Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Widewall Bay

Season: summer

This summer visit was to the Oyces (Oyce of Herston and Oyce of Quindry) at Widewall Bay, which can be found at the most sheltered end of the bay. There’s another strand at nearby Sands of Wright beach, which I visited during the previous December. An oyce, pronounced “oose”, is a flat inlet within an existing bay, ideal for drawing up flat bottomed Viking boats over a thousand years ago. The naturally calm atmosphere here was heightened on this occasion by idyllic weather. I strongly recommend a visit to South Ronaldsay and to this bay in particular.

What the beach means to Veronica.

Peace and quiet at Widewall Bay.

Season: winter

Widewall Bay is a sheltered enclave on the western side of South Ronaldsay, sitting by the main southern entrance to Scapa Flow. It is a yachting shelter and it has a small beach. There is a heavy ancient historical resonance hereabouts, including the interesting Oyce of Quindry, a neolithic portal which is fully visible at low tide. This is a great birdwatching location too and there are excellent views across the bay to Hoxa and towards the picturesque village of Herston. On this occasion I visited Sands of Wright in the bay.

What the beach means to Helen.

A high tide at Sands of Wright.

Dornoch

Season: summer

The tide was falling back during this visit to Dornoch beach. White clouds scudded by on a bright morning. Birdlife was evident along the strand, with oystercatchers and sanderlings skittering at the water’s edge. An addition to the backdrop since my last visit was the boathouse for the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) lifeboat. ESRA is an independent service to support those at sea in the area, a fine initiative.

What the beach means to Douglas and Kerri.

A morning scene by the beach at Dornoch.

Season: winter

Dornoch beach has a long expanse of golden sand. With clean bathing waters and as part of a National Nature Reserve, there’s a winning formula here as a visitor attraction. A breathtaking setting, complete with dunes, plus good parking and facilities, add to the cocktail. The eastern end of the beach is known as Burnmouth. As well as being sandy, the beach has rock pools to explore, making fun for all the family. The nearby town of Royal Dornoch is genteel, with well-heeled visitors able to enjoy the excellent shops and eateries, as well as a world class links golf course.

On the beach with Myre.

What the beach means to John.

A fine morning scene at Dornoch beach.

A view from behind the beach.

Embo

Season: winter

Embo beach sits on the beautiful Dornoch Firth between the village of Embo and the River Fleet. It features extensive sand dunes, free parking and a wonderfully natural feel. Wildlife is abundant among the paths through the dunes, making this a great spot to explore. With plenty of facilities nearby, this is also an excellent getaway location. The beach is sandy and unspoilt.

Peace and quiet all the way for Tristan.

A classic beach and the dunes at Embo.