|
|
|
Orkney
Orkney is a group of islands situated a few miles off the north-east tip of mainland Scotland. With its green fields and hills, stone pinnacles rising out of the sea, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, it is the ideal place for getting away from it all.
Fishing in the lochs is free in Orkney, although it's a good idea to join the Orkney Trout Fishing Association to find out where to go. Also contact the Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association.
Bird watching is another popular activity, as is diving around the wrecks. Orkney was an important strategic site for the British navy during both World Wars and the Germans scuttled their fleet here in 1919.
The main attraction for visitors to Orkney is its ancient history. From the Stone Age to the Picts and Vikings, the islands have so many sites of archaeological interest that it is impossible to list them all here. If you want to see prehistoric villages, ancient tombs, ruined palaces and standing stones, then book your ticket now.
Orkney is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The people of Orkney (some 15,000 in total), with their unique accent, do not see themselves as Scottish so much as Orcadian. For a long time the islands were owned by Norway, so they have a very mixed culture. Today, many of the tourists that come here are Scandinavian and in the shops you will be able to buy Norwegian newspapers.
A weather forecast for Kirkwall is also provided by
Yahoo.
Details of all the events taking place on Orkney this year are available in the
local calendar.
See below for map.
How to get to Orkney
Vehicle ferries:
Northlink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Limited operate 3 services. Vehicles should be booked in advance. Telephone: 0845 6000 449.
- Ferry from Scrabster (north Scotland) to Stromness (1hr 30 mins),
- Ferry from Aberdeen (east Scotland) to Kirkwall (6 hours) and then on to Shetland
- Ferry from Aberdeen (east Scotland) to Shetland direct
Foot passengers should note that the new Kirkwall (Hatston) ferry terminal is situated some 2 miles out of town.
Pentland Ferries operate a vehicle ferry from Gill's Bay near John o'Groats to St. Margaret's Hope on Orkney. Sailing time: only 1 hour. Three or more sailings every day during the summer. Booking advisable. Tel: 01856 831 226. From autumn 2008, the crossing will become faster with the introduction of a catamaran and there will be direct coach connections from Inverness to Kirkwall.
Passenger ferry:
A privately-run ferry operates daily during the summer from John O'Groats to Burwick on the southern tip of Orkney.
It takes about 45 minutes to cross the Pentland Firth. No vehicles taken, but cycles allowed. Buses to Kirkwall connect with the ferry.
For full timetable and price details see the John O'Groats Ferries web site.
Air:
British Airways and British Airways Express fly to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick, Sumburgh (Shetland). Connections
can be made with flights to and from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast.
The airline has an online searchable timetable.
More flight details online:
Kirkwall Airport
Coach:
If you have no car, a convenient way to reach the islands is to take the
Orkney Bus from Inverness to Kirkwall (via the ferry at John O' Groats). This service runs every day 1 May - 2 September. Booking is recommended.
You can also do the Day Tour from 1 June to 2 September on the coach leaving Inverness bus station at 7.30am and returning at 9pm. Cost: 46 pounds per person (children under 16 travel half-price). Booking required.
The Puffin Express minibus service operates from Inverness to John O'Groats
with stops at the Carn Liath broch, Brora, Camster Cairns, Wick, Duncansby Stacks. Trip includes a short walk to see puffins on spectacular cliffs. Also opportunities to see other wildlife including deer and seals.
Only available on certain days March to October. You can also take one of their day tours or an escorted or unescorted package tour of Orkney.
Read more about their services on the Puffin Express and GO-ORKNEY web site. Booking required to avoid disappointment.
Alternatively, you can take the Citylink coach from Inverness to Scrabster for all-year-round the Northlink ferry service to Stromness.
Scottish Citylink web site with timetables. There are also bus connections from Wick railway station to Scrabster.
Train:
The main railway line runs from Inverness
up the mainland east coast to Wick and Thurso. You can then use the local bus service to reach the ferry points at Scrabster or John O'Groats. travelinescotland.com is the official public transport guide with online bus timetables and a journey planner.
Image copyright
Colin Palmer stock photo library - purchase prints and posters online
Tours & Cruises
-
GO-ORKNEY and Puffin Express have been running private tours for groups and individuals for many years. They have a choice of Orkney tours (day trip from Inverness, or trips with 1 or 2 night stays in Orkney). Only operates on certain days. This is the only transport service from Inverness with in-depth commentary and stops at major wildlife and archaeological sites. Let them take you to see the puffins! See their web site for full details.
