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immediately feel the tranquillity of one of Scotland’s most remote communities. North Ronaldsay is relatively flat so hiring a bike is the perfect way to see the sites, from the Iron Age remains of Broch of Burrian to the tallest lighthouse in Britain.
“On North Ronaldsay, you’ll find a traditionally built stone dyke encircling the entire island,” Elaine says. “It’s there to keep the ancient local breed of seaweed-eating sheep on their shoreline habitat.”
The sheep are very used to visitors and always happy to pose for a photo.
Westray and its smaller neighbour of Papa Westray are the final destinations. A ferry runs to the island from North Ronaldsay, and to get between the neighbouring Westray islands you just need to hop on one of the shortest passenger flights in the world. The record for the fastest flight time between the islands is just 47 seconds!
“Papa Westray is home to the Knap of Howar, site of the oldest standing houses in north western Europe. Westray has the 16th century Noltland Castle, and the spectacular Noup Head RSPB reserve,” says Elaine.
This is just a tiny selection of Orkney’s islands but they serve to show the huge array of attractions that each a island offers to its visitors.
If you’re planning on exploring the lengths and breadths of the archipelago it is worth purchasing an Island Explorer pass. It offers 10 days unlimited ferry travel – including bikes – for £44 for an adult or £22 for a child.
For ferry prices and timetables visit
www.orkneyferries.co.uk
For flight times and prices visit
www.loganair.co.uk
“The record for the fastest flight time is just 47 seconds!