Warebeth Beach

Warbeth beach will reward visitors with a lovely stretch of curving sand backed by the green fields of Mainland Orkney. Overlooking the Sound of Hoy the views across the water to the mountainous profile of Hoy are quite stunning.

The name of the beach comes from an old Scottish word for seaweed - wair or ware. Up until the 19th century collecting the seaweed off the beaches to use as fertiliser on the land was a part of local life. Today, after big storms seaweed will often pile up along the tide line.

Set on Orkney’s wild, western coast the beach at Warebeth is somewhat at the mercy of the elements. Warebeth beach is definitely a place of moods; on a calm summer’s day you may want to roll up your trousers and dip your toes in the chilly waters of the North Sea. When the westerly winds start blowing it has something of a more dramatic feel. Whatever the weather Warebeth beach is a place of beauty.

Facing westwards, Warebeth is also a great place to take in a sunset. With the backdrop of the dramatic hills of Hoy across the water it is more than a little photogenic.