- If you are staying on the mainland and have only one day to spend visiting Orkney, why not see all the main historical places of interest on a coach tour with: John O'Groats Ferries. Tel: 01955 611353/Fax: 01955 611301. Every day from 1 May to 30 September, the Maxi Day Tour leaves John O'Groats at 9am, takes you over by ferry to the coach on Orkney. Returns at 7.45pm. Price: 36 pounds per person (children under 16 travel half-price).
Or for a shorter Highlights coach tour for 33 pounds per person (only 10 pounds for children under 16) leave on the 10.30am ferry and return to John O'Groats at 6pm. Every day 1 June to 2 September.
You can also go on the tour as a day-trip from Inverness (as mentioned above).
- Wildabout Orkney offer a choice of 6 different day and half day guided tours by minibus from Stromness & Kirkwall. Highly recommended. Private tours also available.
- Private tours on Orkney can be arranged with guides from the Orkney Tourist Guides Association.
- Jimmy & Hazel Goar are Orkney Tour Guides
and native islanders. Special interests include farming, wildlife, archaeology, genealogy, crafts and the history of the islands. Available for private tours and coach parties. Members of the Orkney Tour Guides Association.
- Professional archaeologist and qualified tour guide, Caroline Mamwell, specialises in Orkney Archaeology Tours.
- Orkney Aspects offer private tour guiding services
for small individual groups with an experienced qualified driver/guide.
- Five Senses
runs off-the-beaten path tours of Orkney, focusing on archaeology, crafts and heritage.
They can also teach skills such as firemaking and wilderness walking.
Rites of passage and women-only courses available.
- Stromness by Carriage offers
tours of the harbour and town in a Landau pulled along by Friesian horses. The carriage can seat 4 people. Also available for weddings and special events. Tel: 01856 851388.
Scotland Made Easy can plan a customised itinerary for a self-drive tour to suit your interests, budget and time available. Perhaps you would like to go island hopping? They will book you into recommended accommodation where you are assured of quality, comfort and hospitality - usually in 4 star B&Bs in Scottish homes. Optional 'specials' include a night in a castle, church, lighthouse, country mansion, etc.
Travel on and between the islands:
Orkney Ferries Ltd sail to Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Shapinsay, Hoy, Graemsay, Flotta, Eday, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray. Telephone: 01856 872044 / Fax: 01856 872921.
British Airways Express operate light aircraft from Kirkwall to Eday, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay.
Orkney Adventure tickets are available which enable you to visit 3 of these islands at special rates. The fares to Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay are good bargains as they are subsidised. Check the details by phoning 01856 872 494.
Car Hire / Minibus Hire:
Car hire is available in both Kirkwall and Stromness, as well as at the airport.
- W.R. Tullock - agent for Avis, Europcar and National Car Rental. Tel: 01856 873212.
- Norman W. Brass, Stromness. Tel: 01856 850850.
- Drive Orkney. Tel: 01856 870000
- Peace's provide bus transport, taxi services, car and mini-bus hire. Tel: 01856 872866
- Horse-ON: 16 seater minicoach for private hires available evenings and weekends. Contact Alan Aim. Tel: 05600 764 190.
Bike hire:
- Stromness Cycle Hire, Ferry Road, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AA. Tel: 01856 850750
- Orkney Cycle Hire, 54 Dundas Street, Stromness, Orkney. Tel: 01856 850255
Local bus service
There are several bus services on Mainland Orkney which usually operate Monday-Saturday. Check out the timetables via the web site by Rapsons Coaches
What to see - an overview
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey
and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
The largest island of the Orkney group is known as "Mainland" and has two main towns (Kirkwall and Stromness). Population is 12000.
STROMNESS
Known as Hamnavoe ("haven bay") in old Norse, it is still a busy harbour thanks to the car ferry which links Orkney to Shetland and mainland Scotland. Although with a population of only 2000, it is over 3 times smaller than Kirkwall. Also called the Venice of the North, it has an art gallery and a library, plus several shops and a nearby golf course.
See the Stromness harbour webcam.
The Stromness museum
includes exhibits about marine life, birds, fossils, fishing, Scapa Flow, Arctic explorer John Rae,
and the links between Orkney and Canada involving the Hudson's Bay Company.
Visit the Orkneyjar web site for details about the history of Stromness.
