Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands, often just shortened to Orkney, is an archipelago of around 70 islands located just off the north coast of the Scottish mainland. Only 16 of the islands are inhabited, with most people staying on Mainland, which is the largest Orkney island and the one I currently live on.
The islands are probably best known for their abundance of important Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe. However, significant Viking history is also weaved in to the fabric of these wild and beautiful islands and due to their strategic position, the Orkney Islands also played an important role in both World Wars. Remnants of many wartime structures can be found dotted all over the landscape.
With 570 miles of coastline there are countless beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal features to spot, the most famous being the 'Old Man of Hoy'. Local food, drink and crafts are abundant and the wildlife is diverse. Seals, whales and orcas can all be spotted in the surrounding waters.
Island hopping is easy thanks to inter-island ferries and planes. You can even take the shortest scheduled flight in the world between the islands of Westray and Papa Westary which takes less than 2 minutes from take off to landing. I've done this myself and it is definitely a unique experience.
There is so much to do and see on Orkney and my blog posts will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own itinerary.
The islands are probably best known for their abundance of important Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe. However, significant Viking history is also weaved in to the fabric of these wild and beautiful islands and due to their strategic position, the Orkney Islands also played an important role in both World Wars. Remnants of many wartime structures can be found dotted all over the landscape.
With 570 miles of coastline there are countless beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal features to spot, the most famous being the 'Old Man of Hoy'. Local food, drink and crafts are abundant and the wildlife is diverse. Seals, whales and orcas can all be spotted in the surrounding waters.
Island hopping is easy thanks to inter-island ferries and planes. You can even take the shortest scheduled flight in the world between the islands of Westray and Papa Westary which takes less than 2 minutes from take off to landing. I've done this myself and it is definitely a unique experience.
There is so much to do and see on Orkney and my blog posts will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own itinerary.
VISIT ORKNEY - WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO
|
A BED AND BREAKFAST STAY IN ORKNEY
|
READ ABOUT WHAT I INCLUDED ON MY THREE DAY ORKNEY TRAVEL ITINERARY
With a mere 36 hours to explore and 16 inhabited islands to choose from, I had to plan my visit wisely and decided to focus most on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands.
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE VIKING HISTORY OF ORKNEY
It is hard not to be drawn in by the intriguing Norse heritage and if you want to find out more, this Orkney Viking itinerary is definitely a good introduction.
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE WARTIME HISTORY OF ORKNEY
This one day itinerary explores some of the places connected to both World Wars and a few of the many wartime structures that litter the landscape
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN EXPLORING ORKNEY'S COAST
This one day itinerary explores four of the coastal walks on Mainland, Orkney. From dramatic scenery to unique history, you will explore a range of landscapes.
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITES
This one day itinerary explores the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Mainland, Orkney including Maeshowe, Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY THAT INCLUDES SOME OF THE BEST PLACES FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS
This one day itinerary includes visits to local businesses that have put Orkney on the global map and some of the best places to find local products
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY WITH SOME SUGGESTED STOPS ON THE ORKNEY CREATIVE TRAIL
Meet some of the local makers that call the Orkney Islands 'home' on The Creative Trail. Visit their workshops and watch as them as they handcraft quality local goods.
|
A ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR EXPLORING THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTRE OF STROMNESS
Stromness is a town that has been shaped by the sea, with maritime history running through the veins of its winding, narrow streets. Explore it on this one day itinerary.
|
A GUIDE TO ONLINE HANDCRAFTED GIFTS, FOOD & DRINK FROM ORKNEY
|
NEED SOME HELP PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SCOTLAND? BOOK A ONE-TO-ONE VIDEO CONSULTATION
FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES AROUND SCOTLAND ON
|
If you have found my blog helpful or inspiring, you can support me in creating future Scottish travel content for the price of a coffee at my Ko-fi page. All 'coffee' donations are hugely appreciated and all funds will go towards covering the running costs of my website and the occasional caffeine fix! |