Bay of Skaill Beach

This long white sand beach is set in a wide horseshoe-shaped bay on the exposed west coast of Orkney. Despite its remote location it is one of the most popular beaches in the islands. Frequented by both locals and visitors it’s also a great spot for dogs.

Bay of Skaill is also one of the best surf spots around, although on the better days it is best left to the experts.

There is some shelter from the Atlantic swells offered by the southern headland which is also home to Hole o’ Row. This natural rock arch comes to life in big storms where waves explode through the hole in the cliffs.

The Bay of Skaill is probably best known as the site of Skara Brae, a 5,000 year old Neolithic village. One of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric settlements, this prehistoric site contains ten clustered houses. The village is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids and is important enough to have received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.