Orkney - Active and energetic

Whatever your activity, Orkney has something different to offer. Whether you want to walk, cycle, fish or dive, Orkney’s rolling countryside and changing landscape will turn an activity into an adventure.

Pedal power

Using a bike is the ideal way to see the real Orkney at your own pace. Hire one locally or bring your own – with NorthLink Ferries bikes travel free of charge. Pedal your way between parishes and islands, discovering Orkney’s ancient treasures, changing landscapes, coastal scenes, wildlife, and crafts. Crest a hill to find a panorama of turquoise sea and gold and green fields or picnic by a hill loch to the evocative calling of red-throated divers.

Treasure beneath

Below the surface there is a wealth of natural and historic treasures to be discovered. Orkney is renowned for its exciting underwater playground, including the many shipwrecks around its shore and, most famously, the scuttled German ships in Scapa Flow. In the cool, clear waters of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, the rich and varied marine life and rock formations are also great attractions. Or if you don’t fancy getting wet, you can board a boat with a submersible camera and see the sights from the comfort of the deck.

A unique experience

Whatever your handicap, Orkney's golf courses will test your golfing ability. Even if the golf is not up to scratch, then the views and welcome will be. There are three main golf courses on the mainland: Stromness, Kirkwall and South Ronaldsay, with a mix of links, parkland, ditches, quarries and even wartime bunkers. The courses in Kirkwall and Stromness are 18 holes and the newly-built course in St Margaret’s Hope, South Ronaldsay, is a challenging 9 holes.

The gentle rise and fall of Orkney’s landscape is perfect for walking. Explore the coastline, the islands’ fascinating ancient sites, or take a short boat trip to circumnavigate one of the many smaller islands on foot. Sanday has wonderful beaches to explore and Westray has puffins so close you don’t need binoculars. On Papa Westray you can walk around the whole island along the coast. Eday has a heritage walk with fascinating archaeology, superb seabirds and red cliffs.