KIRKWALL
Kirkwall is a beautiful old town with many interesting historical sights (see below). Its name comes from the Old Norse word Kirkjuvagr meaning "church bay" relating to a long since disappeared church.
Kirkwall has many shops and businesses including: Woolworths, chemists, travel agents, computer supplies, supermarket, numerous cafés, fish and chip shops, Chinese and Indian restaurants, etc.
There are also several craft and souvenir shops selling woolly jumpers, Viking jewellery and local artwork.
Make sure you visit Judith Glue's shop opposite the cathedral.
The Orcadian Bookshop in Albert Street is excellent.
The town is also home to a cinema, theatre, marina, swimming pool, sports centre and a golf course.
There is an excellent public library (the oldest in Scotland) dating from 1683.
The Tourist Office here is very good. There are lots of free information leaflets and videos to watch about the history and wildlife of the islands.
Outside the town is the Highland Park Distillery. Open all year, it has tours and visitor centre with a shop.
|
The main historical sights in Kirkwall are
St Magnus Cathedral, Earl's Palace and Bishop's Palace, Tankerness House.
Since they are so interesting, I have put my historical Kirkwall information on a separate web page.
By the harbour you will find the Wireless Museum which moved here from St. Margaret's Hope in 1997. It is a huge unique collection of wartime communications equipment, wireless sets, headphones, old magazines, ancient valves and lots of other displays.
Take a short walk out of town to a place called Grain and visit an Iron Age souterrain or earth-house with stairs leading underground.
For local news, check out The Orcadian newspaper.
|
Window in St Magnus Cathedral
Image copyright Colin Palmer
stock photo library
- purchase prints and posters online
|
Otter crossing signs are located near what is called the Peerie Sea. I found one on the busy causeway which heads west and the other just around the corner next to a petrol station. I wasn't lucky enough to see any otters though.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ON MAINLAND ORKNEY
Some of Orkney's most important places are:
Skara Brae - Ring of Brodgar - Stones of Stenness - Maes Howe - Brough of Birsay - Broch of Gurness -
Rennibister Earth House - Onstan cairn
Because of their importance,
I have created a separate Orkney archaeology web page.
Ring of Brodgar photo copyright The Internet Guide to Scotland
Two sites were discovered by a team from Glasgow University. One is situated near Stonehall Farm near Finstown and is a village thought to be 5800 years old. The other can be accessed along a track leading from the Stones of Stenness to Barnhouse.
Here 16 houses thought to be 5200 years old have been found.
In April 1998 a previously unknown 4,000 year-old underground burial chamber, named the Crantit Tomb, was discovered in a field by a local farmer.
In September 1999 another local farmer re-discovered the mysterious (possibly unique) underground chamber Minehowe and massive ditch which archaeologists now believe may have been at the heart of Iron Age Orkney. It is situated on private land but is open to the public May to September, 10am - 6pm (contact Mr. Paterson, tel: 01856 861 234 or 861 209). Large parties must book in advance. There is a small admission charge. Full details and photos are available from
Orkneyjar
and the Orkney Archaeological Trust.
The South part of Mainland Orkney
CHURCHILL BARRIERS
During the Second World War, Scapa Flow was protected by "block ships" - old ships which were strategically scuppered to prevent vessels entering through the channels between the string of islands in the east. When a U-boat slipped through these defences and sank HMS ROYAL OAK six weeks into the Second World War, Winston Churchill ordered the sea to be filled in between Lamb Holm, Glims Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay.
SCAPA FLOW
Scapa Flow appears as a huge natural harbour. As well as being the resting place of HMS ROYAL OAK, whose wreck is marked by a single buoy, it is also the graveyard of the German High Seas Fleet. On Midsummer Day 1919, Admiral von Reuter gave the order to scupper his ships. Fifty-four out of seventy-four were sunk, but most were later salvaged and today only 7 remain on the sea bed.
Details of these wrecks can be found
here.
Take the ferry from mainland Orkney to the Lyness Interpretation Centre to learn all about it.
