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Holm Sound

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Orkney

Scotland

Holm Sound

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray Credit: stalked

Holm Sound is a picturesque sea inlet located on the eastern coast of Orkney, a group of islands off the northern tip of mainland Scotland. It is situated between the islands of Mainland and Lamb Holm, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.

As a sea inlet, Holm Sound serves as an estuary where the fresh waters of the River Stenness flow into the North Sea. The estuary is characterized by its calm and sheltered waters, making it a popular destination for boating, sailing, and other water-based activities. The depth of the estuary varies, with deeper channels and shallower areas, providing an interesting landscape for exploration.

Holm Sound is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, seals, and seabirds. The nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem, attracting anglers and birdwatchers alike. The surrounding coastline features rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, offering visitors the opportunity to observe the natural beauty of the area.

The estuary is easily accessible from nearby towns and villages, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife watching. The nearby Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways built during World War II, provide a scenic drive and offer stunning views over Holm Sound.

In conclusion, Holm Sound is a charming sea inlet, estuary, and creek in Orkney, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife observation. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape amidst the beauty of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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Holm Sound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.356593/-2.8756042 or Grid Reference HY5052. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray
Walking on Papa Westray
Swans on the Shore Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Swans on the Shore
Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.
Remains of a Fence The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Remains of a Fence
The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.
Zigzag Rocks I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Zigzag Rocks
I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.
Two Ponies Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
Two Ponies
Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.
View Along Fence And Wall Near Berry Hill
View Along Fence And Wall Near Berry Hill
Loch of Ness The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
Loch of Ness
The Loch of Ness and the bay of North Wick beyond, on Papay (Papa Westray), Orkney.
Fowl Craig As its name suggests, a nesting site for seabirds. This is within the RSPB North Hill reserve on Papa Westray.
Fowl Craig
As its name suggests, a nesting site for seabirds. This is within the RSPB North Hill reserve on Papa Westray.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Bay of Burland, Papa Westray
Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.
Mill Point, Papa Westray There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Mill Point, Papa Westray
There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.
Guillemots and razorbills on Fowl Craig The guillemots are the grey and white birds to the right of the picture. The ledges of the craig provide nest sites for 200 razorbills and 1600 guillemots.
Guillemots and razorbills on Fowl Craig
The guillemots are the grey and white birds to the right of the picture. The ledges of the craig provide nest sites for 200 razorbills and 1600 guillemots.
Razorbill on Fowl Craig, Papa Westray Only a small part of the craig can be seen from the cliff-top path, but this razorbill obligingly stood at a corner.
Razorbill on Fowl Craig, Papa Westray
Only a small part of the craig can be seen from the cliff-top path, but this razorbill obligingly stood at a corner.
Canoes at the roadside Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
Canoes at the roadside
Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray
House at Hundland A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
House at Hundland
A traditional Papa Westray house, long and low.
Chambered Cairn Remains Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Chambered Cairn Remains
Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.
Holm of Papay
Holm of Papay
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
View of the Holm of Papay, from the air
Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land
Cliffs, Holm of Papay A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
Cliffs, Holm of Papay
A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top
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Holm Sound is located at Grid Ref: HY5052 (Lat: 59.356593, Lng: -2.8756042)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///chained.nightlife.trainers. Near Pierowall, Orkney Islands

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