Best Beach in Orkney Islands, Scotland

Sands of Evie is a beach located on the northern shore of Mainland Orkney, Scotland, sitting on the edge of the Bay of Evie, which opens out into the wider Eynhallow Sound. The sound separates Mainland Orkney from the smaller island of Rousay to the north, and the view across this stretch of water forms a defining part of the beach's character. The settlement of Evie is a quiet, scattered rural community, and the beach reflects that sense of remoteness and unspoiled natural beauty that makes Orkney such a distinctive destination. The beach is not heavily promoted or commercialised, which is very much part of its appeal — it rewards visitors who make the effort to seek it out with a genuine sense of discovery and solitude that has become increasingly rare in the British Isles. The beach itself is composed primarily of fine to medium sand, typically pale golden in colour when dry, shifting to a richer, darker tone when wet. It is a relatively generous beach in width during lower tides, offering good stretches of open sand that make it comfortable for walking and for simply standing and absorbing the views. The sands are generally clean and well-maintained by natural tidal action. Along parts of the shore there may be scattered pebbles and occasional seaweed deposits, particularly after storms, which are a natural feature of Orcadian beaches rather than any sign of neglect. The setting is low-lying and open, framed by green agricultural land rolling away behind the shoreline, with no dramatic cliff formations at this particular stretch — instead the landscape feels broad and sky-dominated in the way that is characteristic of Orkney. The water conditions here reflect the realities of the Eynhallow Sound, which is a channel known for reasonably strong tidal flows given the geography of the Orkney island groups. Sea temperatures around Orkney are cold throughout the year, reaching perhaps 13 to 14 degrees Celsius at the height of summer and dropping considerably in winter. Swimming is possible for hardy and experienced open-water swimmers, but the combination of cold temperatures and tidal currents in the sound means that casual bathing carries risks that should not be underestimated. There are no lifeguards stationed at this beach. Waves are typically moderate rather than dramatic, though northerly and north-westerly storms can significantly alter conditions, bringing heavy swells and strong onshore winds. Anyone entering the water should be aware of conditions on the day and exercise appropriate caution. In terms of facilities, Sands of Evie is a natural, undeveloped beach with minimal infrastructure. There is a small car parking area close to the shore which allows reasonably convenient access. Toilet facilities are limited or absent at the beach itself, so visitors should plan accordingly. There are no cafes, kiosks, or equipment hire facilities at or immediately adjacent to the beach. The nearest services would be found in the village of Evie or further afield toward Kirkwall, Orkney's main town, which lies some distance to the south-east. Accessibility for those with mobility difficulties is limited given the nature of the terrain and the lack of formal facilities. Visitors are advised to bring everything they need with them, including food, water, and any equipment. The best time to visit is during the late spring and summer months, roughly May through August, when daylight hours in Orkney are remarkably long — the islands sit at a latitude where midsummer brings near-constant light, a phenomenon known locally as the Simmer Dim. This creates extraordinary conditions for photography and for simply experiencing the landscape at unusual hours. Summer also brings more settled weather, though Orkney is never entirely predictable in meteorological terms. The beach is quiet relative to more famous Scottish coastal destinations, so crowds are rarely a concern even during peak season. Autumn and winter visits offer dramatic skies and powerful light but come with the expectation of cold, wind, and the possibility of genuine storms sweeping in from the North Atlantic. Activities at Sands of Evie are centred on the natural and the unhurried. Walking along the shore and around the broader Bay of Evie coastline is the most popular pursuit. The area is excellent for birdwatching, as Orkney's coastlines and waters support a rich variety of seabirds and waders, and the Eynhallow Sound is known for the presence of marine mammals including grey seals and, with luck, harbour porpoises. Photography is highly rewarding here, particularly given the expansive skies and the quality of light unique to these northern latitudes. Sea kayaking is practiced in these waters by experienced paddlers, though the tidal conditions in the sound demand careful planning and appropriate skill. Rock pooling along the shallower fringes of the bay can be productive for those with an interest in marine life. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Orcadian — gently rolling farmland, wide open skies, and a horizon that seems to stretch further than it has any right to. To the north across Eynhallow Sound lies the island of Rousay, and on a clear day the outline of Eynhallow itself, a small uninhabited island with a significant historical and legendary reputation, is visible from the shore. Eynhallow was once the site of a Norse monastery and is deeply embedded in Orcadian folklore, sometimes described as a place of uncanny or supernatural associations in the old stories. The presence of this island in the middle distance adds a layer of historical and atmospheric depth to the view from the beach that is quite unlike anything you would encounter on a more conventional seaside visit. The historical and legendary context of this part of Orkney is rich. The island of Eynhallow visible from the beach has one of the more intriguing stories in Orcadian tradition — it was said in folklore to be a Finfolk island, one of the mysterious shapeshifting sea people of Norse-Orcadian legend, capable of being hidden from human sight and only permanently revealed through the intervention of holy water. The ruins of the Norse-period church on Eynhallow are genuine and accessible by occasional organised boat trips, making the view from Sands of Evie a direct line of sight to a place of genuine medieval significance. The broader area around Evie is also within reasonable travelling distance of some of Orkney's most celebrated prehistoric monuments, including the Broch of Gurness, a well-preserved Iron Age broch tower that stands on the coast not far from the beach, making a combined visit to both sites an obvious and rewarding itinerary.

