsay Looking along Veantrow Bay toward Ware Geo.
Ware Geo, Shapinsay
Looking along Veantrow Bay toward Ware Geo.
Galtness Coast Gun Battery Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. Photograph taken from Sanday ferry.
Galtness Coast Gun Battery
Director Tower and Searchlight of WWII Galtness Coastal Gun Battery on island of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. Photograph taken from Sanday ferry.
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.
Skerry of Vasa Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Skerry of Vasa
Taken from a ferry from Kirkwall to Stronsay.
Galtness Gun Battery This WW2 gun battery commands the sea approach to Kirkwall. Like <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/14949">HY4719 : Galtness Coast Gun Battery</a> this was taken from a ferry, but in better weather.
Galtness Gun Battery
This WW2 gun battery commands the sea approach to Kirkwall. Like HY4719 : Galtness Coast Gun Battery this was taken from a ferry, but in better weather.
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
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.
Raised beach separating Vasa Loch from the sea, Shapinsay The view is along the track atop the narrow strip of land that separates Vasa Loch from the open sea on the west side of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. Vasa Loch is on the left.
Raised beach separating Vasa Loch from the sea, Shapinsay
The view is along the track atop the narrow strip of land that separates Vasa Loch from the open sea on the west side of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands. Vasa Loch is on the left.
Fields near Gebro, Shapinsay View of fields near Gebro, Shapinsay.
Fields near Gebro, Shapinsay
View of fields near Gebro, Shapinsay.
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Beach of Saltness is located at Grid Ref: HY4719 (Lat: 59.059467, Lng: -2.9164138)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///bubble.effort.perused. Near Balfour, Orkney Islands

Nearby Locations

Salt Ness Beach of Saltness Bay of Furrowend

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