Diving guides and courses are available from Scapa Scuba.
|
ITALIAN CHAPEL
The work on the Churchill Barriers was carried out by Italian Prisoners of War who were captured in the North Africa campaign and held at Camp 60 on Lamb Holm. Far from home, they requested permission to turn a couple of old Nissen huts into a Roman Catholic chapel. Trimmed with red, the white angular façade and belfry hide the original shape of the two buildings with an exterior akin to a wedding cake.
|
Italian Chapel photos copyright 2004
The Internet Guide to Scotland |
 |
Inside, the surprises continue. Walls covered in plasterboard have been painted in mock brickwork. Plain glass windows have been painted to imitate stained glass. Corned beef tins have been turned into candle-holders and stair rods into candlesticks. The ornate ironwork of the sanctuary screen was formed out of yet more scrap. The altar was sculpted from concrete and polished to resemble marble. Painted on the roof above it, a white dove symbolising the Holy Spirit looks down on a magnificent mural of the Madonna and Child. Restored several times over the years, the chapel stands as a reminder of the
unfailing faith of the Italians and their ingenious use of scavenged material.
|
It is open daily during daylight hours all year. Visit Undiscovered Scotland for more photos of the chapel.
BURRAY
The island between Holm (Italian Chapel) and South Ronaldsay (St. Margaret's Hope) is Burray.
Here you will find the Fossil and Vintage Centre with cafe which opened in 1993.
ST. MARGARET'S HOPE
Located on South Ronaldsay which is joined to Mainland Orkney by the Churchill Barriers.
Once a busy port, St. Margaret's Hope is now a rather sleepy place whose attractions include a blacksmith museum and a craft co-operative.
The village reputedly owes its name to Edward II's Norwegian child bride who died at sea on her way to become Queen of Scotland. Her body lay in St. Magnus Cathedral before being repatriated to Norway.
TOMB OF THE EAGLES
A chambered tomb some 5000 years old, named after all the eagles claws that it contained when discovered. Located on South Ronaldsay. Admission charge.
Photo copyright The Internet Guide to Scotland
Other places of interest on Mainland Orkney
SKAILL HOUSE
Situated close to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, this 17th-century house has been refurbished and is now open to the public. Gift shop. Apparently you can see the dinner service which was used on Captain Cook's ship The Discovery. Open daily 1 April - 30 September.
Tel: 01856 841 501 / Fax: 01856 841 668. Web site.
There is a joint ticket arrangement with Skara Brae.
BURGAR HILL
At the summit are 3 experimental wind turbine generators which can be seen for miles around. Adjacent to them is an RSPB hide overlooking a small loch.
CLICK MILL
A horizontal water mill used for grinding grain in the 19th century. The name comes from the wooden bit which releases the grain between the stones: it clicks each time it goes around and lets some grain through the hopper.
MARWICK HEAD
Climb to the top and you will find a 200-foot drop straight down into the foaming sea. Many birds nest in the nooks and crannies of the cliffs. Up here is the Kitchener Memorial. It is a tall, square tower which was erected in memory of the 600 men who lost their lives when HMS Hampshire struck a German mine and sank on 5th June 1916 while conveying Lord Kitchener and his staff to Russia.
YESNABY CLIFFS
Formed by layer upon layer of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, these cliffs are a warm, ochre colour. Be prepared for strong winds coming in off the ocean.
Look carefully at the rocks for fossil "horse-tooth" Stromatolites, blue-green algae that grew in the lake that covered Orkney 350 million years ago. In cracks in the rock you can sometimes see tiny, blue-grey snails that live in the spray zone about fifty metres above sea level and feed on lichen.
On the moorland, you may see some tiny mauve flowers with yellow centres. These are rare Scottish primroses (primula scotica) found only in Orkney, Shetland and Caithness.
If you look south, you might just see the outline of The Old Man of Hoy, the much-photographed sea stack off the Orkney coast.
Walking northwards, climb over a few barbed wire fences and cross a stream. You will come to the Brough of Bigging, a ruined tower, which overlooks the sea stack known as Yesnaby Castle.
KIRBISTER FARM MUSEUM AND CORRIGAL FARM MUSEUM
Both farms have displays of old farm houses and equipment. When I visited in 1993 there was a little man who baked bread over the fire and looked after the sheep. If he's still there, he will have lots of stories to tell you about his life and local traditions. Open March to October Mon-Sat 10.30am - 1pm and 2-5pm, Sundays 2-7pm. Free admission. Gift shop.
ORPHIR
Scotland's only circular Medieval church can be found at Orphir (halfway between Kirkwall and Stromness as the crow flies). Now in ruins, it dates from the 12th century. Nearby are the remains of a Viking drinking hall called the Earl's Bu'.
An interpretation and orientation centre with an audio-visual presentation has now opened here which tells you all about the Norse influence as described in the Orkneyinga Saga.
