Best beaches in Sanday

But for us, a trip to Orkney’s largest north isle is all about the beach. Sanday has a coastline that you might normally expect to find in the Outer Hebrides, the Scilly Isles, or even the Caribbean (without the temperature, of course). There are countless stretches of white sand, wide, shallow bays, and a landscape of dunes and machair to explore.

Here are our favourite beaches to visit during a trip to Sanday.

Many visitors reckon these beaches are the best of the bunch – it’s certainly one of the most dramatic locations in the island.

Cata Sand is a vast tidal bay sheltered by huge dunes on its eastern flank. When the tide is out, this sandy expanse stretches for what feels like miles towards the coast. But just as quickly as it leaves, the tide returns, leaving a glittering sheen of clean, clear water in the bay.

That’s not all, though. Head to the coast itself and you can climb in the finest dunes in Orkney, looking out over Newark Bay, and walk along the long beach of the whitest sand to the north, or towards the Tresness peninsula in the south.

Simply put, this is one of Orkney’s most special spots.

This long, sweeping bay is home to a beautiful beach that’s almost 2km wide. It’s backed by machair and sand dunes, offering an ideal habitat for a range of wildlife. The views south here towards Stronsay are stunning, especially on a sunny day with the turquoise water in front of you.

There’s plenty to explore at Backaskaill. At the west side of the beach there are rock pools and formations to inspect, while at the opposite end you’ll find the remains of the Cross Kirk, resting place of Orcadian folklorist, Walter Traill Dennison.

There’s also a poignant memorial here to a marine wildlife tragedy. In 1994, 11 sperm whales were stranded at Backaskaill, all eventually losing their lives. A life-size metal whale sculpture has been installed close to the cemetery to commemorate them, offering a place to stop for a while and take it all in.

This sandy bay is on the southern coast of the island, just around the corner from Cata Sand and Tresness. It’s home to a lovely beach and is a favourite haunt of sea swimmers and paddle boarders.

It’s also the perfect staging post for a walk to the Quoyness Chambered Cairn, one of the jewels in Orkney’s archaeological crown.

Found on the north coast of Sanday, with views across to neighbouring North Ronaldsay, Whitemill Bay is a perfect place to experience the elements. It’s another incredible crescent of white sand and a beautiful spot for a stroll in all weathers.

Continue along the coast for more of the same – special views, sand dunes, and glorious peace and quiet.

The beach here on Sanday’s north eastern flank stretches for more than two miles. It’s hard to tell from the long road that skirts the bay, thanks to the dunes blocking your view as you drive past. It only adds to the excitement when you do finally get a sight of the sea, though.

Lopness is also home to a unique reminder of Orkney’s wartime heritage - the wreck of a World War One German destroyer sits in the shallow water. The B98 was being towed away to be scrapped in 1920 when its lines broke, eventually drifting onto the beach here. You can still see it in the water, and you can get a closer look at low tide.

Have we saved the best until last? Quite possibly, because this beach, pronounced ‘Doon Helly’ is one of Orkney’s finest. Reached only by a trek up a track, through a field, and over the dunes, Doun Helzie is a hidden gem on Sanday’s south east coast.

At low tide, the southern side of the beach is home to rock arches and small caves, and some fascinating geological features. Best of all, though, you’ll probably have the beach to yourself, so our advice would be to find a sheltered spot and just sit back to soak up the seaside scenery.