Island Adventures

Create your own itinerary to take in the best of Orkney’s smaller isles

ORKNEY is made up of more than 70 islands, from the 523.2 km² (200 square mile) Mainland to 107 hectares (0.41 sq mi) island of Cava. Only 20 of these islands are inhabited, but all of them are worth visiting, whether for their historical landmarks or simply the beautiful scenery each island boasts.

Elaine Tulloch, chief executive of Destination Orkney, knows the individual value each island holds.

“Journey out to Orkney’s outlying islands,” Elaine says, “and you’ll learn that each has its own distinctive landscape and history.”

There are innumerable routes to take in the sights of the smaller islands. The ferry and air routes between the islands are fantastic and you are guaranteed breath-taking views. One route to recommend is round the northern islands, starting from Kirkwall on the Mainland and finishing on Westray, taking in, Sanday, North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray along the way.

If you’re short on time, a two-hour ferry or a picturesque 20-minute flight will take you from Kirkwall to the aptly named Sanday. With miles of beautiful sandy beaches, bays and dunes, this idyllic island wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.

It has a population of around 500, and with plenty of choices for accommodation, cafes and restaurants, it makes an ideal spot for to stay a couple of days.

The beaches are the main attraction, and in the summer the bright white sands and the clear blue sea provide the perfect spot for holidaying families. There are few things more enticing to children than paddling in the sea and parents can enjoy reclining on the beach with a good book, or simply enjoying the beautiful view.

North Ronaldsay, the northernmost of the Orkney Islands lies further north than the southernmost tip of Norway. A longer, but beautiful ferry trip from Sanday whisks you away to this island where you will