Following the 2004 BBC TV 'Restoration' programme, there are plans to restore The Hall of Clestrain at Orphir and turn it into the Orkney Boat Museum. Click here for details.
Built around 1769, the Hall was the birthplace of the famous Arctic explorer John Rae.
|
COVENANTERS' MEMORIAL
Off the road near Deerness. The Covenanters' Memorial was erected following the loss of two hundred souls in 1679. Found guilty of religious dissent by Charles II, they were being shipped to America to be sold as slaves, but were hit by a raging winter storm.
|
Covenanters' Memorial photo copyright 2004
The Internet Guide to Scotland |
The smaller islands of Orkney
These can be reached by local ferries and in some cases by light aircraft from Kirkwall.
They are worth visiting for their landscape and their history.
This is just a brief introduction to some of them.
Visit North Ronaldsay to have a guided tour of the lighthouse and see the Bird Observatory.
HOY
Hoy has the highest hill in Orkney and also one of the highest vertical cliffs in Britain. Just off the coast is the Old Man of Hoy, a 450-foot pinnacle of rock rising out of the sea. Other sights include the Dwarfie Stane, a tomb which is about 5000 years old.
You can also see the old Royal Navy base which now has a Visitors' Centre and look around the cemetery.
The Martello Towers at Hackness were built in 1813 to protect British ships from the US Navy.
SHAPINSAY
The father of the author of Rip van Winkle was born on Shapinsay.
Just visible from Kirkwall is Balfour Castle which sits on Shapinsay.
Built in 1847-48 it was designed by architect David Bryce. The interior owes much to a team of 30 Italian craftsmen.
Guided tours are given of the castle and its walled garden by members of the resident family on Sundays from May to September. Telephone: +44 1856 711 282. The castle is now run as a hotel, for details and photos, visit their web site.
You can also get married here in the private chapel.
It is now owned by the Zawadzki family who acquired the castle in 1961 following the death of David Hubert Ligonier Balfour as he left no heirs.
EDAY
Full details about the island on the school's community web site.
ROUSAY
This small island has nearly 200 prehistoric monuments including the magnificent Midhowe Broch and many burial cairns. Visitors also come to see the seabird colonies. For more info about the island see: visitrousay.co.uk
Rousay Tours & Taxis can take you on a day tour in a 7 seater vehicle (contact Patrick Maguire - tel: 01856 821234). Booking essential (picnics provided by arrangement).
WYRE
Famous for the ruins of Cubbie Roo's castle, the oldest stone castle in Scotland (dating from the 12th century).
More info.
EGILSAY
Famous for St Magnus Kirk (a distinctive round towered church built by the Vikings).
A cenotaph marks the spot where Earl Magnus was murdered (the cathedral in Kirkwall was built in his memory).
More info.
SANDAY
Home of Viking burial grounds and broch sites, plus the Quoyness chambered tomb dating from around 2900 BC.
Also home to the UK's most northerly passenger carrying railway! Visit the
Sanday Light Railway web site for details and photos of the island.
WESTRAY
For information about the island, visit the web site by the Westray Development Trust and the Westray Heritage Centre.
Guided Tours of Westray.
PAPA WESTRAY
Dating from around 3500 BC, the Knap of Howar is the earliest standing dwelling house in north-western Europe. Other places of interest include St. Treadwell's Chapel, St. Boniface Church and a long chambered cairn. More info about the island is available on the web site by the
Papay Development Trust.
and the Westray & Papa Westray Tourist Association
For a day tour from Kirkwall, book the Peedie Package. This features a minibus tour of the archaeological sites in the morning followed by lunch. Then in the afternoon a guided tour on foot of the RSPB North Hill reserve to see the local wildlife, followed by afternoon tea. Operates Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May - mid August. Booking essential. Includes ferry from Kirkwall. Tel: 01857 644321.
Accommodation
Contact:
John & Shirley Moar
'Ardvullen'
Cromwell Crescent
Kirkwall
Orkney KW15 1LW
Telephone: 01856 873 919
|
Ardvullen B&B
Friendly, family B&B in a quiet residential area of Kirkwall.
Only 5 minutes walk from the harbour and town centre.
Choice of 3 bedrooms:
1 double with ensuite bathroom & views of the harbour
1 ensuite double
1 ensuite twin
All with TV, clock/radio, electric blankets, tea/coffee facilities.
Hairdryer and ironing facilities available.
B&B prices from £25 per night.
