Awesome Orkney Islands

Orkney is made up of about 70 islands, but only seventeen of these are populated. The largest island is known as Mainland and it is linked by causeways to South Ronaldsay, Lamb Holm, Burray and Glimps. Though many of the Orkney Islands are small, there is something to see on virtually every one of them. Island hopping is a great way to spend time in this part of Scotland as it is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with some of the island attractions.

On Mainland, you may choose to take a look at the Neolithic village, Skara Brae
which is situated at Bay of Skaill. Or you could head towards the Stones of
Stenness near Loch of Harray. This stone circle on a mount dates from c. 2000 BC.
Or you could look at the Ring of Brogar which is also a stone circle but it dates
from c.1600 BC. All three are World Heritage Sites.

A popular attraction in Orkney is the Orkney Viking Trail. In the late 700’s the
first Norsemen began to raid Orkney. Though an Island, Orkney provided a strategic
advantage as well as fertile soil and soon the Norse Vikings began to build outposts,
homes and settle into the local communities. It is surmised that the native Picts
either fled their lands in fear, were killed off by the Vikings or were absorbed
into the developing Viking communities. Whatever the case, there are many Viking
ruins which now abound in Orkney.

The wildlife on Orkney is also fantastic. From puffins to seals, there is always
something to see. You can also play golf, go rock climbing, cycling or visit a craft
market. In the summer months, there are almost 24 hours of daylight so you can even
do all this at midnight! Why not get to Orkney now and see all the sights for
yourself.

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Scotland Regions – Orkney Islands

The 500-year-old sites filled with a rich history with gorgeous beaches and dramatic sea cliffs will make your journey enriching. As you would see the live wildlife of Orkney with the delicious meal to get you back on your feet after a long exhausting journey. That’s Why Orkney is always filled with tourists from all over the world. If you happen to drop by in the winter, there is a chance you will catch a glimpse of the northern lights. The fresh air is another thing to look for when you spend your time on the majestic island of Orkney.

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Every little bit of the island screams to be discovered, as the food and beverages go well with the climate of Orkney. You will find friendlier people who are interested in sharing the stories of Orkney to anyone who will spend their time with them. A rich history of any country or island has plenty of folk songs and stories written about them. The folk’s stories are capturing and it adds a whole new meaning of the sights that you would see around the place.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the Orkney Island and how can you have the time of your life on the island?

How do you get to the Orkney Islands?

Getting to Orkney Island from Scotland would take you around 60 minutes. It all depends on your location, if you are taking a  flight from Glasgow, it will take you 65 minutes, from Inverness 45 minutes, Aberdeen 50 minutes, and finally, from Shetland it will take you 35 minutes. If you are planning to take a ferry it will take you 40 minutes. But if you are interested in taking flights from Scotland to Orkney islands, you can fly from any major airports, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, with Loganair. From the airport, you can take a taxi to get to another island.

Many people hire cars to travel around Orkney Islands. But if you are not planning to hire a car, there are other options such as taxis available to you. Taking a taxi will somewhat block the exploration of the island, it is highly recommended that you should hire a vehicle. So you can explore the island without having to constantly worry about the time.

What are the Orkney Islands famous for?

Orkney Islands

If you want to take a trip beyond the realm of Scotland. Orkney is the place that you can’t miss out on the trip. Orkney island is filled with storm-battered cliffs, ancient stone circles, sea stacks,  with breathtaking water from the ocean that pierces the rocks with magnetic force. If you are a whiskey person, there are many whiskey distilleries to fill that hole in your stomach.

Are the Orkney Islands worth visiting?

They definitely area, unless you want to miss out on the true beauty of the Viking areas. The prehistoric areas that have influenced everything in the modern world. Once you step into the island, you will see people with different values going on with their day. The world they live in might be common to them, but they offer plenty of value to the people who have never been there. While the island somewhat left out many travelling guides. But if you take a look at the people who have experienced what the island has to offer, you will be filled with joy.

The true beauty of the island is the scenario that you see without any noise from the civilians. If you want to get away from them all. Then Orkney is the place to be.

How many islands are there in the Orkney Islands?

Orkney Island is made of 70 individual islands. Only 20 of them are inhabited. If you are down for some exploring with your family then pack the gear and head out to have some fun.

What language is spoken in Orkney?

Unlike Shetland Island, where they have their own mother tongue. Orkney has the present-day soft dialect for communication. Many have this misconception that Gaelic was spoken in Orkney, no. The language gaelic was taken over by Scots. Then the language vanished as the scot language became the primary language of the Arkency, but many elements of Norn can still exist within the Orcadian dialect.

Why are there no trees in Orkney?

Many experts believe paludification to be the reason why there are no trees in Orkney. Paludification is the organic matter that has soil moisture and sphagnum colonization. Other regions alongside Orkney share the same fate of not having trees. Most of them were caused by deforestation, which happened thousands of years ago.

Is Orkney a good place to live?

Scotland Regions - Orkney Islands

It is! If you are looking for the best places to live in the UK with affordable houses, lower crime, schools that value seduction, and healthier group of people, then step into Orkney. Living on an island is a whole new feeling compared to living in an inexpensive city. If you are looking to settle, then make sure to add Orkney in your list of the places to start the next phase of your life.

Can you take your car to Orkney?

Yes, texas and hired cards are available for your adventure in Orkney Island. The hired care will help you see a deeper side of Orkney, the taxis will help you connect you one place to another but they won’t offer what you can do without exploration. The fun always lies in the middle of the place, where you get out of the car to find a relaxing place. Getting to point a to b will get boring after a while.

Conclusion

Overall, the Orkney Islands are worth the visit,  In every possible way. The large mountains, to the ancient history of the region, all of them contribute to making the island more diverse and culturally impactful.  If you are planning to take a trip down Scotland. Then don’t rule out Orkney from your list. The days you spend on the island will be forever imprinted in your memory.

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