Newark Bay

Newark Bay forms a lovely crescent of near white sand on the more sheltered south east coast of the main island. This is one of the more popular beaches on Orkney drawing people with varied interests. These include walkers and birdwatchers as well as small boat owners who use the slipway.

Old stories tell of a mermaid regularly visiting the beach back in the late 1800s. Whilst you probably won’t spot any mermaids there’s a good chance of seeing seals or the odd porpoise. It’s also a good place for spotting wading birds including purple sandpipers and ringed plovers. 

Not far off the coast is the islet of Copinsay which is home to a huge colony of guillemots along with fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills and puffins. An RSPB reserve, the island can only be reached by boats which leave from nearby Skaill.