Orkney

We spent 6 days up on Orkney and were not disappointed.

Much of our time was spent on Orkney Mainland visiting RSPB Reserves, historic buildings and sites of archaeological importance such as Skara Brae. However, we managed to explore Shapinsay, Rousay and South Ronaldsay whilst also sailing to, but not landing on, Hoy and Flotta.

Hide at RSPB Birsay Moors, Mainland

RSPB Marwick Head, Mainland

Fulmar - RSPB Marwick Head, Mainland

 

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

 

Skara Brae, Mainland

 

View from hide - RSPB Mill Dam, Shapinsay

Hedgehog - Shapinsay

 

Rousay

 

Some of the best bird sightings, however, were found at the Peedie Sea and Boating Pond in Kirkwall ..........

 

Peedie Sea and Boating Pond, Kirkwall

Common Tern - Peedie Sea and Boating Pond, Kirkwall

 

... with, amazingly, Roseate Tern and up to 8 Long-tailed Ducks present during our stay ........

 

Long-tailed Duck - Peedie Sea and Boating Pond, Kirkwall

 

It was our first time on Orkney and we saw lots of 'hoped for' birds such as Hen Harrier, Great and Arctic Skua, Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Cuckoo, Twite and Stonechat. Travelling was easy with excellent information available from the tourist information centre and adjoining travel centre - buses and ferries generally ran on time and provided a good integrated public transport service.

The weather was pretty good, the only 'criticism' being the wind which did make it feel a bit cooler than it really was. The food was really good and the people friendly and welcoming - so, if you haven't been, give it a go!