UK & Ireland — Hebrides & Orkney

Kirkwall Bay

58°58.9'N 002°57.7'W · Kirkwall (Orkney capital) (0nm)

4–8m

Depth

Good

Holding

90m

Alarm radius

Moderate

Crowd level

Kirkwall is the capital and main town of Orkney — a remarkable Norse-influenced town centred on the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral (founded 1137), one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in northern Europe. The bay provides reasonable shelter except in northerlies, and the town offers full reprovisioning, chandlery, fuel and restaurants. The Orkney Museum (free entry) is exceptional. Kirkwall is also the gateway to the Orkney North Isles (Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay) for those continuing north. The famous Highland Park Distillery (Scotland's most northerly single malt) is a short walk from the harbour.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugust

Anchor Zones

Kirkwall Bay — anchorage north of the pier

Good

4–8m · Alarm: 90m

Anchor in 4–7m (CD) in the bay north of Kirkwall pier. Mud and sand bottom — adequate holding but the bay is exposed to the north and significant chop develops in northerly winds. CalMac ferry operates from Kirkwall to the North Isles — monitor their movements. Visitor pontoon available at Kirkwall Marina (VHF Ch 12). Tidal range approximately 3.0m springs.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

90m radius for the open bay. The bay faces north and is exposed to N and NW winds — in these conditions the anchorage is uncomfortable. The marina pontoon is preferable in any northerly. Tidal range 3.0m springs — plan scope accordingly.

Recommended radius: 90m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Exposed to N and NW — uncomfortable in northerly winds; use marina if northerly is forecast
  • !CalMac ferry and inter-island ferry traffic — maintain VHF watch on Ch 12
  • !Shoal areas in the bay — consult Admiralty Chart 2584 for approach
  • !Tidal range 3.0m springs — verify actual depths at anchor time

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓St Magnus Cathedral (founded 1137) is unmissable — one of the finest medieval buildings in Scotland and free to enter
  • ✓Highland Park Distillery tour is excellent — the most northerly single malt whisky distillery in the world
  • ✓The Orkney Museum (in the former Bishop's Palace) is outstanding and free — puts the entire history of Orkney in context
  • ✓Book a marina berth in advance in July–August — the marina is popular with both local and visiting yachts

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisionsWiFi

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Marina berths approx. £22–30/night. Contact Orkney Harbours VHF Ch 12.
Restrictions:
Contact Kirkwall Harbour on VHF Ch 12 on entry. Keep clear of CalMac ferry approach and the ro-ro berth. Active commercial and fishing vessel port.

Sleep Safely at Kirkwall Bay

Set your anchor alarm to 90m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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