Some 390 million years ago Orkney was covered by water, now known as Lake Orcadie. Over time layers of mud and sand were laid down which became compressed and formed the landscape we see today.
New Lighthouse Self Catering Cottage is situated at the far eastern end of Orkney Mainland in the Parish of Deerness. Deerness is separated from the East Mainland by a narrow sandy isthmus, the southern side of this being Dingieshowe - a beautiful beach. On the north side of the isthmus is St Peter's Bay where it is possible to see various types of wader.
Dingieshowe, Deerness
Newark Bay, Deerness
Both Geo and Newark Bay have a slipway and picnic area. On the east coast of Deerness is The Gloup, a collapsed sea cave. There is a comprehensive path network that stretches from here to the Covenanter's Memorial on the north coast and a narrow and dangerous track to the Brough of Deerness.
At the north east tip of Deerness is Mull Head Local Nature reserve. This extends to some 160 ha. and includes sea cliffs, grassland and maritime heath. To the west of the reserve is the Covenanter's Memorial. From Mull Head (on a clear day) it is possible to see most of the north isles.
For those with an interest in nature our varied terrain of hills, moors, farmland and coastal scenery provide a habitat for many different birds, plants and mammals.
If archaeology is your passion then there are sites in the vicinity, with many more in the whole of Orkney. For those interested in arts and crafts there are varied places to visit not too far away.
Modified on ... August 09, 2006