Open all year. Ample parking.
Click here for online brochure
|
|
|
Contact: Mrs. Hazel Goar
Midhouse, Holm, Orkney KW17 2RY
Telephone/Fax: 01856 781 327
|
Midhouse Cottages
2 traditional stone cottages along the shores of Scapa Flow
5 miles from Kirkwall
Dishan sleeps 3 and Burness sleeps 2.
Fully furnished and equipped. No smoking.
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
Welcome Host Award & Scotlands Best Certificate.
Prices £140 - £205 per cottage per week.
Click here for online brochure
|
|
|
Harbour View
Stromness
Orkney
|
Harbour View
First floor apartment (sleeps 4).
Set in a refurbished warehouse dating from the 1760s.
Situated in the heart of Stromness.
Open plan lounge/dining room and kitchen area.
2 bedrooms (1 double & 1 twin).
Bathroom with shower. 3 star quality.
Mountain bikes availaible for hire.
Prices £211.50 per week. Online booking.
Short breaks available.
Non smokers only. No children under 6.
Click here for online brochure
|
|
|
Park
Isle of Sanday
Orkney
|
Park
Cosy hideaway to get away from it all.
Situated on the isle of Sanday.
Simply furnished cottage, built in 1884 from traditional stone.
Spectacular sea views.
200 yards from the beach.
Lounge/dining area, galley-style kitchen.
2 bedrooms (1 double & 1 single), bathroom.
Small walled garden with sitting-out area.
2 star quality.
Prices from £163.50 per week.
Pets welcome. Online booking.
Click here for online brochure
|
|
|
Miscellaneous accommodation listings:
- Haughland House Retreat Centre on Shapinsay. Tel: 01856 711750.
- Maybank Guesthouse on the isle of Rousay, with views over Eynhallow Sound to Mainland Orkney. 3 bedrooms (family, double, single). Contact Mark & Diane Hull. Tel: 01856 821225.
- The INN Guest House on the waterfront at St Mary's (Holm) has 6 ensuite bedrooms. Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars. Contact Mike and Shona. Tel: 01856 781 786.
- West End House at St Margarets Hope offers B&B in double/twin bedrooms. Situated 2 minutes from the ferry. Tel: 01856 831399
Self catering:
- Banks of Orkney - 2 cottages (each sleeping 2 - 4) and a converted barn (sleeping up to 6). Situated on the island of South Ronaldsay.
B&B accommodation also available during the summer. Tel: 01856 831605.
- Burnhouse - a new luxurious bungalow sleeping 5 on Hoy, Orkney. Tel: 01856 870058.
- Crearhowe a 4 star detached farmhouse with 3 bedrooms (sleeping 6) with panoramic views over Scapa Flow and towards the hills of Hoy.
- The Croft: Byre at Heddle offers ground floor accommodation for 1 or 2 people. 1 kingsize double bedroom, wetroom, lounge, kitchen. WiFi broadband.
- Widefirth Self Catering Cottages - a choice of 2 cottages (each sleeping 6) situated in the parish of Rendall. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars. Tel: 01856 761028.
Hostels (please check before planning your visit):
- London Bay, Eday - tel: 01857 622 283. Open from March to October. 24 beds.
- Isle of Hoy (north, 1 mile from Moaness Pier) - tel: 01856 873 535. Open mid May to mid September. 26 beds.
- Isle of Hoy (south at Rackwick) - tel: 01856 873535. Open mid March to mid September. 8 beds.
- Isle of Westray hostel - contact Mr & Mrs J Harcus at Chalmersquoy -
thebarn@orkney.com.
- Isle of Papa Westray (Beltane House) - tel: 01857 644267. Open all year. 16 beds.
- Kirkwall Hostel. Situated on Old Scapa Road, 15 minutes walk from Kirkwall town centre. 2 star SYHA hostel. 87 beds. Tel: 01856 872 243
- Stromness (Hellihole Road) - tel/fax: 01856 850 589. Open March to October. 40 beds.
- North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory - tel: 01857 633200. Sleeps up to 13. Solar- and wind-powered building.
- Birsay Hostel - sleeps 30, open all year. Telephone 01856 873535.
- Evie Hostel run by Mrs. Sabiston - tel: 01856 751208. Sleeps 12.
- Evie Centre Bothy - sleeps 4, closed October to March. Telephone 01856 751270/751254. Located on Mainland, opposite Rousay island. Can be rented for your exclusive use for a week (80 pounds).
