HELP! Orkney Holiday Coming Up

[IainMacD]

Does anyone have experience of visiting Orkney? We are heading there next month and have plenty of ideas for what are probably hotspots, but wondered if there are some lesser known gems we could take in while on the islands. We are interested in the archeology, wildlife and coastal walks, but not so keen on crowds, if you know what I mean. Thanks.

[Ian]

A place I'd love to visit one day - even the name on its own sounds so promising!

Ian

[blackfox]

My dear old dad was in charge of an Italian p.o.w camp up there . Many a tale from the orkneys as I grew up ..would also love to visit but to old now I fear

[Wreckdiver]

Orkney, now you're talking. Scapa Flow and all those lovely battleships, cruisers and destroyers just waiting to dived. My idea of heaven.

Sorry, I'll get me coat

[MargaretR]

Was there over 10yr ago now, must go back one day. Obviously Skara Brae, Maes Howe, for archaeology. Coastal - cliffs at Yesnaby, some sea stacks; if you can get over to Hoy, there's Rackwick bay with fascinating boulders and an old bothy. Obvious things like the Italian Chapel, but you tend to get busloads visiting, though you can still get it empty. And there's a farm museum at Corregal (spelling?) which is photogenic and good on a rainy day. You do stink a lot of peat fire after being in there any length of time though!

[ronidog]

Seek out the brochs they are fascinating and hardly visited. The Rings of Brodgar are fascinating but a challenge for photos. Expect misty moody shots, it was very misty when we were there.

[IainMacD]

My dear old dad was in charge of an Italian p.o.w camp up there . Many a tale from the orkneys as I grew up ..would also love to visit but to old now I fear

Was there over 10yr ago now, must go back one day. Obviously Skara Brae, Maes Howe, for archaeology. Coastal - cliffs at Yesnaby, some sea stacks; if you can get over to Hoy, there's Rackwick bay with fascinating boulders and an old bothy. Obvious things like the Italian Chapel, but you tend to get busloads visiting, though you can still get it empty. And there's a farm museum at Corregal (spelling?) which is photogenic and good on a rainy day. You do stink a lot of peat fire after being in there any length of time though!

Thanks Geoff and Margaret. We are staying near the Italian Chapel (built by Italian prisoners of war) so should be able to find a quiet time to visit. I had read about Yesnaby, but didn't add it to the list so thanks for the reminder and the farm museum looks interesting for a wet day. Hoy looks great if we get the chance.

[blackfox]

I had lots of model planes and boats for toys growing up .. made by the p.o.w’s , according to the stories they were given in gratitude to dad when he accidentally shot a cow or sheep at night that were trying to break into the camp . When coming home on leave he apparently brought ,legs of lamb , steaks and trays of eggs with him ..all the way from the orkneys to the east end of London .. 😝😜😝

[IainMacD]

Orkney, now you're talking. Scapa Flow and all those lovely battleships, cruisers and destroyers just waiting to dived. My idea of heaven.

Sorry, I'll get me coat

I might go in for a paddle, but diving is not on the itinerary, but thanks anyway Steve 🤣

Seek out the brochs they are fascinating and hardly visited. The Rings of Brodgar are fascinating but a challenge for photos. Expect misty moody shots, it was very misty when we were there.

The Ring of Brodgar is on the list, possibly for a solo sunrise shot - 04:15! I have been looking at the OS maps and there are plenty of archaeological sites marked including Brocks so options to get off the beaten track, thanks.

[wanderer]

The 'popular' sites are just that. Especially if cruise liners are in. Commercial St. in Kirkwall can be like a football match at times. 10000 extra people is no joke.
For Maes Howe and Skara Brae book early and early if you know what I mean.
July is the wrong time for the Scottish Primrose which blooms in early June & August. And also too late for Spring Squill. Both gorgeous to see & photograph.
The east side of Mainland is usually a lot quieter and some super beaches. Up in the middle of Mainland around the Click Mill at Dounby is nice and usually quiet. Good for Curlews, Short eared Owks and Hen Harriet. Over the hill at Aikerness is a cracking broch (brock??!!🤣).
On South Ronaldsay the Tomb of the Eagles is a must to show how lazy Historic Scotland could be. Its privately owned and great fun. A bit Indiana Jones.
Easy islands to get at are Rousay and Wyre. Hoy needs a bit if planning but is worth it and the ultimate trip is a flight to Papa Westray. There and back in a day with about 5-6 hours in the ground. We did that and it was a hoot. The world's shortest scheduled air service! Lovely island with seals and birds and the oldest house in NW Europe (semidetached). The island has a shop and may have a cafe (ask). Check the weather and try to book early. Its popular with aero geeks.

[IainMacD]

Thanks Duncan, some great sounding suggestions there, we might need an extra week 😀

[wanderer]

I can also recommend the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall and having a nice wander around Stromness which, to me, is a more interesting harbour, a more picturesque main street and an interesting museum. Broch of Birsay is nice if you go up to the lighthouse. Talking of which, the many there are are often photogenic.
Keep an eye out for oddities, I found a field of Oxeye Daisies and another of purple pansies.
Clestrain has John Rae's childhood home which is slowly being done up.
Lots of fun round the Churchill barriers but the Italian Chapel is hit or miss with crowds.
Food wise, 2 breweries, 2 distilleries, Orkney fudge, farmhouse cheese (with Westray biscuits ).
Yes, you will go back. 2nd half of May, 1st half of June the best.
Oh and you've not even thought about Shetland.

[IainMacD]

Thanks for the further suggestions Duncan Birsay was on the list but:
"Broch of Birsay is nice if you go up to the lighthouse. Talking of which, the many there are are often photogenic."
There seems to be a word missing from the last sentence, I am intrigued to know what the many photogenic 'things' are.
Shetland is one for the future, maybe next year?

[wanderer]

Birds, the ocean swell, the cliffs and earlier in the year a carpet of Spring Squill. Also as the NW tip of Orkney great long views along the north and west coasts.
Just down from the village of Birsay (fine castle) a good walk is to be had to the Kitchener memorial.

[Melaka]

I see Orkney is considering leaving Scotland in favour of Norway or Denmark so better pack a passport in case!

[BDennis]

I see Orkney is considering leaving Scotland in favour of Norway or Denmark so better pack a passport in case!

Yes I saw that on BBC News this morning too, thought it was April 1st again for a moment!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-66066448