Rackwick Bay, Orkney

Published on by julietrobinsonscot
Rackwick Bay – Juliet Robinson © 2019

My grandmothers family are from the Orkney Islands. If you haven’t been – go!! There is something magical about Orkney and its not just because I am an archaeology geek – there is something in the air.

Orkney is one of my most favourite places and I have been writing about it, in particular about the island of Hoy.

Lately I have been writing about Hoy, its landscape and the feeling I have when I am there, these things are being woven into my writing. So far the island, acts as the backdrop for a few pieces I have written and I have several more stories planned which are set there.

I exaggerate aspects of Hoy in these stories, but it is the inspiration. And the nature and geography of the island has definitely helped shaped these stories.

The Bothy at Rackwick Bay – Juliet Robinson © 2022

And I mean look at it? How could such a place not inspire? Rackwick Bay is dramatic, there is a stark contrast between the soaring red sandstone cliffs, the soft green grass, the pristine beach ringed with beautiful coloured stones, the endless sky and the ocean.

Rackwick beach stones – Juliet Robinson © 2022

There is an otherworldly nature to Rackwick Bay, it seems a place apart from time.

Rackwick Bay the burn – Juliet Robinson © 2019

For me there is a sense of connection, a link to my family. My grandmother used to come to Rackwick Bay to camp, my mother did and now I do when I can. The layering of my families history feels heavy in Orkney, but for some reason here in Rackwick Bay the layers feel a little thinner, like I could reach out and touch the past.

A family camping trip to Rackwick Bay, the building in the back is the Bothy which is open to all – predates my time picture taken by mother when she would have been in her late teens

Landscapes naturally inspire the art world, touching painters, poets, writers, comedians and dancers. I love when I read a book which has a deep sense of connection to the place where the story is set.

The Old Man of Hoy – Juliet Robinson © 2022

On our last trip to the island, in 2022 my sister and I spent a couple of nights camping in Rackwick Bay. The Bothy was pretty quiet, other than ourselves the only other campers were two women, both travelling alone. We went our separate ways during the day, but at night we gathered by the fire, shared wine, food and we talked and talked and talked. It was special to be able to share that time with those women, to hear their stories, to get to know a small part of who they were and what brought them to the island.
For me after the isolation of covid, the loss of my mother and several hard years this was a truly magical experience – just being able to connect to others and share. I think I healed more in those couple of days than I can explain.

Inside the Bothy – Juliet Robinson © 2022

So yes it was probably inevitable that I would begin writing about Hoy and the women we met that weekend will be featuring in a story that I have planned. Though I suspect they may not recognise themselves if they were to come across the story!
This morning I felt a sense of urgency, a need to return to Orkney, it’s been two years, which feels far too long. The best I can do for now however is write about the islands and look at photos I have taken on trips there over the years.

Actually smiling in a picture, its because I am on Hoy! – Juliet Robinson © 2022

And one last photo … because Rackwick Bay really is stunning.

Rackwick Bay – Juliet Robinson © 2022

Ok I lied .. here’s another

Thea dog in our tent, apparently guarding some pasta – Juliet Robinson © 2022

19 thoughts on “Rackwick Bay, Orkney”

  1. I’d love to visit the Orkneys someday, Juliet. I like wild places where the land and sea and sky meet. And I’ve heard that in the Orkneys one can feel both their history and their magic. Wonderful photos or Hoy. It’s no wonder the island finds its way into your stories. 🙂

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      1. I was thinking of studying English literature and creative writing. Some of the greatest poets came from the highlands like Norman MaCcaig who I studied at school. I also have quite poor mental health so would probably enjoy studying in a smaller campus.

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      2. The Highlands and Islands are so beautiful it’s not a surprise that many artists come from there and are drawn there.
        George MacKay Brown is one of my favorite island writers. Norman Mac Caig is also amazing.
        I do hope you settle on a place to study. 💚

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  7. A beautiful post, Juliet and what a wonderful capture of the Orkneys and Hoy. I want to get on a plane there straightaway! 😀 As well as the stunning landscape the sense of mystical, the blend of cultures really ensures this is a most unique place. Haha! Love the last photo and sweet you sneaked this one in too! 😀

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  8. I live in the States so it is unlikely that I could visit this lovely place. Therefore, I am glad you took me along on your visit. 🙂 By the way, “hoy” means “today” in Spanish. I thought that appropriate for some reason. 🙂

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