Unearth Orkney's unique history, wildlife, islands, activities and culture by taking time to browse our Orkney blogs.
The Islands of South Ronaldsay and Burray as well as Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm are linked to the Orkney Mainland by The Churchill Barriers – blocks cast into the sea between islands, upon which a road has been placed. Beautiful sandy beaches have built up at Barriers number 3 and 4, making these excellent destinations…
One of the closest North isles to the Orkney Mainland, Shapinsay is an island dominated by farmland. One of the first sights of Shapinsay seen from the regular ferry from Kirkwall is the impressive Victorian Balfour Castle. Shapinsay is also worth visiting for its sandy beaches, Mill Dam RSPB reserve and archaeological sites of interest….
As its name suggests, Sanday is a North Isle famous for its beaches. A large but low-lying island, Sanday is particularly worth a visit in the summer when there are wildflowers, birdlife and pleasant weather to enjoy the sandy bays. Seals and birds enjoy Sanday’s coastline. Nowhere in the world, I suppose, is the sky…
These three islands can be reached by ferry from Tingwall in the north-west mainland of Orkney. Rousay is a large round island with a large hill in the centre. It is an archaeologist’s paradise – sometimes described as Egypt of the North – because it is littered with cairns. The road here undulates along the…
The most northerly of Orkney’s islands, North Ronaldsay is a small low island hemmed in by a sheep dyke which surrounds the perimeter, keeping the sheep on the shore and off the farmland. Here in RinansaySheep and Ocean are one.Ovine pulses beatTo the ebb and flow and slack.They graze on wave and ocean plants.Their flesh…
The capital of Orkney, the small city of Kirkwall is home to the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and has an excellent shopping street, restaurants, pubs and evening entertainment available. Kirkwall is the busy heart of Orkney – inside the town, there are places where you can escape the bustle and rush. Tankerness House, with its marvellous…
The South Isles of Hoy and Flotta are dramatic and distinctive islands compared to the other green Orkney Islands. Another road branches westwards into utter desolation, a place of kestrels and peatbogs. After five miles the road ends abruptly at a glimpse of sea. The dark hills are still all around, but they hold in…
Finstown is a village in the parish of Firth, and is a midway point on the A965 road from Stromness to Kirkwall.This road is also met in Finstown by the A966, which goes to the parishes of Rendall and Evie and to Tingwall, the pier where the ferry to the North Isles of Rousay, Egilsay…
A result of its central position, as one of Orkney’s North Isles, is that a walk on Eday’s heathery moorland (there is less farmland here than on other isles) is extremely rewarding. Stunning views of Eday and the surrounding isles, can be seen everywhere you go. Sites worth a visit include: Top tips Header image:…
