Orasay Bay

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Orasay Bay

Footbridge on the Hebridean Way Sturdy footbridge on the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge — Footbridge on the Hebridean Way Credit: Alan Pickup

Orasay Bay is a picturesque coastal area located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a stunning combination of sea, estuary, and creek, offering visitors a diverse and beautiful landscape to explore. The bay is characterized by its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including seals, seabirds, and occasionally dolphins, making it a great spot for wildlife watching. The estuary and creek provide a tranquil setting for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with plenty of opportunities to spot local flora and fauna along the way.

Orasay Bay is also steeped in history, with archaeological sites dating back to the Iron Age scattered throughout the area. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region while taking in the breathtaking views of the bay.

Overall, Orasay Bay is a hidden gem in Inverness-shire, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance for visitors to enjoy.

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Orasay Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.556274/-7.2839507 or Grid Reference NF8464. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge on the Hebridean Way

Sturdy footbridge on the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge

Alan Pickup

Hebridean Way

View SE from the Hebridean Way west of Langass Lodge. In the distance is the distinctive shape of Eabhal.

Alan Pickup

Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle by Loch Langais

The dilapidated sign calls the area the Langass Stone Circle. The hill Eaval is in the distance.

Julian Paren

The start of the path to Barpa Langass chambered cairn

This is a Neolithic chambered cairn. It diameter is about 22 metres by 5.5 metres high, and is around 5,000 years old. Unfortunately there has been a recent collapse and entry (although possible) is no longer approved.

Gordon Brown

Barpa Langass chambered cairn

Gordon Brown

Entrance to Barpa Langass in 1986

No restrictions on access to the chambered cairn in 1986 - so a return trip recently greatly disappointed as access to the interior is barred. In 1986 I remember no car park or "Interpretation Board" except the small board beside the entrance. According to the Canmore website Barpa Langass, 3rd millennium bc The tumulus of some eminent warrior, or perhaps of a Neolithic tribe, this is one of the best survivals of a barpa or massive chambered cairn of the passage-grave type. Prominent on the hillside, the circular mound of stones conceals the only known intact megalithic chamber in the Western Isles.

Julian Paren

Langass Stone Circle

Some of the two dozen surviving stones of the circle known as the People of Fingal above Loch Langais. NF8465 : Pobull Fhinn shows the identical view 23 years later. Gone is the information board that sat so well on the horizontal slab. The board states the place as Langass Stone Circle after giving the name in Gaelic. Pobull Fhinn is also mentioned. Eaval is the hill in the far distance.

Julian Paren

Peat stacks beside the A867

Looking towards Marrogh (168m) in the distance.

Richard Sutcliffe

Cutting peats beside the A867

Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.

Richard Sutcliffe

Cutting peats beside the A867

Traditional cutting of peats to dry for fuel in North Uist.

Richard Sutcliffe

Statue of Hercules in Langass Wood

Hercules, a grizzly bear, gained international stardom when going missing for 24 days after escaping while filming a television commercial on Benbecula in 1980. He was found on North Uist. He died in 2001 aged 25 and a statue was erected in his memory.

Alan Pickup