Waulkmill Bay Orkney
A breathtaking, expansive white sandy beach on Orkney, offering stunning views and a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximizes beach expanse
Waulkmill Bay Orkney
Best Time
Maximizes beach expanse
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, expansive white sandy beach on Orkney, offering stunning views and a tranquil escape.
"Could be the best beach on all of mainland Orkney."
π Mind the Steps & Stones
Steps down are steep & uneven; stones to beach can be slippy. Wind is strong!
π Check the Tide Times
For the widest beach, aim for low tide. It's glorious then!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 Β· 54 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Beach
Waulkmill Bay
A glorious, wide, and long sandy beach, potentially the best on mainland Orkney .
Lupin Displays
Waulkmill Bay
In season, the lupins here are a vibrant spectacle, adding color to the coastal scenery .
Tranquil Lookout Point
Above Waulkmill Bay
Enjoy a peaceful view over the bay and the ships at sea, with handy public toilets nearby .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Waulkmill Bay
Be prepared for uneven steps and potentially slippery stones when crossing to the beach, especially at low tide.Best Views and Tides
For the widest sandy expanse, visit at low tide.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π Mind the Steps & Stones
Steps down are steep & uneven; stones to beach can be slippy. Wind is strong!
π Check the Tide Times
For the widest beach, aim for low tide. It's glorious then!
πΈ Seasonal Lupins
Visit in season to see the stunning lupin displays.
π» Public Toilets Available
Convenient public loos are located near the lookout point.
Tips
from all over the internet
π Mind the Steps & Stones
Steps down are steep & uneven; stones to beach can be slippy. Wind is strong!
π Check the Tide Times
For the widest beach, aim for low tide. It's glorious then!
πΈ Seasonal Lupins
Visit in season to see the stunning lupin displays.
π» Public Toilets Available
Convenient public loos are located near the lookout point.
πββοΈ Invigorating Sea Swims
The water is bracingly cold (around 6Β°C) but wonderfully refreshing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Waulkmill Bay's stunning, expansive white sandy beach, often calling it one of the best on mainland Orkney. The views are described as beautiful and tranquil, with convenient public toilets available. However, access can be challenging due to steep, uneven steps and slippery stones, especially in windy conditions.
"Beautiful lookout point over the sweeping bay below and the ships further out to sea. Handy public loos, too. Visited on a very windy day so didn't walk far but Heather and surrounds just lovely and tranquil."
Alison W
"Beautiful little bayβ¦great for a walk or a view. With a lovely path down to the water. Worth a quick stop."
John Cawthorne
"Beautiful wide and long sandy beach.
Could be the best beach on all of mainland Orkney."
mark munro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
Waulkmill Bay is accessible via a small road on the southwest of Orkney. Be prepared for a few steep steps down to the beach.
While specific parking details aren't extensively documented, the presence of public toilets suggests some form of visitor access, likely roadside parking near the viewpoint.
There are a few ways down to the beach, including steps. These steps can be uneven and the stones at the bottom may be slippery, especially with wind and tide.
Yes, it's great for a walk or just enjoying the view. The beach itself is long and wide, perfect for exploring, especially at low tide.
Absolutely! Waulkmill Bay is gorgeous any time of day, any height of tide, and any day of the year.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
Waulkmill Bay is a natural attraction and there is no entrance fee to visit the beach or enjoy the views.
As a natural beach, Waulkmill Bay is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No, booking is not required for Waulkmill Bay. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy freely.
The main considerations are the natural conditions: strong winds, uneven access, and slippery surfaces. Always be mindful of the weather and tide.
While not explicitly stated, the adjacent Hobbister Bird Reserve is managed by RSPB Scotland, suggesting a focus on natural preservation in the area.
πΈ πΈ Photography
Capture the sweeping bay, white sandy beach, and the sea.+1 The lupins in season are also a fantastic subject.
Golden hour light can be magical, but the bay is stunning at any time.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the bay. A polarizing filter can help manage the bright light and enhance sea colors.
The lookout point above the bay offers a fantastic panoramic view. Exploring along the shoreline at low tide also provides unique perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and be mindful of wildlife and other visitors before flying a drone.
π« πββοΈ Activities & Experiences
Yes, people do enjoy sea swims here! The water is bracingly cold, around 6Β°C, but described as wonderfully refreshing.
The beach has clear sections of seaweed and large stones, making it interesting for beachcombing, especially after a storm.
Waulkmill Bay is often visited alongside other Orkney highlights like the Italian Chapel, Highland Park Distillery, and ancient sites like the Ring of Brodgar.
The bay offers views of ships at sea. The adjacent Hobbister Bird Reserve is a haven for birdlife.
There's a unique three-acre garden overlooking the bay, designed with hardy, naturalistic planting suited to the windy Orkney climate.
Social
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