Where can I find wild-swimming spots near Rousay?
Saviskaill Bay is our favourite local spot on Rousay. On a Mainland day trip, options include Inganess, Waulkmill, Scapa Beach and the Third Barrier beach on Glimps Holm. Whether to enter the water depends on the day’s conditions and your experience; read the local advice and guided-swimming options below.
Saviskaill Bay, Rousay
We recommend Saviskaill Bay if you fancy a swim while you’re here. It’s on the north-west side of Rousay, near the loch, with parking at the beach. Wild swimming is popular here.
Our Rousay island map shows the bay, and the Rousay guide on Orkney.com has more about the island.
Inganess Beach, near Kirkwall
Orkney Mainland · a sandy bay on Kirkwall’s outskirts. Local swimmers use Inganess, and it features in Orkney.com’s feature on local swimmers.
A small car park and picnic area sit beside the beach, reached by a road descending a steep hill. The Juniata wreck is visible offshore. The Inganess visitor information on Orkney.com has more about the bay.
Waulkmill Bay, Orphir
Orkney Mainland · a broad sandy bay facing Scapa Flow. Waulkmill has a much larger expanse of beach at low tide. You’ll find local swimmers talking about it in Orkney’s sea-swimming feature.
Parking and public toilets are above the bay, with relatively steep steps down to the sand. See the Waulkmill beach guide for access information.
Scapa Beach, near Kirkwall
Orkney Mainland · a sandy beach overlooking Scapa Flow. Around a mile from Kirkwall, Scapa is popular with swimmers as well as walkers and other watersports users. There is parking beside the beach, and the Crantit Trail offers a walking route from town.
The Scapa beach listing on Orkney.com describes the location.
Third Barrier beach, Glimps Holm
Glimps Holm · beside Churchill Barrier No. 3. You can drive here from Kirkwall. Once you’re on Mainland, there’s no extra ferry to take. Orkney.com’s local activity recommendations include the Third Barrier area for swimming.
As you travel south, there’s a large lay-by on the left just before the third barrier. A short flight of steps leads down to the beach. Use the Glimps Holm beach guide to identify the beach.
Guided wild swimming in Orkney
If you’d like a guided sea swim, Adventure Orkney runs trips with local guides Ewan and Susan. They welcome beginners and experienced swimmers, with time to explore the coastline too.
Swimming advice from the RNLI
For practical swimming advice, visit the RNLI’s open-water swimming guide.
Getting to the beaches from Rousay
Saviskaill Bay is close to home on Rousay. The other four beaches can be part of a Mainland day trip, with a ferry crossing to Tingwall followed by a drive to the coast.
Our Rousay ferry guide helps with crossings, and our car-hire advice includes Drive Orkney and airport collection. Both cottages have their own kitchen and somewhere comfortable to relax afterwards.
There are more ideas on our Things to do on Rousay page, including walks, archaeology and boat trips.
A few more questions
Where do you recommend wild swimming on Rousay?
Saviskaill Bay is our favourite. It is near the loch, with parking at the beach, and wild swimming is popular here.
Where can I find advice about open-water swimming?
The RNLI’s open-water swimming guide is linked above.
Can I book a guided wild swim in Orkney?
Yes. Adventure Orkney offers guided sea swimming for beginners and experienced swimmers. You can contact them directly through their website.
Find out more
From Stay Rousay. Practical information checked 17 September 2026. The links go to the operators and local organisations for the latest details.