Table Of ContentESSENCEOFSCOTLAND
Orkney
Front cover: Ring of Brodgar at sunset
This page: Old Man of Hoy
Orkney is an archipelago of 70 or so islands and skerries (small rocky
islands) found off the north-eastern tip of Scotland. Throughout this
gently sloping and richly fertile land, Orkney’s famous archaeology,
superb wildlife, unique arts and crafts and traditional island welcome
are well known – at least to lovers of the good life.
welcome
LOCATION MAP
HOW TO GET TO HERE
Numbers refer to attractions
listed overleaf.
BY AIR
Direct flights to Kirkwall airport with British Airways, operated by Loganair, are Places in bold print indicate
available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. Connections are accommodation bases.
available throughout the UK and beyond(ba.com T:0845 773 3377). Book early
for fares from £104 return (includingtaxes) from Edinburgh. DON’T MISS £ Paid Entry £ Free Entry Seasonal Disabled Access Hearing Loop Refreshments Gift Shop WC Rainy Days
BY SEA
There is a choice of sailings available from Aberdeen or Scrabster, Gills Bay or
John o’Groats in Caithness.
NorthLink Ferries provides a service from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, with evening
sailings 4 times a week and Scrabster to Stromness 3 times daily
(www.northlinkferries.co.uk T:0845 600 0449).
A967
Pentland Ferries’ route between Gills Bay and St. Margaret’s Hope sails 4 times A986
daily in summer (www.pentlandferries.co.uk T:01856 831226). A967 A965 1. Skara Brae (B9056, 2. The UK’s tallest sea stack 3. A striking headland with 4. During wartime, the 5. Orkney has inspired
John o’Groats Ferries provides a May – September passenger service to Burwick 19miles from Kirkwall) is an at 450ft high, the Old Man overhanging cliffs, Noup extensive natural harbour many to express themselves
A964
on South Ronaldsay, served by the Orkney Bus, ticketed through from Inverness A960
A961 unrivalled example of life in of Hoy takes its name from Head stands at the north- of Scapa Flow rendered through a variety of arts and
to Kirkwall (www.jogferry.co.uk T:01955 611301).
Stone Age Orkney. Without the second largest island in western end of the island of Orkney strategically crafts. Environmental and
doubt the best preserved the Orkney archipelago, on Westray. The seabird colonies important. The Lyness Norse influences are apparent
IDEAL FOR
village in western Europe, the the coast of which it sits. below the lighthouse here Interpretation Centre in Hoy in the jewellery, textiles,
> Norse & Neolithic Heritage > Wildlife houses contain stone beds, Although only the are second only to St Kilda illustrates the role it played. ceramics and knitwear
> Arts and Crafts > Food lovers dressers, hearths and drains, experienced attempt to climb in UK terms, comprising Initially considered a safe available throughout the
giving a fantastic insight into it, energetic visitors can walk tens of thousands of haven, the sinking of the islands, while Orkney’s
how life was 5,000 years up from Rackwick Bay for a kittiwakes and guillemots, HMS Royal Oak forced the heritage also inspired the
To view accommodation in this area, go to
ago. Together with several close-up view, or simply look alongside puffins, razorbills construction of firmer annual St Magnus Festival.
visitscotland.com or to order the local
Principal photography © Paul Tomkins, VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint. other historical sites, it is across from the Scrabster to and fulmars. Come here blockades between several Founded by resident
accommodation brochure, call 0845 22 55 121. Additional photography: K4 Graphics, Laurie Campbell and Colin Simpson.
All information checked in January 2006. VisitScotland can accept no responsibility part of the designated Stromness ferry. from May to July for the of the southern islands. composer Peter Maxwell
for errors. WorldHeritage Site. (HS) most incredible sights, These are known as the Davies in 1977, it brings
£ sounds and smells! Churchill Barriers, named distinguished musicians
MORE INFORMATION
after the wartime leader. from around the world to
www.visitorkney.com the islands each June.
HS: Historic Scotland
Astron B44649 2/06
WALKS FOOD & DRINK HISTORY & HERITAGE ISLAND HOPPING
Walking in Orkney can be strenuous or easy going – whichever suits you best. Many Enjoy Orkney’s wholesome Where better to experience Many historic sites in Orkney are managed by No trip to Orkney is complete without
beautiful coastal and hill routes take in the spectacular scenery, with opportunities to harvest of the land and sea. mouth-wateringly fresh Historic Scotland, and an Orkney Explorer Pass visiting the smaller islands. Each is
see birds and wildlife or ancient archaeological remains along the way. The islands will certainly leave seafood than a North Sea allows unlimited access to each of them. unique in its own way and gives you an
you with tastes to remember. archipelago? Orkney salmon 15. Maeshowe is a central feature of the Neolithic ideal opportunity for wildlife watching,
6. TheGloup atMull Head to the east of Kirkwall (A960 then B9050) is a short and
and herring are among the Orkney World Heritage Site. A chambered cairn whether it be on quiet shores, hills or
gentle coastal walk with views to the northern isles, along with cliff and heath-nesting 10. The Highland Park
country’s best. And from the (off A965), it is considered to be one of the finest out at sea. Here are just three.
birds. The Gloup itself is an awe-inspiring collapsed sea cave, while you may choose to Distillery was founded 200
fertile land comes the juiciest architectural achievements of its time, around 5,000
venture half a mile further to the Brough of Deerness, a remarkable clifftop settlement. years ago and produces
and tastiest meat. Try the years ago. Timed ticketing is in operation, ensuring
award-winning whisky. The
7. To reach Eday, catch a ferry from Kirkwall harbour. The Eday Heritage Walk takes farmers’ market next to lots of roomand allowing the informative guides to
tour within provides a
point out all the interesting aspects of the site. (HS)
you to Mill Loch where there is a hide to observe the birds, then leads through grassland StMagnus Cathedral on the
fascinating insight into the £
past standing stones and chambered cairns, onto a headland and back over the moorland. last Saturday of each month.
traditions of these islands.
