Agla Bar

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Orkney

Scotland

Agla Bar

Standing stones, Warebeth, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/1568/leafea" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/1568/leafea">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> : "These are two squared sandstone blocks 4 feet apart, their bases each earthfast in a heap of small stones. The larger is nearly 4 feet high, 2 feet 9 inches wide and 3½ inches thick; the smaller 3 feet 3 inches high, 2 feet 3 inches wide and 3¾ inches thick. The major axis of each is aligned N and S. At their bases are two granite boulders probably not associated with the monument, although the larger boulder now broken, once stood between the blocks with its axis E and W. The stones are perhaps the remnant of some larger construction, but not a circular setting. Allegedly human bones were unearthed by a dog at the bases of the stones."
Standing stones, Warebeth, Orkney Credit: Claire Pegrum

Agla Bar is a picturesque coastal area located in Orkney, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Situated between the islands of Mainland and Rousay, Agla Bar is a unique blend of sea, estuary, and creek, offering visitors a diverse and stunning natural landscape.

The area is primarily known for its serene and tranquil atmosphere, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers from all over the world. The sea surrounding Agla Bar is crystal clear, boasting vibrant hues of blue and green, and is home to a rich array of marine life. Visitors can often spot seals, dolphins, and various species of seabirds during their visit.

At low tide, the estuary and creek of Agla Bar become a haven for explorers. The exposed sand and mudflats create an opportunity for visitors to observe fascinating marine organisms such as crabs, shellfish, and small fish. It is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, as the estuary attracts a wide variety of wading birds, including oystercatchers, curlews, and herons.

Agla Bar is easily accessible by foot or by boat, and there are several walking trails and viewpoints that provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. The area is also well-preserved, with efforts made to maintain its natural beauty and protect the delicate ecosystem.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk along the coastline, a chance to observe marine life up close, or simply a place to relax and unwind amidst stunning scenery, Agla Bar in Orkney is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Agla Bar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.974993/-3.3579662 or Grid Reference HY2210. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Standing stones, Warebeth, Orkney From <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/1568/leafea" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/1568/leafea">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> : "These are two squared sandstone blocks 4 feet apart, their bases each earthfast in a heap of small stones. The larger is nearly 4 feet high, 2 feet 9 inches wide and 3½ inches thick; the smaller 3 feet 3 inches high, 2 feet 3 inches wide and 3¾ inches thick. The major axis of each is aligned N and S. At their bases are two granite boulders probably not associated with the monument, although the larger boulder now broken, once stood between the blocks with its axis E and W. The stones are perhaps the remnant of some larger construction, but not a circular setting. Allegedly human bones were unearthed by a dog at the bases of the stones."
Standing stones, Warebeth, Orkney
From LinkExternal link : "These are two squared sandstone blocks 4 feet apart, their bases each earthfast in a heap of small stones. The larger is nearly 4 feet high, 2 feet 9 inches wide and 3½ inches thick; the smaller 3 feet 3 inches high, 2 feet 3 inches wide and 3¾ inches thick. The major axis of each is aligned N and S. At their bases are two granite boulders probably not associated with the monument, although the larger boulder now broken, once stood between the blocks with its axis E and W. The stones are perhaps the remnant of some larger construction, but not a circular setting. Allegedly human bones were unearthed by a dog at the bases of the stones."
A view towards the ruin of Breckness House Some serious fencing work has been carried out here recently. Barbed and mesh fencing has been constructed along the edge of the beach and it appears to be no longer possible to access the ruin, all walkers being forced onto the beach, which I understand is impassable around the headland at most states of the tide. I don't know how this sits with the Scottish open access laws but it seems a great shortcoming of the local council not to come to an arrangement with the landowner in order to provide suitable walking around the coast, rather than giving the impression that visitors are definitely NOT WELCOME!
A view towards the ruin of Breckness House
Some serious fencing work has been carried out here recently. Barbed and mesh fencing has been constructed along the edge of the beach and it appears to be no longer possible to access the ruin, all walkers being forced onto the beach, which I understand is impassable around the headland at most states of the tide. I don't know how this sits with the Scottish open access laws but it seems a great shortcoming of the local council not to come to an arrangement with the landowner in order to provide suitable walking around the coast, rather than giving the impression that visitors are definitely NOT WELCOME!
Footpath along Stennigor The ruin at Breck Ness is seen on the horizon.
Footpath along Stennigor
The ruin at Breck Ness is seen on the horizon.
Point of Spoil, Breck Ness, Orkney Looking towards Black Craig.

