Full Description
This thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's guidebook to the alluring Scottish archipelago of Orkney is written by experienced author and journalist Mark Rowe, who is something of a specialist on the more remote parts of Scotland. Bradt's guidebook combines all the practical details a traveller could need (when to visit, suggested itineraries, local culture, accommodation, and where to eat and drink) together with insightful background that ranges from geography and geology to architecture and archaeology, plus significant coverage of wildlife.
Comprising 70 islands, of which just 19 are inhabited, Orkney is extraordinary. The World Heritage Site of Neolithic Orkney harbours many archaeological treasures, including Skara Brae, the most important Stone-Age village in northern Europe, and Maeshowe chambered tomb, whose entrance is aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice. Here you'll also find the Old Man of Hoy, a spectacular 140m-high sea stack; Scapa Flow, scene of the dramatic scuttling of the German fleet in 1919; and dramatic nature reserves with cliffs upon which one in six UK seabirds nests.
The deeper you delve - made easy with Bradt's Orkney - the more you uncover. Foodies will be delighted by an astonishing number of local food outlets and family producers, some going back more than 100 years. Discover Scotland's first carbon-neutral island (or that's the plan!), the island whose past may have included sky burials, and the world's shortest scheduled commercial flight (just 60 seconds!). Or why not attend one of the world's leading science festivals or Scotland's sole wine festival?
New for this edition are additional mapped walks; greater detail on history; expanded coverage of archaeological developments, the outer isles, new or enhanced visitor attractions including croft tours - all in the UK's top destination for cruise ships and an increasingly popular location for family staycations.
With much to enchant archaeology enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, wildlife watchers, beach lovers and genealogists, Bradt's Orkney is the ideal guide for those who travel with curious minds to discover far-flung places of great cultural, historical and wildlife interest.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history, History, Archaeology, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language,
Religion, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators and guides, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with children, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Opening hours, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities, Media and communications,
Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 The Mainland
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Stromness, The West Mainland, Kirkwall, The East Mainland
Chapter 4 Hoy, South Walls and Flotta
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 5 Burray and South Ronaldsay
History, Getting there and away, Getting
around, Tourist information, Other practicalities, Lamb Holm, Burray, South Ronaldsay 18
Chapter 6 Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre
Getting there and away, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre
Chapter 7 Shapinsay
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay and eat, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 8 Stronsay
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 9 Eday
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 10 Sanday
History, Getting there and away,
Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 11 Westray
History, Getting there and away,
Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 12 Papa Westray
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay and eat, Entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 13 North Ronaldsay
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary of Archaeological Terms
Appendix 3 Further Reading
Index
