Orkney forum 49 room
Image by Billy Fear
Orkney

Orkney advice please

close
more_vert
Vicster V
Vicster Aug 22, 2009 17:53:48
Replying to Jane

Jane wrote:
Hi Vix
I didn't really blog much of our Orcadian trip but this blog takes in some of the Hollywood sites.
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/30016/weblog/

Due to the now overcrowded nature of listings of Orcadian sites on here, it's hard to pick out the spectacular 'Hollywood' sites any more.

If you're on Mainland, the obviously ones are of course:
Brodgar, Stenness, MaesHowe and Skara Brae. All MUST-SEES for really good reason!

If you can get down to the Tomb of the Eagles you WILL have your mind blown :-)

Other easy 'interesting-but-less-well-known' ones are Wideford, Unstan, the Fairy Knowe. And Rennibister Earth House http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/5110/rennibister.html was superb.

There's no reason you shouldn't be able to see all those in 2 days.

If you can get to Skara Brae after official opening hours, you can see the place and have it to yourself without interruption from coach parties. We were there with Mr and Mrs Hob and it was absolute magic.

You may not need them as much as I did, what with me being a soft southern jessie, but don't forget your longjohns and a furry hat with flappydown ears suitable for polar exploration. And a flask of tea :-)

Have fun
J
x

Thanks Jane - am hoping September will be mildish but am prepared for Orcadian weather. Mind you, Vicky and I have managed a decent picnic in some of the foulest of weathers (at some of the most spectacular of sites) so I am sure we will cope!

Did you stay in Kirkwall? Any tips for decent places to eat/drink of an evening?

Vxx

M Moth
Moth Aug 22, 2009 18:31:16
Replying to Vicster

'Fraid we stayed at a cottage just outside Finstown & didn't eat in Kirkwall at all from what I remember....

love

Moth

G goffik
goffik Aug 22, 2009 23:25:24
Replying to Vicster

Hiya!

Mrs G and I went in September in 2004 and I was in shorts and sandals for the duration! Not cos I'm mental, but because the weather was excellent. ;) And I got sunburned. Totally unexpected...

We didn't eat out either, so can't recommend anywhere - we went self-catering so just ate in and made picnics.

Oh god I'm so jealous. Ever since we got back we've yearned to get back up there! I don't think I can add anything to other recommendations, but the well-known sites are all superb, and will definately keep you busy!

We went for a little well-hunt one day but gave up after 2 or 3 finds... Not cos we couldn't be arsed, but there was just so much else to see! Thought we'd save it for another visit, maybe... :)

Tomb of the Eagles is on South Ronaldsay, which, as has been discussed, is joined by the Churchill Barriers to Mainland Orkney. You gotta get yerself down there!

I also recommend a day trip to North Ronaldsay. You want remote? Well, there it is! There's several tumuli and a standing stone if you need an excuse... The beach-dwelling, seaweed-eating sheep are excuse enough for me! :)

We stayed in a couple of places - one overlooking the Loch of Stenness (with the Ring o' Brogar and Maes Howe visible from the roof garden) and some fantastic holiday chalets in Finstown, in sight of the Cuween chambered tomb. I can give you more details if you need them!

G x

T tjj
tjj Aug 23, 2009 00:54:45
Replying to Vicster

.... and, don't forget to call into the Stromness Bookshop, 1 Graham Place, Stromness, its run by a quiet American called Tam. I bought my compilation of George Mackay Brown poetry there and had a brief conversation with the owner that stayed with me a long time after I left the shop.