The North Isles (and North Mainland)

1. Westray has much to offer the visitor, whether for a week or a day. Many sandy beaches and rocky shores together with hill walks and the surrounding peaceful atmosphere make Westray an ideal holiday destination for those looking for something just that little bit different. Find out about Westray Marina.
You will find excellent shops in the village that stock most things you could ever need. A bakery offers morning bread within a two minute walk. The crab and lobster processing factory can supply fresh seafood. The post office, swimming pool, hotel/restaurant, café, heritage centre, craft manufacture, are all situated in Pierowall village one mile away. Art gallery/studio/café is within a couple of miles and you will find a number of historic/RSPB sites in near proximity. There is a wealth of attractions and warmth in Westray that makes this one of the most popular destinations in Orkney.

Anchorages: Numerous bays and inlets exist around Westray where yachts can explore;
1.1 Bay of Brough: is safe in most conditions but exposed to the north, good anchorage to shelter if wind in the south.
1.2 Bay of Cleat: Temporary anchorage. (beware of possible fish cages)
1.3 Bay of Swartmill: Temporary anchorage, good sandy beach (possible shellfish farm).
1.4 Pierowall Bay: Excellent anchorage in the middle; shallow on west side under village and to the N of the harbour.
1.5 Pierowall Harbour/Gill Pier: The harbour wall is used by commercial boats, however good alongside berthing on Orkney Marinas pontoons. Showers, water, electricity available. Visitor mooring to NW of harbour entrance.
1.6 Bay of Skaill: sandy bay with seals and other wildlife. Temporary anchorage.
1.7 Bay of Tuqouy: Long Shallow bay tide ebbs a long way out; Temporary anchorage in sand, good bird watching area.
1.8 Bay of Tafts: Good anchorage, local fishing boat moorings.
1.9 Rapness Bay: Good shelter, but restricted swinging space. Anchor clear of ferry turning area. Use tripping line on anchor.
1.10 Ferry Terminal: Temporary alongside berthing, used by creel boats.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

2. Papa Westray boasts the shortest schedule air service in the world (from/to Westray) according to the Guinness book of records. Good RSPB and historic sites, small shop and guesthouse. Papay (as it is known locally) has good walks, fine beaches and quietly welcomes visitors. The Holm of Papay on the East side is well worth a visit; large Arctic Tern breeding site, Neolithic burial chamber etc.

Anchorages: Good anchorages on both sides of the island:
2.1 Bay of South Wick on the east side; holding is good for anchoring in the bay, (quite shallow) avoid local moorings, a good slipway/jetty (Nouster) is available for tenders but dries out at low tide. Visit both Papay and the Holm from this anchorage, Visitor mooring available NE of slipway, in 2mtrs at low water.
2.2 Bay of Mocklett (Bothigan sands to the north of the ferry pier) has good holding but exposed from the south.
2.3 Pier: The piled, open pier is not particularly suitable to lie against for long periods and is used by the regular ferry.  

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

4. Eday has some fine anchorages; the North West side (Fersness) has sandy bays where you can moor and go ashore. A visitor mooring is placed to the east of Fersness point. An interesting anchorage exists in Calf Sound at the North end where visitor moorings are available. The pier on the South East corner of the island is used by the ferry and has limited berthing for yachts. A visitor mooring is available to the north. Attractions include an award winning heritage walk across the island, craftwork.
Anchorages:
4.1 Fersness Bay: Good anchorage on east and west of bay. Often used to await a suitable tide in the Westray Firth when heading south. Good holding, fine beaches. Avoid mussel farm on E side Visitor mooring available.
4.2 Ferry Terminal/Pier: Avoid fish cages to N, berth alongside the pier clear of ferry area; use fender boards.
4.3 Calf Sound: Cosy and scenic anchorage, moor undertow Carrick House. Two Visitor moorings available.
4.4 Bay of London: Occasional anchorage at entrance.
4.5 Mill Bay: Occasional anchorage.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

5. Sanday offers good sheltered anchorages in several bays however many are shallow. The island, as its name indicates, has numerous sandy beaches and is low lying with a wide range of wildlife. Its main industry is farming with some lobster/crab fishing. Interesting recent find of Viking plaque at Scar in the North of the island. The village at Kettletoft has good facilities and the pier can accommodate yachts, but care is needed as depth is limited. However a visitor mooring has been placed for season 2016 to the east of the pier. Local facilities include Hotel, shops, butcher, post office, pottery, and crafts.

