Travelling The Orkney Islands

A Timeless Archipelago of History, Myth and Wild Beauty

"Orkney is where time stands still—where ancient stones whisper tales of the past, the wild seas shape the land, and the northern lights dance across endless skies."

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Standing Stones of Stenness dates from at least 3100BC and are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:-

• Travelling The Orkney Islands

• Discover the Untamed Beauty of the Shetland Islands

• Around the Web: Island hopping around Orkney; Follow this trail and get up close with Orkney’s wildest inhabitants; Why the Scottish Highlands is a must-visit and more…

• Everything you need to know about visiting the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: The Highland coo is as much a part of Scotland’s landscape as the lochs and castles!

• Scottish Food You Will Love: CLAPSHOT Traditional SCOTTISH dish ORKNEY Islands

• Coo Wee: 7 Days Travelling The Orkney Islands

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Travelling The Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, a rugged archipelago off Scotland’s north coast, are a treasure trove of history, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Best known for their Neolithic heritage, Orkney is home to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the mystical Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the remarkably well-preserved prehistoric village of Skara Brae, older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Beyond its ancient past, Orkney is also famed for its Viking legacy, with remnants of Norse settlements and the grand St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, built by the Vikings in the 12th century. Visitors can explore the dramatic sea cliffs at Yesnaby, spot puffins at Marwick Head, or venture into the eerie depths of the Italian Chapel, a stunning WWII-era church built by Italian prisoners of war. For whisky lovers, a tour of the Highland Park and Scapa distilleries offers a taste of Orkney’s famous peaty single malts. Whether you’re drawn by history, nature, or a dram of whisky with a sea breeze, Orkney is an unforgettable Scottish escape.

An ancient dwelling in Skara Brae, a well preserved 5,000 year-old Neolithic village settlement on mainland Orkney Island in northern Scotland - Shutterstock

Discover the Untamed Beauty of the Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands, perched off Scotland’s northeastern coast, are a haven of Viking heritage, rugged beauty, and unforgettable adventures. From the pristine sands of Breckon Beach to thrilling outdoor pursuits and abundant wildlife, Shetland offers a rich and varied experience. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient Norse history, eager to spot orcas and otters, or enchanted by the sight of iconic Shetland ponies, these islands promise an extraordinary and immersive journey for every visitor.

Puffins at the Sumburgh Head on Shetland islands, Scotland - Shutterstock

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Around The Web

Island hopping around Orkney!

Orkney is a place where history, nature and culture collide. Known for its world-famous Neolithic sites, rugged landscapes and fascinating wildlife, this group of over 70 islands – only 20 of which are inhabited – offers endless opportunities to explore. And what better way to experience Orkney than from hopping island to island and discovering the unique charm of each?

Follow this trail and get up close with Orkney’s wildest inhabitants

Orkney’s unique landscape is home to seabird cities, eagles, otters, puffins, seals, orcas and a great deal more. Spring marks the point when much of this nature comes alive...

The Isle of Mull is an excellent place to cycle for all ages

The Isle of Mull is a large island and the roads are nearly all single-track with amazing scenery almost all of the time. There is a 10 mile stretch of double track road from Craignure to Salen and another 4 mile section leading into Tobermory…

Eating out in Orkney

The diversity of food and drink on offer in Orkney is truly remarkable. In addition to our famed local beef, lamb, salmon and shellfish, we’ve also got delicacies such as the prized meat that comes from the legendary seaweed fed sheep of North Ronaldsay, Orkney’s most northerly island.

What to see and do on Isle of Iona and Mull

If wildlife is your thing, there are beasts in abundance. If you like history, the isles have castles, standing stones and an ancient abbey. Then there's the ever-changing land and seascapes - wild and beautiful at every turn.

Why the Scottish Highlands is a must-visit!

The Scottish Highlands aren’t just a place; they’re an experience—one that leaves its mark on your soul. With rugged landscapes that look like they’ve leapt from the pages of a fantasy novel, lochs that shimmer under moody skies, and a history as deep and dramatic as the glens themselves, there’s truly nowhere else like it…

Portree before sunset, Isle of Skye, Scotland - Shutterstock

Top Experiences In Scotland Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

Standing proudly against a backdrop of rugged hills and misty glens, the Highland coo is as much a part of Scotland’s landscape as the lochs and castles. With its thick, shaggy coat built for the wildest weather, it’s a true Highland icon - majestic, a wee bit stubborn and always photogenic.

Scottish Food You Will Love

CLAPSHOT Traditional SCOTTISH dish ORKNEY Islands

Coo Wee

7 Days Travelling The Orkney Islands

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