Papa Westray (or "Papay" to the locals) is one of Orkney's most northerly islands and the two minute scheduled flight between its neighbouring island of Westray is the world's shortest. This tiny, friendly island is rich in wildlife and archaeology. And if you can persuade a local fisherman to sail you across to the uninhabited Holm of Papay, then you can climb down into the ancient chambered cairns to see the prehistoric rock carvings. Take a torch & a sense of adventure! Bliss.

www.papawestray.co.uk/

Google map: tinyurl.com/3xmm3m2

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I spent an idyllic holiday camping and cycling in Orkney last summer. I took my bike on the train to Aberdeen, then caught the ferry to Kirkwall. So easy and really cheap if you aren't taking a car.
My first day was spent cycling between the two major towns on the mainland (the largest of the Orkney islands). A beautiful summer cycle, broken up by trips to impressive stone circles, tombs and a 1950s style ice cream parlour. Compared to neighbouring Shetland, Orkney is a cyclist's dream. It's incredibly flat and the drivers are well used to cyclists, so it was a refreshing change to share the road with considerate drivers.
The gorgeous fishing town of Stromness entertained me for a few days. Impressive contemporary art gallery, coastal walks and plenty of pubs to sample the locally brewed ales.
There are so many islands to visit, it is tricky deciding which ones to choose, as they all have their own character. I opted for a day trip to Hoy (famous for the Old Man of Hoy magnificent sea stack). This is the one island not so suitable for you bike as it actually has hills, including Orkney's only munro. I discovered a bothy in which you can stay or camp by, overlooking one of the UKs most spectacular beaches.
I also spent a few days on Westray and Papa Westray, or Papay and it is lovingly known to it's 75ish residents. Many of whom I met and couldn't have been more friendly. It's a cliche to mention it, but it is all about the slow pace of life and everyone has the time for a chat. The wildlife seemed to have the same relaxed cheerful outlook, with seals always popping their inquisitive heads up out of the turquoise water.

www.visitorkney.com
www.papawestray.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/337vapr

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Forget an afternoon in the Natural History Museum, Orkney is a living and breathing museum. There are very few places which allow you to step back in time to 2200BC, and even fewer which can give you a detailed picture of what life was like in those times, but Skara Brae is only one of the fascinating sights that this island offers. And with coastal erosion becoming an increasing concern, it may not be around forever.

As well as the numerous sites of historical interest, there are plenty of activities for the more adventurous. Orkney is listed as one of the world's top dive sites (admittedly a dry suit is neeeded) for sights of vessels sunk during the world wars. There are courses and activities to cater for every taste, from outdoor pursuits to fire making and ancient Orkney crafts.

An Orkney adventure can be achieved on any budget, whether for a comfortable stay in a warm, friendly hotel, or a getting back to basics holiday camping or caravaning. Despite the bleak outlook in the winter months there are still highlights of a visit at any time of the year, notably the winter solstice at Maes Howe or the Kirkwall Ba' on Hogmanay. But there is nothing more beautiful than the view over a deserted beach when the sun sets over the sea on Orkney.

www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/areaorkn/index.html
www.orkneyjar.com/history/skarabrae/

Google map: tinyurl.com/39jly4h

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The small, picturesque village of St Margaret's Hope is well worth a visit just to experience the food which is conjured nightly in this award winning restaurant. The freshness of the fish is guaranteed as the restaurant changes its menu daily to reflect what has been caught that day, and there is a meat option available for non fish lovers. I would return to Orkney in an instant for no other reason than to dine here again.

www.thecreel.co.uk/
Front Road, St Margaret's Hope
Orkney KW17 2SL
Tel: (01856) 831311

Google map: tinyurl.com/37jrhr6

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