SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020 Orkney and Shetland
search Seastack at Yesnaby, Orkney
search Breckon Sands, Yell, Shetland
search Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, Orkney search Braewick, Shetland
An island holiday is a very special experience. The distinctive Formed by ancient hills sitting on the submerged continental shelf, coastlines and culture of Scotland's northern isles, Orkney and Shetland boasts over 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. Shetland Shetland, make a trip to remember. has an incredibly long coastline of over 2700km, equating to 15% of the entire UK coastline, including some of the highest sea cliffs in The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of around 70 islands (20 of Britain, hundreds of pristine, sandy beaches, sea stacks and caves. which are inhabited) lying a mere 10 miles north of the Scottish mainland. The number of islands, countless cliffs and endless white The unique scenery is due to the diverse geology (all of Shetland is a sandy beaches make for a dramatic shoreline sculpted by the seas UNESCO accredited Geopark), with some rocks over 370 million years over thousands of years. You’re never far from a cliff walk in Orkney. old, the beautiful landscape also including trout lochs, salt marshes, The magnificent red sandstone cliffs on Hoy, the striking natural arch sand dunes, exposed ancient sea floors and the best cross-section of known as the Vat of Kirbister on Stronsay, or the cliff walks at Yesnaby a volcano in Britain. and Marwick Head on West Mainland are just some examples Shetland's wildlife is rich and varied, with 12% of Britain's otters Thanks to its coast, cliffs, wetlands and moorlands, the Orkney around its shores, significant common and grey seal populations, Islands invite waterfowl, waders, raptors and seabirds, including some of the UK's largest seabird colonies (including puffins and the much loved puffin, to make their homes here. This is one of the gannets), frequent cetacean sightings (especially orcas!) and of best places in Britain to go seal-watching, as it’s a breeding ground course the iconic Shetland pony. for both grey and common seals. Around 15% of the world’s seal Settled for over 6,000 years, there is a wealth of archaeology, from population is found here. Dolphins and various species of whale can Neolithic temples, Iron Age round towers and Viking long-houses also be frequently spotted. to excellently preserved WWll sites. Europe’s biggest Fire Festival, Divers from across the world are attracted to Orkney's wartime wrecks Up Helly Aa, takes place in Lerwick in January and is a homage to and the sealife that can be found living within them. Or stay above the Shetland’s Viking past. seas in a kayak and explore the coastline from a different angle. Direct flights to Shetland are available from Edinburgh, Glasgow, You can fly to Orkney’s main town of Kirkwall from the airports at Aberdeen and Inverness all year round, and also from Manchester Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness with all flights lasting and Bergen in the summer. Ferries sail from Aberdeen and is a 12- an hour or less. There are four ferry routes to choose from, with up to hour overnight mini-cruise. 12 sailings a day, depending on the season.
For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] orkney 1 2 3 4 5
Old Man of Hoy – one of Scotland’s Island Hopping – Orkney consists of Westray and Papa Westray – the Churchill Barriers – The Churchill Flotta – The tiny island of Flotta has most famous landmarks in Orkney, 70 islands and skerries, of which 20 world’s shortest scheduled flight Barriers are four causeways built a rich history. It was at the heart of this 450 foot sea stack lying in a are permanently inhabited. There is operates between the Island of after the sinking of the HMS Royal Orkney’s military experience of WWII spectacular setting just off the coast a magic to Orkney that you will Westray and Papa Westray. The flight Oak while it lay in harbour in Scapa and of the island's oil industry in the of the island of Hoy. Hoy means 'High begin to feel as soon as you set foot takes 1 minute 14 seconds, covering Flow in October 1939. After WWII, a 1970s. It also has the distinction of Island' in Old Norse. To see it, enjoy a in this unique place, and there is no a distance of 1.5 miles. Papa Westray road was built on top of the barriers offering one of the most spectacular three-hour trek from Rackwick to the better way to experience it than by was once a medieval pilgrimage allowing easy driving access to the 360 degree panoramas in the UK, coast, or take the easy route of visiting several different islands from centre, while Westray is home to over south isles. The area is popular with taking in Scapa Flow, the Pentland spotting it from the daily Scrabster- Stromsay to North Ronaldsay or 100,000 seabirds including gannets, divers, sea-anglers and also has Firth and views over several islands. Stromness ferry. Westray and experience experience razorbills and guillemots, which nest some superb beaches. The name ‘flotta’ comes from the the special character of each. on the high cliffs at Noup Head. Norse for 'flat isle'.