This rocky tip is the only land which lies within the grid square.
Point of Spoil, Breck Ness, Orkney
Looking towards Black Craig. This rocky tip is the only land which lies within the grid square.
Point of Spoil, Breck Ness, Orkney Looking towards the Kame of Hoy.

This rocky tip is the only land which lies within the grid square.
Point of Spoil, Breck Ness, Orkney
Looking towards the Kame of Hoy. This rocky tip is the only land which lies within the grid square.
Agla Bar - Billia Croo The protective arm of an imposing geo (Johnson's Cave) on an exposed day.
A narrow coastal path passes here but it is daunting on a day like this and not without some danger
Agla Bar - Billia Croo
The protective arm of an imposing geo (Johnson's Cave) on an exposed day. A narrow coastal path passes here but it is daunting on a day like this and not without some danger
Hole o' Row The end of the Burn of Dykeside as it tumbles into the sea.
A small pathway traverses the cliffs here, between Stromness and Yesnaby. A few places can be daunting on wet and windy days.
Hole o' Row
The end of the Burn of Dykeside as it tumbles into the sea. A small pathway traverses the cliffs here, between Stromness and Yesnaby. A few places can be daunting on wet and windy days.
Filled Quarry - Johnson's Hole Only on very old maps is this quarry marked.
Shales and mudstones seem to have been taken from here, possibly for roofing.
Most of what is seen is fairly recent backfill
Filled Quarry - Johnson's Hole
Only on very old maps is this quarry marked. Shales and mudstones seem to have been taken from here, possibly for roofing. Most of what is seen is fairly recent backfill
Whale Geo - Billia Croo A messy day at the seaside.
The footpath between Stromness and Yesnaby runs past here. On a wet and windy day it can be dangerous.
Whale Geo - Billia Croo
A messy day at the seaside. The footpath between Stromness and Yesnaby runs past here. On a wet and windy day it can be dangerous.
Sedimentary pavement at Billia Croo
Sedimentary pavement at Billia Croo
Hill of Lynedardy Parked along the road from the private farm road which we used to gain the summit which was in a field off the track with Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs.  Great pasture and view towards Hoy.
Name: Hill of Lynedardy
Hill number: 12205
Height: 136m / 446ft
Parent (Ma/M): 1555  Milldoe - Mid Tooin
Area:23: Orkney Islands
Class: 1
Grid ref: HY233112 (est)
Drop: 32m
Col: 104m  HY236116
Hill of Lynedardy
Parked along the road from the private farm road which we used to gain the summit which was in a field off the track with Jim Bloomer and Tricky Speirs. Great pasture and view towards Hoy. Name: Hill of Lynedardy Hill number: 12205 Height: 136m / 446ft Parent (Ma/M): 1555 Milldoe - Mid Tooin Area:23: Orkney Islands Class: 1 Grid ref: HY233112 (est) Drop: 32m Col: 104m HY236116
Farm Buildings Near Feolquoy We used the private road up passed these large farm building on the way to bag the Hill of Lynedardy. The cattle seen on route looked very fit and well.
Farm Buildings Near Feolquoy
We used the private road up passed these large farm building on the way to bag the Hill of Lynedardy. The cattle seen on route looked very fit and well.
Track bend
Track bend
Outertown Road A straight section leading downhill with a good view to the Hoy hills ahead.
Outertown Road
A straight section leading downhill with a good view to the Hoy hills ahead.
Cattle pasture at Outertown Cattle on the hillside below the Outertown road. A fine view across to Hoy and possibly the only glacial corrie on the Orkneys.
Cattle pasture at Outertown
Cattle on the hillside below the Outertown road. A fine view across to Hoy and possibly the only glacial corrie on the Orkneys.
Dam, Stromness Reservoir
Dam, Stromness Reservoir
Stromness Royal Observer Corps Post
Stromness Royal Observer Corps Post
Breck Ness from the Hamnavoe
Breck Ness from the Hamnavoe
Show me another place!

Agla Bar is located at Grid Ref: HY2210 (Lat: 58.974993, Lng: -3.3579662)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///musical.relishes.refrain. Near Stromness, Orkney Islands

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.974993,-3.3579662
Hole o' Row
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.9739485/-3.3519073
Billia Croo
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 58.9725392/-3.3564782
Black Craig
Ele: 111
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 58.979159/-3.3582785
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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