Home » Churchill Barriers number 2 and 3

Prepare for a truly unique, unforgettable and perhaps even emotional experience, snorkelling along the Churchill Barriers and around these wartime shipwrecks in Scapa Flow.

The barriers and wrecks are incredible artificial
reefs for marine life. Discover deadman’s fingers,
sticklebacks, scorpionfish and colourful nudibranchs.
The barriers provide shelter from wind and swell,
meaning great options for most weather conditions.
At the north end of Barrier 3, east side, there is a steep
drop at the carpark and the seabed drops off suddenly
shortly after entry. Weever fish, seen occasionally
here, can sting if stood on without boots/fins.

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

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Facilities

Car park
Accessible by public transport (bus)
Heritage site: Churchill Barriers and sunken blockships of Scapa Flow

Gallery

What other people say

How to get there

By road

The Churchill Barriers act as causeways, connecting by road mainland Orkney with the isles of Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay. These sites are accessible by public transport (bus).

Get directions

Driving

Public
transport

Walking

Cycling

Provided by Google Maps

Local conditions

Here is the wind forecast and tide times for this snorkel site. It is your responsibility to assess whether these conditions are suitable for snorkelling.

Other considerations

More information

  • Visit Stromness Museum; established by the Orkney Natural History Society in 1837, it is one of Scotland’s oldest independent museums. Examine over 90 marine species up close to help you identify species during your snorkelling adventures.
  • Contact Kraken Diving who lead fun-filled guided snorkelling and diving experiences.
  • Scapa Scuba and Leviathan International, both in Stromness, offer snorkel equipment sales.
  • Reach out to the Pomona Prefect, offering spectacular Seafaris on their snorkel boat charter, with onboard expert WiSE guide, from Stronsay or Sanday.

Wildlife warning

Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.

Weever fish, seen occasionally here, can sting if stood on without boots/fins.

Stay safe

  • The barriers provide shelter from wind and swell, meaning great options for most weather conditions.
  • At the north end of Barrier 3, east side, there is a steep drop at the carpark and the seabed drops off suddenly shortly after entry.
  • Wrecks can pose various risks to snorkellers. Don’t attempt to enter or climb on the wrecks, or the Churchill Barriers.

Snorkelling can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is your responsibility to check the conditions present on the day and assess whether it is safe to snorkel.

Please read our top tips to being a safe and responsible snorkeller.

Look out for the following species on your snorkel...

Fish
Two spotted goby
Stickleback
Plaice
Crustaceans
Velvet Swimming Crab
Spider crab
Hermit crab
Molluscs
Solar Powered Sea Slug
Sea hare
Little cuttlefish
Jellyfish
Lion’s mane jellyfish
Moon jellyfish
Blue jellyfish
Sea gooseberry
Starfish and Urchins
Common starfish
Common urchin
Bloody Henry starfish
Common Brittlestar
Plants and Algae
Codium
Cuvie kelp
Egg wrack
Seagrass

Species records

Visit the NBN Atlas to see all species records from this site

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Top tips

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Snorkelling can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk.

Information is provided free of charge; it is your responsibility to check the conditions present on the day and assess whether it is safe to snorkel.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust strives to provide accurate information but cannot accept responsibility for changes, errors or omissions.

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