Anchorages:
5.1 Kettletoft Bay: Exposed from SE and S, holding good. Visitor mooring available.
5.2 Kettletoft Pier: is shallow but OK at outer end during neap tides with care. Busy creel boat pier so be prepared to share.
5.3 Loth: On South West of the island, two cables North of Spur Ness. Good shelter, busy ferry terminal, alongside deep water berthing beside small fishing boats, facilities five mile distant.
5.4 Sandquoy: Good anchorage in settled conditions.
5.5 Otterswick: good shelter, recent whale sightings, bird watching.
5.6 North Bay: good anchorage, avoid rocks at Bow of Hermaness.
5.7 Bay of Brough: good secluded anchorage, avoid rocks as above.
5.8 Bay of Stove: Long shallow bay, anchor just inside entrance, little known cairn on east shore.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

6.Stronsay is a good bird watching island, with many sites for observing breeding colonies and recording rare migrants. Whitehall, a fine sheltered harbour (refer to guides for buoyed entrance) alongside berthing possible, this has long been a favourite destination for yachts. Once a prosperous and busy herring station the island now relies mostly on farming with some creel fishing. The village has shop, bar, café/restaurant and good shower facilities.

6.1 Whitehall Harbour: Do not stray from buoyed entry channel. Anchor where depth available to north and east of pier and clear of ferry route. Visitor mooring NE of pier.
6.2 Whitehall Pier: Good depth at outer ends of both east and west sides of the main pier to moor alongside, it shallows rapidly towards the shore. Use long mooring lines and fender well. West pier is used by creel fishing boats, limited depth and not suitable for leisure craft.
6.3 St. Catherine’s Bay: On SE side of bay in 3 m. plus. Good holding. (avoid “The Swarf” when entering from the west).
6.4 Bay of Holland: Good holding in sand at 6-8m.
6.5 Mill Bay: Roomy bay; avoid shoals on N and S sides of outer entrance. Use anchor-tripping line where bottom may be foul, north side of bay best.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

7. Papa Stronsay: an active monastery, permission is required to land.
7.1 Anchor on the South side, mid-way between Stronsay and ‘Papay’, one cable to the East of the ferry terminal. Visitor mooring also available here.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

8. Linga Holm: small and uninhabited, is now owned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is an important Grey Seal breeding area with a variety of bird life.
8.1 Anchor to North side; beware of hidden shallows/ rocks at E side of bay.
8.2 Anchor on SE side (St. Catherine’s Bay), to NE of South Taing. Use tripping line.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

9. North Ronaldsay: Is more remote geographically from the other islands and can be difficult to visit due to unpredictable swell, however given settled conditions will be one of the most rewarding. Primitive seaweed-eating sheep are reared on the beach outside a high stone-wall that surrounds the whole island. Many species of migrant bird are recorded at the Bird Observatory. Visitors and are welcome at the lighthouse where the buildings are being developed into an interpretation centre and other attractions.

Anchorages:
9.1 Linklet Bay: Occasional anchorage south of Dennis Head, off jetty. Beware of Reefdyke SE of Brides Ness.
9.2 South Bay: good temporary anchorage to east of pier, good holding, liable to uncomfortable swell. Only good in settled conditions. Visitor mooring available SE of pier.
9.3 Pier: Sufficient depth alongside to lie in settled conditions, swell can make berthing difficult.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

10. Auskerry: Privately owned and lived in by one family. Seals, birdlife etc.
10.1 No recommended anchorage without local knowledge. Small landing jetty on SE

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

11. Egilsay: A large part of the island is owned by the RSPB and a wide variety of birds and other wildlife abound. The tall semi-ruined church of St Magnus dating from the 12th C is conspicuous from all directions.
Anchorages:
11.1 Anchor off the pier in Rousay Sound to the West or South, careful of rocks. Do not obstruct the ferry.
11.2 Pier: Very shallow on West side, rock sticks out on SW corner. However, you can go alongside with care with a rising tide on the SE side.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

12. Wyre: Like Egilsay this small island has interesting bird life and important ancient monuments; ‘Cubbie Roo’s Castle’ is possibly the earliest stone castle to have survived in Scotland.
Anchorages:
12.1 Reasonable anchorage to North East of the pier, out of the tide, avoiding ferry approach.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

13. Rousay: here you will find the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites anywhere in Scotland, many are near the pier and therefore accessible to the day visitor. The island is hilly and wildlife abounds. You will find a Restaurant, Public House, general supplies shop, craft shop and other attractions. Good toilet and shower facilities at the pier.

Anchorages:
13.1 Bay of Ham: On the East side offers good shelter, however there is a large fish farm present and care should be taken if approaching in the dark; anchor clear.
13.2 Wyre Sound: Anchor on either the East or west of the Rousay pier out of the tide, some local moorings here. Rig trip line as there may be some old ground tackle and kelp.
13.3 Pier: The south and west berths on the old pier can be used in settled conditions, however the pier is old and care should be taken. The ferry slipway and pier is to the east side of the old pier, you can berth alongside the east side of this if space available, local boats are welcoming and you may be able to raft up.
13.4 Visitor mooring E of pier.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

14. Eynhallow: Small island with ancient monastic history and lots of bird life, tides run strong. The North sound between Eynhallow and Rousay is dangerous to navigate without local knowledge. The recognised channel on the South side is a “Tidal Gate”; Study the “Cruising Guide” for information to make a comfortable passage through Eynhallow Sound.
Anchorages:
14.1 Approach from E, good holding 100m offshore, beware of hidden shallows two/three cables on E side. Temporary anchorage only.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

15. Gairsay: Small, distinctively high island with direct links to Orkneys Norse history, inhabited by one farming family.

Anchorages:
15.1 Millburn Bay: On SE corner; snug sheltered bay, good holding in mud.
15.2 Russness Bay: Peaceful anchorage on north side, avoid rocks on S side. Stone/shingle; holding difficult.
15.3 Langskaill Bay: On S side, below large house. Seek permission to land ashore, private jetty.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

16. Shapinsay: Green and fertile agricultural island. Offers some good bird watching ashore at Milldam and around the east side cliffs, a number of seal colonies is also accessible. Balfour Castle (the most Northerly Castle Hotel in the world) is a prominent backdrop to the attractive Balfour village when entering Elwick Bay. Locally known as the “Commuter Island” it sports a Restaurant, Shop, Heritage Centre, crafts and other attractions.

Anchorages:
16.1 Elwick Bay: Anchor anywhere or use Visitor moorings half a cable NE of ferry terminal, good shelter from most all directions, a swell may enter from SE gales; do not cross shallow reef between Helliar Holm and Shapinsay.
16.2 Pier: Alongside berthing on main pier, use fender board, however you may need to raft up. North side of ferry terminal can also be used. Beware of jetty between main piers that is hidden at high tide.
16.3 Veantrow Bay: Exposed to the N, best on the E side in 5-8 mtrs.
16.4 Bay of Sandgarth: Good temporary anchorage in sand.
16.5 Liviness Geo: Tiny, secluded fun anchorage for temporary use in settled conditions.

The North Isles (and North Mainland)

17. Mainland (north) is the largest island in the archipelago where most of Orkneys population reside, the capital “City and Royal Burgh” of Kirkwall accounts for almost a third of the population of the Islands. There are a large number of visitor attractions, ranging from ancient burial chambers and Neolithic standing stones, to the mighty Viking cathedral of St. Magnus. Trout fishing in the abundant fresh water lochs, orienteering, sailing, sea angling, wreck diving, golf, bird watching and many other outdoor pursuits are catered for. A wealth of jewellery and craft manufacture can be found scattered throughout the Mainland. Some of Scotland’s finest food and drink outlets are to be found on Orkney and can be easily accessed from a number of moorings and alongside berths on both the North and South of the island. You will find brochures and information on the large amount of attractions on line and from visitor information centres in Kirkwall and Stromness. Orkney is one of the most popular cruise liner destinations, so you may encounter these anchored or alongside in both Stromness and Kirkwall.
Anchorages:
17.1 Bay of Skaill: Temporary anchorage to visit Skara Brae, open to Westerlies, liable to uncomfortable swell.
17.2 Sands of Evie: Temporary anchorage, holding OK, shallow near the shore. Used mainly to await suitable tide in Eynhallow Sound and to visit the Broch of Gurness.
17.3 Aikerness: SE of Aikerness, good holding, there may be local moorings you can use temporarily. Some old ground tackle, use tripping line. Beware shoal in centre and S of bay.
17.4 Wood Wick: Good anchorage in outer area, Woodwick House Hotel has good food, bar and frequent music.
17.5 Tingwall Jetty: Creel boat working harbour, usually room for visitors alongside. Good depth and good shelter, use fender board. (1 mile to Woodwick House).
17.6 Bay of Isbister: Good anchorage on north side of bay of Firth in sand and mud.
17.7 Bay of Firth: Shallow in west towards Finstown, only suitable for shallow drafted vessels with local knowledge.
17.8 Bay of Kirkwall and Kirkwall Harbour: Approach harbour on sectored light: Anchor on west side under Hatston boat slip, beware of many old moorings and lobster keep boxes, use trip line. Kirkwall Marina facilities on East side of main pier. Good alongside berthing, can accommodate up to 60ft vessel. Inner harbour on West side of main pier accessible but used mainly by fishing and work boats. Lifeboat Station.
Many good bars, hotels and restaurants in walking distance, including the Orkney Sailing Club.
17.9 Bay of Carness: Good holding, avoid fish farm cages.
17.10 Bay of Meil: Good anchorage in centre, avoid fish farm cages.
17.11 Inganess Bay: Good depth and holding in most parts of the bay.
17.12 Deer Sound: Good shelter and good holding. Anchor off jetty on NW side, below Hall of Tankerness, or off Mirkaday point. Avoid shallow water and Oyster Skerries to South side of Mirkaday Point.
17.13 Copinsay: uninhabited Island, nature reserve; no recommended anchorage, however temporary holding in rocky bottom east of jetty in South Bay.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

18. The Islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray and Glimps Holm are connected to Mainland by causeway, built as part of wartime defences, creating one of the deepest natural harbours in Northern Europe. Anchorages in these islands are therefore included within this ‘Mainland’ section of the guide. The tides are weak within Scapa Flow presenting some fine, gentle cruising and a number of excellent bays to moor up. Many historic sites are within walking distance of piers and anchorages. You will find good food and bars in St. Margaret’s Hope, St. Mary’s, Burray, and Stromness.
18.1 Newark Bay: Shallows and hazards, not recommended for deep drafted boats: Good slipway facilities for trailer-sailors and small motorboats.
18.2 Kirk Sound: Good temporary anchorage on South side of Mainland (under farm and shallower anchorage on North side of Lamb Holm, salmon farm development no longer in this position (Italian Chapel visitor attraction ashore).
18.3 East Weddel Sound: Best shelter in this area, in South West corner of Holm Sound; Enter with care, excellent anchorage up near causeway in centre of bay to the East of blockship. 2-4 m sand. (some local moorings in the area, use tripping line).
18.4 Holm Sound: NE side of Burray, good holding in 5-7 meters, avoid if wind NE-SE.
18.5 Wind Wick: Temp. anchorage in light winds, used to await favourable tides in the Pentland Firth and off Old Head.
18.6 Bur Wick: On the SW tip of South Ronaldsay; used by short-sea passenger ferry from John O’ Groats, enter with due care for the tides in this area. Temp. anchorage off beach.
18.7 Widewall Bay: Good anchorage, sandy bottom. Sheltered from most directions. Used often to await suitable tide across Pentland Firth.
18.8 St. Margaret’s Hope Bay: On South side of Water Sound. Avoid drying rocks off Needle Point and unmarked shallows to port when entering; good anchorage in middle of bay, although it shallows rapidly towards the village. Busy ferry terminal (from Gills Bay on Mainland Scotland) on West side
18.9 St. Margaret’s Hope Pier/pontoons: Busy ferry terminal and fishing boat pier; limited leisure berthing;. Shore facilities in the village include bar, shop, gallery, post office.
18.10 Burray: At East end of Water Sound, anchor to South East of jetty, keeping clear of pipeline and cables. Visitor mooring available. Alongside berthing possible when available. Hotel ashore with food and bar facilities.
18.11 Hunda Sound: Excellent shelter in most conditions, anchor in middle in sand over clay.
18.12 Echnaloch Bay: Good temp. anchorage, sandy bottom, avoid cables.
18.13 St. Mary’s Bay: Village on North side of bay, anchor to South of pier, holding good, or pick up Visitor Mooring. Possible to lie alongside during settled weather. Avoid mooring on East side of bay (near causeway) as bottom is foul. Toilets ashore, bar/restaurant, post office.
18.14 Scapa Bay: Avoid Scapa Skerry and shallows to West of approach; anchor to NW of pier, leaving plenty of room for harbour traffic; this is a busy commercial pier, mainly for tugs operating tankers in Scapa Flow. Orkney Harbour Control is situated at head of the bay and can be contacted on channel 16, working channel 11.
18.15 Waulkmill Bay: Dries out 3c from head, interesting wildlife, temp. anchorage only.
18.16 Swanbister Bay: Good temp. anchorage in sand and mud, avoid Smoogro Skerry on NE side.
18.17 Houton Bay: Sheltered bay with good holding but restricted space, anchor in middle. Use S-E entrance, leading lights. Busy ferry terminal serving Hoy and Flotta. Alongside berthing not recommended for small boats.
18.18 Bay of Ireland: Anchor to NE of Bu Point; good holding in sand. Beware of large mussel farm.
18.19 Stromness Harbour: Very picturesque village, busy ferry terminal (from Thurso, Scrabster harbour on the Scottish Mainland). Use buoyed channel entrance; Busy fishing/workboat harbour, alongside berthing possible at the direction of harbourmaster. Good marina berthing at Stromness Marina in north end of bay beyond ferry terminal. Showers, toilets etc. shops, bars, restaurants and other facilities. Lifeboat station.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

19. Graemsay: Populated fertile island with some of the best views In Orkney. Ferry pier difficult for alongside mooring, landing facility only, avoid long stay.
Anchorages:
19.1 Sandside Bay: shallow sandy bay on North side; can be used in settled weather, beware Skerry of Cletts, The Lash, and the Barr Rocks.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

20. Cava: Uninhabited with a few old traditional Orkney houses still standing.
Anchorages:
20.1 Point of Ward: To east side of point as temporary anchorage in shingle, avoid sandspit on point. Use tripping line.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

21. Fara: Uninhabited island, some old croft houses still stand in good condition.
Anchorages:
21.1 Peat Bay: Occasional anchorage, use tripping line.
21.2 Jetty: SW of pier in 3-5 mtrs. Temp. mooring only, ground foul, use tripping line.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

22. Flotta: Oil terminal; tanker traffic and related vessels move in this area so be ready to keep clear. However not so busy since down turn of industry.
Anchorages:
22.1 Pan Hope: Interesting fair weather anchorage, holding good on south side of bay, avoid underwater pipeline. Wildlife good in this area including seals.

Kirk bay: Temp. anchorage, holding can be difficult.
22.3 Gibralter pier: alongside berthing available at ferry terminal or Sutherland pier.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

23. Switha: Sheep inhabited island: Approach from North if possible, to avoid strong tides at South.
Anchorages:
23.1 The pool: Temporary anchorage on South West side, use tripping line.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

24. Swona: Feral cattle are the only inhabitants, this is a difficult island to approach due to surrounding tides.
Anchorages:
24.1 The Haven: a small cove, is the best landing point in settled conditions.

Mainland (south), Including Linked South Isles.

25. Hoy: As its name implies is the highest island in Orkney, and has long been a favoured destination for the visitor. The west side boasts some of the highest cliffs in the UK and is the backdrop to “The Old Man of Hoy”. In contrast to the stunning heather and hill scenery on the West side of the island, South Walls to the East is flat and fertile. You will find pubs, hotel restaurant, grocery shop, lifeboat museum, wartime ‘Scapa Flow’ museum, nature reserves, theatre etc. There are several picturesque anchorages and alongside berthing around the island.
Lifeboat stationed in Longhope.
• Royal Hotel: Local bar at top of Longhope pier.
• Stromabank Hotel: Excellent food and bar facilities. (1 mile from pier)
• Hoy Inn; (Lyness) Good food and bar.

Anchorages:
25.1 Bay of Quoys: At the Northwest end of Hoy; good temp. anchorage in sand. It is possible to use the jetty at Mo Ness when the ferry does not require to berth. Do not approach from North between Hoy and Graemsay, as there are unmarked underwater obstructions.
25.2 Lyrawa Bay: Deep bay with good holding, can be exposed, shoal towards head of bay.
25.3 Pegal Bay: In Rysa Sound, good holding in attractive surroundings. Avoid salmon Cages.
25.4 Mill bay and Ore bay: Not recommended, as the bottom is foul with left over naval debris and large fish farm.
25.5 Lyness Pier: Busy ferry terminal. Alongside berthing used by dive boats. Deep water, beware of old bolts and other obstructions, use fender board. Access to naval museum.
25.6 Longhope: Anchor on South side of bay East of pier, or use Visitor moorings; avoiding fish cages, use tripping line as seabed debris can obstruct. North West of pier is also good anchorage in 5-8m. (beware of tide between South and North Ness). Alongside pier is possible avoiding ferry berth. Best shelter (limited space) inside new breakwater on Northwest of main pier; leave room for lifeboat to manoeuvre. Note; tide can run strong past entrance.
25.7 Kirk Hope: Good anchorage 6-7mtrs in sand, avoiding fish cages. Beware of strong tide on Cantick Head.
25.8 Aith Hope: Good anchorage however can be exposed in South winds. Several local lobster boats moored here. Access to lifeboat museum on west shore.