Loch of Harray Lake
Large Orkney loch with important birdlife
Freshwater loch on mainland Orkney near Stenness. Birdwatchers and writers visit for quiet reed fringes and proximity to major Neolithic sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe.
Loch of Harray at a Glance#
Address: Loch of Harray, Orkney, Scotland
About Loch of Harray#
The Loch of Harray is a freshwater loch on Mainland Orkney, in the northern isles of Scotland. It is one of the lowland lochs on the island and lies close to other notable water bodies on Mainland Orkney.
The loch is used for wildlife observation and local recreation rather than large-scale tourism. Its shoreline and nearby low-lying farmland provide habitats for waterfowl and other birds.
The loch sits inland on Mainland Orkney, within short distance of Stromness and the village of Harray, forming part of the island’s central lowland landscape.
- Orkney location: Lies on Mainland Orkney near the village of Harray and the town of Stromness, often visited by birdwatchers and naturalists.
How to Get to Loch of Harray#
Located on Mainland, Orkney, a short drive from Stromness and Kirkwall; local roads and signage lead to small parking areas near the loch. Orkney is best reached by ferry from mainland Scotland or by flights to Kirkwall.
Tips for Visiting Loch of Harray#
- Orkney's weather is changeable - bring layers and plan for wind even on pleasant days.
- Drive carefully on single-track roads and be ready to pull into passing places for farm vehicles.
- Combine a visit to the Loch of Harray with neighbouring archaeological sites such as the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.
Best Time to Visit Loch of Harray#
Summer offers the most comfortable touring weather; spring and autumn can be quieter and still pleasant for exploration.
Weather & Climate near Loch of Harray#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1072 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 111 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 85 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 99 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 64 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 52 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 76 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 11° | 102 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 118 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 130 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 118 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
