Locations – Sea Kayak 59° North

Hoy

Kristian Cooper — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:21:49 +0000

The island of Hoy is usually the first island that outdoor enthusiasts think about when Orkney is mentioned, especially among climbers seeking to conquer the Old Man of Hoy. This 450 foot sandstone sea stack now attracts hundreds of climbers every year but was first climbed in 1966 by Chris Bonington and broadcast live by the BBC. There is no doubt the sheer scale of the Old Man is best…

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South Ronaldsay

craig — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:07:01 +0000

One of our personal favorite paddling spots is the east side of South Ronaldsay. Launching from a large sandy bay beside an old Kirk we quickly come to high sandstone cliffs that were heated and twisted when formed into arches, caves, rock tunnels and peculiar rock formations. Nesting kittywakes look upon us with as much curiosity as we do them. Razor Bills, Guilimots…

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Kirkwall Bay

craig — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:06:17 +0000

Kirkwall Bay offers easy access and plenty of shelter from the swell and exposure of the Atlantic and North Sea while still providing interesting shorelines to explore. Expect to be followed by curious common seals and sea birds. Include a trip to Thieves Holm to experience a taste of some tidal flow in a safe environment. It is also a good base for heading north to Shapinsay or to simply…

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Pentland Firth

craig — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:05:14 +0000

The islands in the Pentland Firth are among the least visited in the British Isles mainly due to the infamous tidal flows that separate them from mainland Scotland and Orkney, they are also exposed to both east and westerly swell. All this make the trip all the more special when the conditions are favorable. Swona, Stroma and Pentland Skerries are all now uninhabited by humans and have been…

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Churchill Barriers

Kristian Cooper — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:03:18 +0000

The Churchill Barriers were built by Italian Prisoners of war during the Second World War after the tragic sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939. These days it gives excellent shelter either from the west or east winds which is fantastic for beginners or experienced alike. Before the barriers were built, dozens of ships were sunk in the channels between the islands in an early attempt to stop the…

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Eynhallow and Rousay

Kristian Cooper — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:02:49 +0000

Launching is ideal here with public toilets and a large sheltered sandy beach for all levels of kayakers to explore and find confidence. If you would like a trip across the short channel to Eynhallow (Norse – meaning the holy isle) careful tidal planning is required but is achievable for intermediate paddlers. There are strong tides and spectacular over falls at certain tidal states but with…

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Brough Of Birsay

craig — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:02:12 +0000

The Brough is a small tidal island which is accessed by foot only at low tide and attracts many visitors on a nice day to explore the ruins of a Pictish and Viking village and also the lighthouse. Exposed to the west and north, the conditions need to be favourable for kayaking, but there are good sheltered launches in Birsay Bay and the north side. Birsay has a landscape of gentle rolling…

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Skaill Bay – Sandwick

craig — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:01:08 +0000

The wild west coast of Mainland Orkney is only accessible from a few bays that break the high cliffs that seemingly go on forever! Once you launch from Skaill, you immediately have the feeling you are exposed to nature’s elements as the sea stretches out for thousands of miles to the west, if you were to paddle directly west you would land in Labrador- Canada! Following the coast either…

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Scapa Flow

Kristian Cooper — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:59:57 +0000

Scapa bay is one of our most used and popular places to launch and paddle from and gives both beginners and more experienced paddlers a safe place to learn, practice their skills and gain confidence. Big sandy beaches and secluded rocky shorelines, a waterfall and even a whisky distillery! A short paddle in any direction and you get the feeling of openness and adventure.

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Deerness and Copinsay

Kristian Cooper — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:23:59 +0000

Deerness offers an entire spectrum of paddling opportunities. It is almost an island on its own as it is joined to the mainland by only a narrow spit of land. It has many sheltered sandy beaches to launch from and an abundance of cliffs, caves, coves and tide races to keep paddlers interested. Amongst the highlights of the Deerness area is the Gloup, which was once a deep cave before the roof…

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