Last February me, my boyfriend and two mates drove from Manchester to Aberdeen, hopped on the ferry to Kirkwall and drove onto Orkney in the dead of night. We woke up in our lovely Scapa Flow Lodge overlooking the bay, cooked up a big breakfast and headed out into the neolithic theme park that is the Orkney mainland. We took a guided tour of the mysterious and Viking-graffitied Maes Howe and explored the underground maze of houses that is Skarabrae.
But the most magical experience of the holiday was heading off of the main road and seeing the Ring of Brodgar open up before us as we drove over the brow of the hill. The deserted site saw us drop our cheese and beetroot chutney sarnies to marvel and wander/wonder among the perfectly placed stones. We couldn't help but imagine who'd built them, ask ourselves whether those long gone people had been inspired most by the rugged land or the starry sky, and pretend for those few moments that the stones belonged only to us. There was nothing to distract us but the fast falling sun and the draw of the cosy pub, tasty whiskey, and live music we'd been promised back in Kirkwall.

www.scapaflow-lodges.co.uk/
Scorralee, Scorradale Road, Orphir, Orkney, KW17 2RF
+44(0)856 811268
Google map: bit.ly/viSsjx

www.orkneyjar.com/history/maeshowe/
www.orkneyjar.com/history/skarabrae
www.orkneyjar.com/history/brodgar/
www.orkneystore.com/catResults.asp?secondary=26

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Lovely B&B on the island of Westray, a quiet island one hour's ferry ride from Orkney mainland.

A very stylish bed and breakfast in a beautifully restored house next to Pierowall Bay. We could see seals from our bedroom window.

Very comfortable, great food (evening meals if you want).

Fairtrade, local produce and Earl Grey tea! Magic!

www.no1broughton.co.uk

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I have never previously chosen to return to a vacation location, but Rickla has changed that. Overlooking the Islands of Hoy and the Ring of Brodga, the World Heritage site bumps up to the boundary line of the property. Jackie & Stewart are rightfully proud of their 5* B&B, from the friendly welcome to the touches that keep emerging as you peruse your room with a view the experience was close to sublime. The Bose Radio CD being one example. But I won't spoil the delight that you will gain from the rest. There is however one major warning! If you are on a diet, unless you have an excessively strong self will: Do Not Even Consider Rickla. The Breakfasts are to die for, the black pudding omelette is not for the faint-hearted! Their 5 stars are WELL DESERVED!

Details at www.rickla.co.uk

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