The Riff

Beach in Orkney

Scotland

The Riff

The Bay of Semolie, Southern Part Wave-cut platform with mini seastack.
The Bay of Semolie, Southern Part Credit: Ian Balcombe

The Riff, Orkney, also known as the Riff Beach, is a stunning coastal area located on the island of Orkney, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, the Riff is known for its picturesque sandy beach and breathtaking views of the North Sea.

The beach boasts a long stretch of golden sand, complemented by crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The Riff is surrounded by rugged cliffs and rock formations, providing a dramatic backdrop to the beach.

This coastal paradise is known for its diverse wildlife and is a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, nesting on the cliffs and skimming the water. The Riff is also home to seals, which can often be seen lounging on the rocks or swimming in the sea.

The Riff offers more than just natural beauty; it also has historical significance. The remains of a Neolithic settlement can be found nearby, adding an element of intrigue and exploration to the beach experience. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the shoreline, exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.

Overall, the Riff, Orkney is a breathtaking coastal destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. With its stunning sandy beach, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it is a must-visit for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking tranquility in a picturesque setting.

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The Riff Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.875221/-2.8358661 or Grid Reference ND5198. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Bay of Semolie, Southern Part Wave-cut platform with mini seastack.
The Bay of Semolie, Southern Part
Wave-cut platform with mini seastack.
Wave-cut Platform Looking towards Copinsay, on the horizon.
Wave-cut Platform
Looking towards Copinsay, on the horizon.
The Bay of Semolie Southern end of the bay.
The Bay of Semolie
Southern end of the bay.
What a difference a fence makes Boundary between pasture and rough grazing.
What a difference a fence makes
Boundary between pasture and rough grazing.
Approaching Bruce's Hole That must cause some disappointing first visits to Geograph.
Approaching Bruce's Hole
That must cause some disappointing first visits to Geograph.
Bruce's Hole Or is it Tur Geo?
Bruce's Hole
Or is it Tur Geo?
The start of cliff collapse By Bruce's Hole, the clifftop is showing signs of subsidence, due to undercutting below.
The start of cliff collapse
By Bruce's Hole, the clifftop is showing signs of subsidence, due to undercutting below.
Bruce's Hole Looking from the southern side of the geo.
Bruce's Hole
Looking from the southern side of the geo.
Looking towards North Cairn A whole range of coastal features evident here.
Looking towards North Cairn
A whole range of coastal features evident here.
Approaching Hole of the Ness Truly amazing blowhole. I love Orkney..... no fence, no warning signs, nothing. My kind of Health and Safety: if you fall down a great big hole it's your fault.
Approaching Hole of the Ness
Truly amazing blowhole. I love Orkney..... no fence, no warning signs, nothing. My kind of Health and Safety: if you fall down a great big hole it's your fault.
Hole of the Ness Must come back here to watch the sea explode up out of the ground when it's blowing an easterly gale. Here on Orkney, that could be anything up to four or five hours away, of course.
Hole of the Ness
Must come back here to watch the sea explode up out of the ground when it's blowing an easterly gale. Here on Orkney, that could be anything up to four or five hours away, of course.
Hole of the Ness Impressive blowhole, so to speak.
Hole of the Ness
Impressive blowhole, so to speak.
Hole of the Ness Blowhole with tunnel.
Hole of the Ness
Blowhole with tunnel.
Hole of the Ness Blowhole with tunnel.
Hole of the Ness
Blowhole with tunnel.
Roy, buildings and turbine With the much larger Burray turbine in the distance.
Roy, buildings and turbine
With the much larger Burray turbine in the distance.
Stack, arch, stump As "Natural Arch" is written large on the map, I was expecting something more spectacular than this small tunnel. Perhaps another arch lies hidden nearby, or the arch has since collapsed, leaving the stump.
Stack, arch, stump
As "Natural Arch" is written large on the map, I was expecting something more spectacular than this small tunnel. Perhaps another arch lies hidden nearby, or the arch has since collapsed, leaving the stump.
Wave-cut platform Part of some extensive stretches of wave-cut platform along this area of coast.
Wave-cut platform
Part of some extensive stretches of wave-cut platform along this area of coast.
North Cairn Nearly sunset. Old beacon on Rose Ness beyond.
North Cairn
Nearly sunset. Old beacon on Rose Ness beyond.
Show me another place!

The Riff is located at Grid Ref: ND5198 (Lat: 58.875221, Lng: -2.8358661)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///rushed.astounded.smoker. Near Holm, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.875221,-2.8358661
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: white
Seamark Light Height: 24
Seamark Light Period: 6
Seamark Light Range: 8
Seamark Light Reference: A 3626
Seamark Light Sequence: 0.5+(5.5)
Seamark Name: Rose Ness
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 58.8726333/-2.8317667
Description: Farm
Lat/Long: 58.8788809/-2.8324126
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Generator Type: horizontal_axis
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 58.8784695/-2.8304896
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.8787163/-2.8317623
Beacon, Rose Ness built 1867
Man Made: lighthouse
Lat/Long: 58.8740568/-2.8292319
Rose Ness Beacon built 1905
Man Made: lighthouse
Lat/Long: 58.8727358/-2.8319798
Long Cairn (Neolithic)
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 58.8738925/-2.8294903
Bay of Cornquoy
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 58.8796691/-2.8369349
Rose Ness
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.8749818/-2.83198
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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