UK & Ireland — Hebrides & Orkney

Stromness

58°57.8'N 003°17.9'W · Stromness (Orkney) (0nm)

4–8m

Depth

Good

Holding

80m

Alarm radius

Moderate

Crowd level

Stromness is the western gateway to Orkney — the terminal for the NorthLink ferry from Scrabster (Caithness) and the principal provisioning port for yachts transiting Hoy Sound and exploring Scapa Flow. The town is remarkable — a long winding main street that runs along the waterfront with no through-road for traffic (all vehicular access is from the landward side). Stromness Museum has an outstanding collection related to the Hudson's Bay Company (many Orcadians served as factors and voyageurs in Canada) and the Arctic expeditions. The Stromness Hotel (with its famous Old Man of Hoy Bar) is the hub of the Orkney sailing community. The approach via Hoy Sound requires careful tidal timing — 6 knots at springs; transit at slack water (approximately HW and LW Scrabster).

Best Months

JuneJulyAugust

Anchor Zones

Stromness Harbour — anchorage south of the NorthLink terminal

Good

4–8m · Alarm: 80m

Anchor in 4–7m (CD) in the harbour south of the NorthLink ferry terminal, clear of the ferry approach. Mud and sand — good holding. The harbour is sheltered from E and S by the Orkney Mainland hills but exposed to the W/NW — approach from Hoy Sound must be timed at slack water. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs at Stromness. The harbour is the primary approach and departure point for yachts transiting Hoy Sound to/from Scapa Flow. Contact Stromness Harbour (VHF Ch 12) on entry.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

80m radius for the harbour. The W/NW exposure through Hoy Sound means the anchorage can be uncomfortable in prolonged westerlies — Scapa Bay (5nm east, inside Scapa Flow) is better in these conditions. Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 7–11.5m.

Recommended radius: 80m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Hoy Sound tidal stream — 6 knots at springs; MUST be transited at slack water; consult Admiralty NP 209 (Orkney Tidal Stream Atlas) for exact slack water times
  • !NorthLink ferry — regular crossings from Scrabster; monitor VHF Ch 12 for their movements
  • !W/NW exposure in Hoy Sound — approach in settled conditions; in westerly gales, wait in Scapa Flow
  • !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — plan scope for HW depths

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Time your Hoy Sound transit very carefully — Admiralty NP 209 gives the tidal stream atlas; aim for the one-hour slack window at HW or LW Scrabster
  • ✓Stromness Museum is outstanding — the Hudson's Bay Company and Arctic exploration exhibits are exceptional; free entry
  • ✓The Old Man of Hoy (137m sea stack, visible from the Sound) can be sailed around in settled conditions — one of Scotland's most dramatic coastal features
  • ✓Stock up at Stromness before entering Scapa Flow — excellent Co-op, fuel at the pier, and chandlery

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisionsWiFi

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Marina berths: contact Orkney Harbours VHF Ch 12. Harbour dues may apply.
Restrictions:
NorthLink ferry priority — the ferry operates a regular schedule from Scrabster; its movements are predictable but the approach uses the full channel width. Contact Stromness Harbour (VHF Ch 12) on entry.

Sleep Safely at Stromness

Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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