Discover The Orkney Islands - Visitor Map (Discover map series)

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The Kirkwall Cathedral is dedicated to St Magnus, an earl of Orkney who was murdered by his cousin. The cathedral was built in the mid 1100s and expanded twice. Meanwhile, whisky lovers only have a mile or two to go to find Highland Park Distillery, to the south east of the town, and Scapa Distillery, to the south west. Both offer tastings and tours and are well worth a visit. Mull Head Nature reserve: coastal grassland with sea cliffs – great for walking and birdwatching – nearby is the sea cave called the Gloup Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. If you’re flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too.

Meashowe is considered one of the best-preserved chambered cairns. It survived from 5000 years ago, enabling us to discover its prehistoric design. An ominous atmosphere in the Cuween Chambered Cairn makes it a great place to explore for those seeking thrills and mysteries. Around the Cairn sits one of Scotland’s earliest agricultural communities, with even more cairns and ruined settlements to see! Orkneyinga Saga Centre Kirkwall, Orkney's main town, is a great base for touring by car or by bike. There are excellent ferry services between islands, though you can also take the world's shortest scheduled flight - 2 minutes! - between Westray and Papa Westray. From Aberdeen, you can also travel to Kirkwall by ferry or you can take a flight from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness or Shetland.Orkney Gin Company is based in Burray too, with its wide range of award-winning gins produced in the village. Although there is no visitor centre, you can find bottles in shops across Orkney. Most of the main attractions in the Orkney Islands are located on the West side of Mainland Orkney. Video, photos and practical information on my article about the Standing Stones of Stenness. Standing Stones of Stenness #13 – The Ring of Brodgar Two beaches can be found in St Ola. Inganess, in the shadow of Kirkwall Airport, and Scapa, with its views over Scapa Flow, offer fresh sea air within walking distance of your traditional town amenities. Scapa beach You can choose to travel to the islands by ferry or flight from a variety of destinations, with plenty of options available when you’re planning your visit.

Even coming to as remote a place as Orkney, you’ll still be able to taste fine Scottish whiskey at the Highland Park Distillery. Nestled near the town of Orphir is the Orkneying Saga Centre, where you can learn about the Norse Earls who ruled Orkney. It can be a bit overwhelming deciding what you should and shouldn’t see here. Read our guide for the top things to do in Kirkwall! Explore the Town Centre Newark Beach: long stretch of white sand beach with a walk to Point of Ayre. Great for birdwatching Sunny summer day? Come to the Brough of Deerness for an extraordinary coastal walk with unparalleled views.These twin palaces are stunning to behold and are evidence of Kirkwall Harbour being a bustling Norweigan port before it joined Scotland. The Bishop Palace was the residence of the medieval bishops of Orkney. It was built in the mid 1100s at the same time as the St Magnus Cathedral. The ruins are not as interesting at those of the Earl’s Palace, but you can get up the tower for a great view of the cathedral. The walk is easy. Bring your binoculars to admire the many birds nesting in the vertical cliffs ( see my guide to help you buy binoculars for travel).