SPELLBINDING
As nights draw in, autumn is the perfect time for a visit to Orkney to work its magic
AUTUMN in Orkney can bring you long, magical golden sunsets one day and bracing winds and stormfilled skies the next. Where better to take in these dramatic days and nights than some of the islands’ best viewpoints?
Embrace the autumn sight of the swirling seas and crashing waves against the towering sea stacks of Yesnaby on West Mainland, walk up to one of Orkney’s most famous landmarks, the 450ft Old Man of Hoy, or witness magical sunrise views over Copinsay.
With the dark nights drawing in, you might even witness the Northern Lights.
Autumn is the best season to spot seals. Did you know that an incredible 15 per cent of the world’s population of grey seals live around Orkney?
Look out for fluffy seal pups, right, along the coastline of North Ronaldsay, where you will also find the rare breed of seaweed-eating sheep. You can visit one of Orkney’s 13 RSPB nature reserves and take a guided walk with an expert who will take you to the best places for spotting autumn wildlife. If you are feeling creative, take the Orkney Craft Trail around workshops, studios and galleries and watch unique items being created by jewellery makers, artists, potters and painters eager to share their passion. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop for stunning arts and crafts in Kirkwall, Stromness and across the islands. Don’t miss the autumn exhibitions at the award-winning Pier Arts Centre in Stromness, learn how to weave a traditional Orkney chair or join a weekend of blues and boogie at the Orkney Blues Festival. You can also enjoy some great Orcadian music at the Winter Trad Fest (October 1619), at the Reel Café in Kirkwall, or at the Ferry Inn in Stromness.
As the nights grow longer, the Orkney International Story Telling Festival is here to keep you entertained from October 26-29.
Hear some fascinating Orcadian stories featuring heroes and monsters. The tales include the story of Assipattle which gave Orkney its very own creation myth.
If you are interested in history, Orkney is a fascinating place to be. Discover 6,000 years of history in the heart of Neolithic Orkney by visiting the stunning standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar or explore Orkney’s Norse connections at the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral.
Don’t miss the midwinter celebrations at Maeshowe and the magical moment when light travels down the Neolithic tomb to illuminate the chamber inside.
In December, there is the beautiful St Lucy Festival procession into St Magnus Cathedral, accompanied by the pipes and drums of the Kirkwall Pipe Band, together with festive lights illuminating Kirkwall, marking the start of the Christmas festivities.
And don’t forget to indulge in the tastes of Orkney.
Treat yourself to freshly caught seafood, North Ronaldsay lamb, organic cheeses and oatcakes, not forgetting Orkney Fudge.
Wash it all down with some award-winning beers from the five-star Orkney Brewery or a dram from the Highland Park Distillery, the most northerly whisky distillery in the world. There’s also the Orkney Amateur Master Chef 2017 on September 27 at the Orkney Theatre.