Newark Bay and Point of Ayre

Summary

This out-and-return coastal walk leads past one of the finest sandy beaches on Orkney Mainland. It continues as a grassy path behind the rocky foreshore, giving great views over the island of Copinsay; eventually the going becomes rougher but you can turn back at any point.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks and grassy footpaths, becoming rougher. Livestock are usually present on the final stretch to the Point.

Getting there

Start

Parking area above slip at west end of Newark Bay.

Public Transport

Bus routes from Kirkwall to Deerness passes 800m from start.

Start Grid Ref

HY567040

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.2km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 10m (Profile)

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Explorer 461 - Orkney East

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park at the west end of Newark Bay, to the right of a white building - home to the Deerness Small Boat Owners club, which has a slip leading down to the sea. Begin the walk by heading along the tarmac road along the back of the bay. The large anchor on the verge was salvaged from a wreck offshore for use in conjunction with the nearby winch to pull vessels up the slip.

Stage 2

After passing the wooden building turn right onto the grassy track that runs right around the back of the beautiful sandy bay. There are great views over the bay towards the island of Copinsay, an RSPB reserve with populations of sea birds such as fulmar, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Since the lighthouse was automated in 1991 it has been uninhabited. During the early 20th century Copinsay was farmed by a single family that had 13 children. Along with the lighthouse keepers' families there were judged to be enough children of school age on the island to justify a permanent school teacher, with a room in the farmhouse serving as a school.

Stage 3

Newark Bay is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with sightings including purple sandpiper, sanderling, dunlin and ringed plover. In summer eider ducks can often be seen offshore. When the track forks near the far end of the beach keep right. The grassy track emerges on a tarmac road - turn right off it straight away, signed as a footpath to Aikerskaill Road. The walk continues as a grassy path alongside the shoreline, eventually crossing a wooden footbridge.

Stage 4

Unless the weather has been very dry, the going starts to become wetter underfoot. Eventually the Aikersgill Road is reached. To continue the walk, cross this and go through the pedestrian gate, signed 'Point of Ayre'. From here the walk is much rougher going, as the area is heavily grazed by livestock. You can continue as far as you wish, with a giant turbine right by the Point of Ayre, Watch out for rare sea birds including Pomarine Skua and Iceland Gulls, or for porpoises off shore.

Stage 5

When you reach the point - or have simply had enough - turn around and retrace your steps back to the start. If the tide is out, it is hard to resist a detour to walk along the sands themselves for the final stretch back to the start.

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