VENTURE EAST

Miles of unspoilt beaches, coastal cliff walks and attractive countryside can all be found only a few minutes’ drive from Kirkwall, by taking time out to explore the East Mainland. Alongside many of the local and thriving farms are well-signposted walks. Taking these walks is a great way to see parts of the countryside you may not already be familiar with.

Keep an eye out for wildlife near the pathways and the lochs. A host of bird life and plant life can be spotted and, if you are very lucky, maybe even an otter or two.

Deerness has been described as being “almost an island,” and has lots to offer, including three beautiful beaches at Newark, Dingieshowe and Sandside.

An exception to the fertile farmland in the east is Mull Head, which is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy a walk to see the spectacular cliff scenery, including the Gloup and the Brough of Deerness, with views over to Copinsay, the Horse of Copinsay and other skerries and holms.

The area designated a local nature reserve by Orkney Islands Council in 1993, due to its ecological, archaeological and geological interest, extends to around 160 hectares of sea cliffs — maritime heath and grassland.

At the car park there are information points showing maps of the area which suggest various walking routes and the many landmarks and features you may pass on the way.

When walking the East Mainland coastline, keep an eye on the sea, as dolphins, porpoises and even whales can — on occasion — be spotted offshore, as well as inquisitive common and grey seals that watch you watching them!

The East Mainland coastline has everything, from sandy beaches to rocky shores and rugged cliffs.

There are also many manmade historic buildings in the area, ranging from the wartime defences in Holm and Tankerness, including the Churchill Barriers in Lamb Holm, and the Covenanters’ Memorial in Deerness.

This monument was built in 1888 to mark the area where some 200 Covenanters drowned after their ship went aground in 1697.

The area also boasts a number of tearooms, jewellers, shops and cafés, which are well worth a visit as you stop off and pause to take it all in.