I have two full days in Orkney; I'm planning to devote one day to the prehistoric and other sights on Mainland and was thinking about taking the ferry to Hoy, visiting the Scapa Flow museum, driving around the island, and perhaps doing a short hike. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any other suggestions for my second day? I will have a car and am staying in Kirkwall. Thanks...
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Hi Hoy's great. I've not done any hiking as I have been visiting family the two times I went. But I have friends who did some walks. I think that the one that they did was the Old Man of Hoy walk from Rackwick. Check out WalkHighlands for details.
If you decide to explore by car you can head down to Longhope you can visit the Lifeboat Memorial and I see that there is now a museum. In the same area is the Hackness Martello Tower from the Napoleonic times. Longhope is interesting as it's a very narrow bit of land and the vikings would pull their longboats across it. Our family farm, The Bu at Longhope, is actually mentioned in the Orcadian Sagas. Also, from there you look across the Pentland Firth back to Scotland. It's a very treacherous waterway.
Pam
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1692 posts
There is probably enough on Mainland and the barrier islands to occupy a week or more. I have been tempted to time into my schedule when going there going over to Hoy or the other outer islands, but simply there is enough. Heck I could spend half a day at Skara Brae alone.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Ah, MC you need to get to Hoy on your next visit! It's easy to get to and you'll love it. :)