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Scapa Flow – Scapa Flow is a body RSPB Nature Reserves – The Royal Tours on Orkney – one of the best Beautiful Beaches – from long Cycling and Walking Routes – enjoy of water encircled by the Orkney Society of the Protection of Birds way to get to know Orkney is by stretches of fine white sand to rugged Orkney's open road network through mainland and south isles, making it (RSPB) look after 13 nature reserves touring the island with expert local coves, Orkney's beaches will surprise dramatic land and seascapes. See a sheltered natural harbour which here, ranging from sea cliffs and guides. There’s a range of exciting with their beauty. Take a stroll on the history, heritage and wildlife of has been strategically important farmland to wetland and moorland. options to choose from. Get close to Grobust Beach in Westray, explore these islands on short trails such as from Viking times right through to The amazing range of habitats the islands’ history and nature on a the rockpools at Dingieshowe Beach Westness Heritage walk on Rousay or WWI and WWII. Several waretime produces an unforgettable range of walking tour, enjoy the thrill of the in Deerness or watch the sunset at take a longer trek up Ward Hill and wrecks are clearly visible. The Scapa wildlife to see all year-round. There open road on a trike tour, explore Warebeth Beach on West Mainland. the Dwarfie Stane on the Isle of Hoy. Flow Visitor Centre and Museum on are guided walks on many reserves the islands’ food and drink or set sail You might also explore the rock Don't miss The St Magnus Way, a the island of Hoy is due to re-open in between May and August, with a on a boat trip to see wildlife and the pools, spot seals, birdwatch, or just long distance pilgrimage route, Autumn 2020, a temporary exhibition chance to watch wildlife with the stunning coastlines. drink in the peace and beauty of an following the story of St Magnus, is open at the Hoy Hotel. experts most days of the week. Orkney coastline. giving time and space for reflection.
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Tours on Shetland – take a tour to Isle of Unst – Britain's most northerly St Ninian’s Isle – linked to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse – visitor Scalloway Museum and Unst Boat explore Shetland’s waters and Island, has an amazing history and mainland of Shetland by one of centre and Nature Reserve is a five Haven – visit the Scalloway Museum coastlines. See amazing cliffs, spectacular landscapes, such as the Europe’s finest sand tombolos, a star visitor attraction, providing an to hear about the wartime operation seabird colonies and other wildlife hills of Hermaness. Hermaness stunning 500m long sandy beach engaging and interactive experience that ran special agents across the around Noss on a boat trip from the National Nature Reserve is home to with sea either side. The 12th Century for visitors of all ages. Explore the sea from Norway, or visit Unst Boat town of Lerwick, or be adventurous thousands of breeding birds, and chapel on the island became famous history and natural heritage of Haven to explore Shetland’s boat- on a guided trip by kayak or jet-ski. Keen of Hamar is an exposed ancient in the 1950’s for the discovery of the Sumburgh Head, from early building traditions the origins of The area’s abundant wildlife means seabed, with unique flora. Unst also St. Ninian’s treasure, 28 silver Pictish geological beginnings and Iron Age which date back to the 9th century. that no matter where on Shetland has the highest density of Viking items plus the jawbone of a porpoise, settlers to the lives of lighthouse Exhibits include a collection of over you are, there are operators who can longhouse remains anywhere, plus a buried under a slab near the altar, keepers and also a great place to see 20 traditional wooden boats. take you on the perfect wildlife full-sized replica Viking ship. perhaps during a Viking raid. puffins! journey of discovery.
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Nature Reserves – Shetland is Shetland Museum and Archives – Mousa Isle – Mousa Isle is home of Fair Isle – is most famous for the East/West Burra and Tondra – run renowned for it's diversity of wildlife set on the waterfront within a the best preserved broch (Iron Age intricately patterned knitwear that parallel to the south mainland and and natural habitat. In Hermaness restored 19th century dock in round tower) in Scotland. Built over has been hand produced on the are linked by bridges to each other find 170m high cliffs with over Lerwick, this fascinating museum tells 2,000 years ago, it stands over 13 island for centuries using yarn spun and to the mainland of Shetland. On 100,000 breeding seabirds while the the story of Shetland’s heritage and metres high, and in in Shetland, Fair Isle lies midway Trondra the Croft Trail is on a working island of Noss has an incredible culture. It charts the development of climbing the ancient internal between Orkney and Shetland. The croft dedicated to Shetland’s native “seabird city” on its 180m cliffs. the archipelago from its earliest staircase, you will be rewarded with island is also home to a variety of breeds. Burra boasts some of Sumburgh Head is famous as a place geological origins to the present day. a stunning view. Seabirds and seals flora and fauna particularly seabirds Shetland’s finest beaches and a to spot the charming puffin, while Visit the renovated Boat Shed to can be spotted in coastal areas. and wildflowers. It can be reached by wonderful Shetland pony experience, Fair Isle is a stopover for many watch vessels being constructed by plane or by ferry at the south end of plus Icelandic horse beach-trekking species of migrant birds. hand using traditional techniques the Shetland mainland. at Houlls Horses and Hounds.
Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.
For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected]