Discover Scotland’s Beaches: Island-Hopping in Orkney
If you find yourself venturing further and further north in Scotland, don’t stop until you hit the Orkney Islands. Tucked away in the most northwesterly part of the country, where the North Sea kisses the Atlantic, you’ll quickly see why Orkney is like no other place on earth.
It’s a magical archipelago of around 70 different islands and a haven for rugged beauty, rich history, and unforgettable wildlife. Whether you’re a history buff, in the market for a few thrills, or just looking for a peaceful respite in a cottage by the sea, Orkney will steal your heart and stay with you forever.
Mainland Orkney
Let’s start with mainland Orkney, the largest and most populated island. This is where you’ll find one of the most popular towns, Kirkwall. You can explore its charming streets, sit in cozy cafés, and step inside St. Magnus Cathedral. No matter where your faith lies, it’s worth a quick visit because it’s the oldest cathedral in Scotland and the most northerly cathedral in the UK. Somehow, lighting a candle in these corridors feels particularly holy.
Another great spot on the mainland is Stromness. It’s a picturesque little harbor town with narrow streets just waiting to embrace you with their warmth, culture, and magnificent views out to the sea.
Skara Brae
With that general overview under our belts, let’s dig a little deeper and take a closer look at Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also on the mainland. There are four main attractions here that will knock your socks off. First, you have Skara Brae, an incredibly well-preserved Stone Age village that’s older than the pyramids in Egpyt. You can walk through the remains of ancient houses, complete with stone furniture, as you imagine what life might’ve been like thousands of years ago.
The Ring of Brodgar
It’s starting to feel like you’re stepping into the pages of a Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings trilogy, isn’t it? The Ring of Brodgar is an enormous stone circle that stands proudly against the sky. Also dating back to the Neolithic period, it’s completely shrouded in mystery – and something tells us it wants to remain that way. Theories abound, such as a place for worship or a place for spiritual ceremonies, but only the stones know the secrets and they’ve never been known to give them up.
The Standing Stones of Stenness & Mawshowe
In case you’ve been watching a little too much Outlander – like us – this is another sight you simply must see. Of course, the standing stones are staggering in their own right. (And we certainly wouldn’t judge you for secretly touching one to see if you’ll be transported back in time to find your very own Jamie Fraser.) But, equally impressive, you also have Maeshowe – a burial chamber that completes this prehistoric wonderland. It’s a massive chambered cairn that’s particularly jaw-dropping in the winter when the setting sun perfectly aligns with its entrance, illuminating the inner chamber.