16. In the heart of Orkney’s main town, Kirkwall,
8 £
12 lies St Magnus Cathedral. It was built in 1137
11. The Creel in byEarl Rognvald, in memory of his cousin Magnus
StMargaret’s Hope is one who was earlier murdered by another cousin, Looking from Westray to Rousay
A puffin of the most talked about Haakon, co-ruler at that time. Today the beautiful
restaurants in the country. sandstone building continues to be a place of 20. The isle of North Ronaldsay is
worship for the local people. £ located further north than the southern
Many eateries boast about
WILDLIFE tip of Norway! Try the local lamb where
the use of local produce but 17. Travel across the first of the Churchill Barriers
here is one that really delivers 13. Based in the West to see an artistic phenomenon at the Italian its distinctive flavour is thanks to the
Orkney is blessed with an abundance of birds and seashore-grazing habits of the sheep.
in style! To save driving Mainland fishing village of Chapel. Built by Italian POWs in WWII, using only
marine wildlife and draws nature lovers throughout
home again, book into one Stromness, the Orkney the most modest of materials, the intricate interior 21. Westrayis, as its name
the year. Late spring sees the arrival of hundreds of the adjoining bedrooms. Beer Festival takes place is all the more impressive. £ suggests, one of the north-westerly
of thousands of breeding seabirds, from the in late August. It gives those 17 isles in the grouping. Walk to Stanger
piratical great skua (or ‘bonxie’) to everybody’s 8. The RSPB reserve in Hoy takes in a range of scenery, including the famous Old 11 dropping into the Stromness Head and see Castle o’ Burrian or
Man of Hoy. Starting at Rackwick Bay, take a moment to look behind you at the Hotel the opportunity to try visit the local heritage centre at
favourite, the colourful, clown-like puffin. Inland
Pierowall.
stunning sandstone cliffs. From here, keep your eyes peeled for great skuas, red grouse out guest beers and cask-
meadows play host to a wonderful array of
and dunlins on the moorland, along with guillemots, conditioned ales.
raptors and wading birds, while the lochs are home 18. The Broch of Gurness at Aikerness (A966) is Orkney has the shortest scheduled
razorbills and kittiwakes on the cliffs below. The path
14. The Foveran Hotel’s a well-organised Iron Age village, giving a fascinating flight in the world, taking under
to rarities such as the red-throated diver and red- climbs as you continue to St John’s Head, but you can twominutes to flyfrom Westray to
restaurant, located 3 miles insight into community life 2,000 years ago. (HS)
necked phalarope. Grey seals breed in huge make the return trip as long or short as you wish. £ Papa Westray.
12. Orkney has quality from Kirkwall, is a favourite
numbers around the coast from late autumn, 9. A ferry from Tingwall will take you across the Eynhallow local produce in with visitors and locals. 19. The Ring of Brodgar and the Standing 22. Shapinsayis a short boat
while whales, dolphins and porpoise are a regular Sound to Rousay. From the pier, take the road to the left abundance. Try the Withstunning sea views to Stones of Stenness (both just off the B9055) journey from the mainland and home
sight off-shore throughout the summer. for 4 miles. Walk through a historic landscape ranging deliciously creamy ice- Scapa Flow, specialities are also included within the World Heritage Site. to the beautiful Balfour Castle. Head
from evidence of the Clearances of the 19th century back cream, the many cheeses include Orkney’s finest beef, Undeniably mystical, these spiritual places reward to Mill Dam RSPB reserve to see
to Stone Age chambered cairns. and the scrumptious fudge. lamb and local seafood. visitors with a real sense of ancient times. (HS) £ breeding birds, ducks and waders.
Orkney £ Paid Entry £ Free Entry Seasonal Disabled Access Hearing Loop Refreshments Gift Shop WC Rainy Days 16
24 16
OUTSTANDING VIEWS
23. For some of the most dramatic seascapes in Orkney, head to Yesnaby, in the
West Mainland, and walk along the cliff-tops.
24. Arriving in Orkney via the Scrabster – Stromness ferry, you will enjoy fine 360˚
views,from the beautiful hamlet of Stromnessand its many gable-end houses to
the islands of Graemsay and Hoy(meaning High Island).
The ancient
25. The Brough of Birsayis a small island off the north- chambered cairn at
west of Mainland, only accessible when the tide is low. Maeshowe contains
1,000 year old Viking
Beyond is a vast expanse of sea and you’d be forgiven for
Runic graffiti.
thinking you were on the very edge of theearth. (HS) £
26. Just off the eastern tip of Mainland, the island of Copinsayis uninhabited,
save for its huge colonies of breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and
kittiwakes, all set below a dramatic lighthouse. Boat trips leave from Skaill in the
EastMainland.
A game of street rugby
27. From the top of Wideford Hill, outside Kirkwall, known as the Ba’ is played
each Christmas and New
there is a beautiful view over both the northern and
Year’s Day. The two teams,
southern islesof Orkney and the capital itself. the Uppies and the Doonies,
Watch the sun glint in the copper of the St Magnus battle it out to see who can
get the leather ball to their
Cathedral spire and sparkle on the dancing waves.
Stromness respective side of town. St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
