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Orkney Islands Reviews

Fantabulous
Feb 29, 2004 12:47 PM 1532 Views

Orkney islands are out of this world. The treeless islands which are joined to each other and accessible by crossing the turbulent North Sea from John Ocroat is an experience by itself.


My daughter and I went to the Orkney islands six months back and had an excellent time. The wide open spaces, the salubrious temperature, the distant coastline of Norway across the North Sea is something to be seen to be believed.


The five thousand years old Skara Brae village is prehistoric and a highly visitable place. It is interesting to peer down into the age old stone made rooms where these people lived some five thousand years ago, slept on stone beds, had cupboards of stone to keep their belongings. The excelent picture postcards and the souvenirs of the place are also very good, so also is the brief film which is shown.


A little way out are the Stone cirlcles.Though not quite on the lines of Stonehenge, nevertheless these are also interesting and beautiful


We had a very nice time at Orkney Islands.We saw the Churches the shopping places and other things and enjoyed the ride back to Inverness by ferry and coach where we were staying.


An interesting island for people to see and visit and remember forever.


Orkney Islands - A Pre-Historic Region
Mar 15, 2002 09:46 AM 1673 Views

INTRODUCTION


It was in the summer of 1996, when I make this trip together with my girlfriend, just the two of us to enjoy a period of privacy.


It was a special arranged trip for us, after hearing so much of the area. I could have visited the Orkney Islands a few months earlier during late winters in February, but bad and cold weather make us cancel our plan. Climate in the Orkney Island is rather unforgiving, and it is recommended to go during the warmer summer period.


Orkney Islands are situated about 10 kilometers away from the north coast of Scotland. It consists of more than 70 islands, and about 20 of them are inhabited. Orkney Island is known for it's many pre-historic monuments, believe to have the most in the whole of Europe. Besides pre-historic monuments, the islands provide a wide range of scenery. From high and rocky cliff to white sandy beaches, and plenty of marine life to appreciate.


TRANSPORTATION


During my trip, I took a flight from Glasgow (I studied in the University of Glasgow at that time), the fare was about US$180 at that time for a return trip to Kirkwall, on the Mainland of Orkney Island. It was rather expensive in my opinions, but I would prefer this option rather than to drive up to John o'Groats, at the northern tip of mainland Scotland, and take a ferry over, which is too time consuming. Beside Glasgow, Kirkwall is also link to many cities in Scotland, as well as London.


As discussed, beside by air, Orkney Island can also be reach by water. The 2 main ferry points is at John o-Groats and Scrabster. It will have services to Stromness and Burwich respectively. I am not too sure about the price of such services, but I believe it should be rather reasonable.


Getting around in the Mainland can only be done on car if you are serious of exploring the many beautiful sites. I rented a car, which cost me about US$35 a day, and I am able to see the island to the best I can.


FOOD & ACCOMMODATION


Food can be readily available in the main cities like Kirkwall and Stromness. A wide varieties of food is available to choose from, and also for different budgets. But if you are planning for a day out of the city to visit some pre-historical site, it is best to get some food along, as it might be difficult to get food in some location. Even if you can, the price will be higher.


Accommodations are rather simple in the Mainland. Price is rather reasonable. I don't remember seeing any great big 5 star hotels around, but the B&B I stayed in for 2 days is very comfortable and clean. It cost us only US$60 for a 2 nights stay.


MAIN ATTRACTION


I will be covering only the main attractions that I feel is worthy of your time. I only managed to cover the Mainland of Orkney Island, and I believe there are plenty more of attraction on the other smaller islands.


Kirkwall is the capitol of Orkney Islands, the city where I arrived. It is a busy market town, where most activities are held. You can basically buy most of the daily items in this city.


The main attraction in the city is the St Magnus Cathedral. Founded in the 11th century, and built from local red sandstone and yellow Eday stones, it is a beauty under the evening sunlight. I have taken quite a number of pictures of it, and they are wonderful. Although it is not a really huge cathedral, but the interior is still as impression. Situated in the center of the city, it definitely worth a visit.


Near to the St Magnus Cathedral stands the ruin building of the Earl's Palace and Bishop's Palace. Definitely the day will be too long just to visit the St Magnus Cathedral, so no harm dropping into this 2 palace.


Besides all these, there is a Highland Park Distillery, which produce one of the best whiskeys in Scotland. I did not managed to make it during my stay in Kirkwall, but I heard from the owner in the B&B that it does not worth the time. I am not too sure about that.


Stromness, situated in the southern west end of the mainland, was once a port for the Vikings. It was a much smaller town compared to Kirkwall, but it is still beautiful. It resembles a sort of fishing village of ancient time. I still remember the sunset at the port, it was just magnificent.


Orkney Islands is famous for it's pre-historic monuments, and that was what I went for 5 years ago. They should not be missed or taken lightly, as in many cases, it will be the highlight of your visit to this regions.


A must of the pre-historic site is the Maes Howe, constructed about 5000 years ago, is one of the finest tomb found the Europe. The interior is very big, suppose to be over 22 feets high and 115 feet wide as stated in books. I did not measure it though, but it is really big.


Located about 13 kilometers from Stromness, is the 5000 years old pre-historic village, Skara Brae. It is very well preserves over the years. It was stated that the whole village was covered by the sand until it was uncovered in 1850, when a severe storm came to unveil its existence.


Besides this, there are 2 monuments, which is free of charge to visit. They are the Standing Stones or Stenness, which is near to Maes Howe, and also the Ring of Brodgar.


It will also be an experience to go along the coast to see the beautiful coast. I don't remember a scene that is not worthy to me.


Imagine this, my trip only last 3 days and 2 nights, and I have shot 13 rolls of 36 films. That will explain how beautiful it is.


SUMMARY


The Orkney Islands is a beautiful place to visit. It is a pity I am able to visit just the Mainland. Given the opportunity again, I will go further north to the island of Papa Westray, where there is the world oldest house, standing at 5000 years old. I have not seen any picture of it, and I am wondering how it looks like. The whole area remains so much untouched by modern mankind.


For nature lover, Orkney Island is the answer for your holiday.


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