- Rousay Hostel - sleeps 13, open all year, on Rousay island. Telephone 01856 821252.
Camping:
- Eviedale Centre - telephone: 01856 751270/751254
- Pickaquoy Caravan and Camping Site, near Kirkwall - telephone 01856 873535.
- Point of Ness Caravan and Camping Site, near Stromness - telephone 01856 873535.
Where to eat
There are lots of places to eat in Kirkwall including two Chinese restaurants, a curry house, an American diner, numerous cafés, plus various hotels which also serve meals.
Vegetarians are catered for Chez Réjane in Bridge Street.
Trenabies Cafe at 16 Albert Street serves great pizzas.
Specialities of the island include Swannay cheese.
My best memory of the food here was some excellent shortbread which I bought in one of the grocery shops in the main street.
Tourist Information Centres
6 Broad Street - Kirkwall - Orkney KW15 1NX
Telephone: 01856 872 856
Fax: 01856 875 056
Ferry Terminal Building - The Pier - Stromness - Orkney
Telephone: 01856 850716
Orkney Tourist Board - free brochure including accommodation list
Useful Books and Maps
If you are sightseeing around the islands, then an indispensable tool is the
Tourist Map to Orkney and Shetland which pinpoints well over 100 important places to see and has a gazetteer with a short description of each.
|
Orkney
Lovely colour guide with over 100 pages of photos devoted to these amazing islands. Covers local heritage and culture, ancient monuments, history of settlement, nature and the landscape, places to visit, etc.
Second edition published 2007. Even if you don't get chance to buy it before you go, you will certainly want a copy for a souvenir when you have visited!
Order online from Amazon.co.uk
Another useful one of the Pevensey island guide series covers Shetland.
|
|
Orkney
Written by well-known archaeologist, Anna Ritchie, this 163-page book is part of the excellent Exploring Scotland's Heritage series and is well worth having if you want all the details on the ancient monuments here.
To order your copy, click here
|
|
The Islands of Orkney
Lovely hardcover book containing over 300 pages written by Liv Kjorsvik Schei with photographs by Gunnie Moberg.
To order your copy, click here
|
|
|
Stone Age Farmers Beside the Sea:
Scotland's Prehistoric Village of Skara Brae
Lots of colour photos and a well-written text explaining what is known about this most unique archaeological site on mainland Orkney and the people who lived there. Makes history come alive!
To order your copy, click here
|
|
|
Orkneyinga Saga:
The History of the Earls of Orkney
You will hear a lot about this famous book when you visit Orkney.
Contained in this Viking epic which chronicles the history of Orkney and Caithness from the 9th to 12th centuries
are the stories of Saint Magnus, Earl Rognvald, Thorfinn the Skull-Splitter and many other colourful characters who lived in those times.
To order your copy, click here
|
|
A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany
Comprehensive guide produced by famous expert Aubrey Burl.
With maps, photos, descriptions, practical information on how to find them and what condition they are in, this is a very useful handbook for visiting prehistoric sites.
To order your copy, click here
|
|
Historic Scotland: Ancient Shetland
128-page paperback book written by Val Turner.
To order your copy from Amazon.co.uk, click here
|
Don't forget you can browse my selection of
Scottish books online.
The Internet Guide to Scotland includes:
Kirkwall - Orkney archaeology
Orkney travel journal
GO-ORKNEY minibus travel and tours from Inverness
Links to External sites:
The official Orkney Tourist Board web site
Orkneyjar - excellent online guide and photos by local man Sigurd Towrie
Orknet (another interesting site)
BuyOrkney (includes genealogy, biographies, quiz, links, business directory,
plus an online version of the Orkney Guide Book by Charles Tait)
Orkney webcams
Orkney Business Directory (includes disabled access information)
Orkneylinks.co.uk
orkneycommunities.co.uk
Orkney Genealogy and Orkney Family Names
Ancestral Orkney and Orkney Family History Society
Moving to Orkney - relocation info by Phill Hellewell
Photos of Orkney by Colin Palmer - purchase prints and posters online
Charles Tait - local professional photographer - books, calendars & photos
orkneypics.com by Doug Houghton
Stones of Scotland by Paola Arosio and Diego Meozzi
Guide to climbing the sea stacks of Orkney by Iain Miller
Orkney monuments and photos by Andy Nicol
Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association
Land up in the Hills of Orkney
Orkney Chairs
|