Newark Beach is a secluded sandy cove located on the northeastern coast of Orkney Mainland, specifically within the parish of Deerness. This relatively quiet and unspoiled beach sits on the eastern shore of the Deerness peninsula, offering visitors a peaceful retreat characterized by golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic coastal scenery typical of Orkney's rugged shoreline. The beach is part of a landscape shaped by centuries of Atlantic storms and tides, creating a setting that feels both wild and timeless. While not as widely known as some of Orkney's other beaches, Newark Beach attracts those seeking tranquility and a genuine sense of connection with Orkney's natural environment. The history of the area around Newark Beach is deeply intertwined with Orkney's rich archaeological and maritime heritage. The Deerness peninsula has been inhabited since Neolithic times, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with ancient sites including Iron Age brochs and Norse settlements. The name "Newark" itself suggests historical connections, possibly relating to a "new work" or settlement, though the precise origins of the name in this context remain somewhat obscure. The beach and its surroundings would have witnessed centuries of Norse and Scottish activity, with the waters offshore serving as routes for traders, fishermen, and occasionally raiders throughout the medieval period. Physically, Newark Beach presents itself as a relatively small but perfectly formed sandy bay enclosed by low cliffs and rocky outcrops that provide some shelter from the prevailing winds. The sand is fine and light-colored, often scattered with shells and fragments of seaweed deposited by the tides. The beach faces eastward toward the North Sea, meaning visitors can experience spectacular sunrises when weather permits. The sound of waves against the shore creates a constant, soothing rhythm, occasionally punctuated by the calls of seabirds including oystercatchers, Arctic terns, and various gulls that nest along the nearby cliffs. On calm days, the water takes on a remarkably clear, turquoise quality that might surprise those unfamiliar with Orkney's beaches. The surrounding landscape of Deerness is characterized by rolling agricultural land divided by traditional stone walls and fences, with scattered farmsteads dotting the peninsula. The area maintains a working agricultural character, with sheep and cattle grazing the improved pastures that slope gently toward the coastline. To the south of Newark Beach, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, culminating in the famous sea stack known as the Gloup and the archaeological site of the Brough of Deerness, a spectacular promontory fort that dates to the Pictish period. The proximity of these attractions makes Newark Beach an excellent stopping point for those exploring the wider Deerness peninsula. Access to Newark Beach requires some local knowledge and a willingness to explore minor roads and tracks. Visitors typically approach via the small settlements of Deerness, following the coastal road that runs along the eastern side of the peninsula. Parking is informal and limited, usually along the roadside near farm tracks that lead toward the shore. The walk to the beach itself is relatively short but may involve crossing fields or following rough paths, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The beach is not signposted as prominently as some tourist destinations, which contributes to its peaceful, undiscovered character but also means visitors should be prepared with good maps or GPS coordinates. The best times to visit Newark Beach depend largely on what experience you seek. Summer months from June through August offer the longest daylight hours, with Orkney's famous "simmer dim" providing near-continuous light and the possibility of warm, calm days perfect for beachcombing or simply sitting and absorbing the landscape. However, these months also bring the most visitors to Orkney generally, though Newark Beach itself rarely feels crowded. Spring and autumn can be particularly rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts, as migratory birds pass through and seal populations are often visible offshore. Winter visits offer dramatic storm-watching opportunities and a profound sense of solitude, though weather conditions can be harsh and access may be more challenging. One fascinating aspect of Newark Beach and the wider Deerness area is the evidence of past human interaction with the coastal environment. Beachcombers sometimes find pottery shards, worked stones, or other artifacts that speak to centuries of settlement and use. The beach also serves as a reminder of Orkney's unique position as a meeting point of different marine environments, where North Sea and Atlantic waters mix, creating rich feeding grounds for marine life. Local residents have long known Newark Beach as an excellent spot for observing seals, particularly grey seals that haul out on nearby rocks and skerries. The relative lack of development and human disturbance makes this stretch of coast particularly valuable for wildlife.