Ring of Brodgar
Italian Chapel
Old Man of Hoy
Broch of Gurness
Midhowe Broch
Be active or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of Orkney
With 7 lochs close by offering trout fishing that is amongst the best available. This together with inshore & offshore angling provides an opportunity to catch a variety of species. We have a lure boat & guide for day fishing trips. Our boat and guide can be hired on a daily basis - subject to favourable weather conditions and availability. Boat hire & Ghillie can also be arranged through some local hotels.
Orkney is well known amongst divers for its wrecks in Scapa Flo and sea life is rich and plentiful to see. The seas around Orkney on a fine day offer clarity for exploration underwater. Boats, gear and tuition can be hired in Stromness.
Coastal walks, natural flora & native birds and animals are all to be seen in our locality.
Birdwaching
The coastal walks and the local wildlife close by also provide opportunity for bird watching and spectacular photography. The RSPB site at Burgar Hill is within a short walking distance, you could say it’s just behind the house. We regularly see short-eared Owls just outside the house.more info...
Fishing
For more detailed information about Trout fishing in the Orkney, please visit the link below. There are boats and guides available for hire through the Merkister & Barony hotels for Harray & Boardhouse - see link. We have one boat available and this can be booked in advance with Jim. Our boat can be moved to fish other lochs by prior arrangementmore info...
Events Throughout the Year
Orkney also has a number of cultural, arts and music festivals through the year, these activities take place throughout Orkney and demonstrates the inclusiveness of the local people and community in our festival venues.more info...
As you can see on the website - all of the web photography has been taken by Jim over the last 12 months, the weather can be good all year round. There is a lot for the photographer to consider on location, scenery, weather, wildlife or interesting antiquity & architecture. We enjoy the availability of good natural light for photography and painting.
Sports – Orkney mainland has 3 golf courses and a very good sports centre (and cinema) at the Pickaquoy centre in Kirkwall. The roads are quiet and make for easy cycling in and around the countryside.
Throughout Orkney there are other activities & opportunities e.g paintballing South Ronaldsay, Sealife centre, many museums and places of interest.
In Kirkwall, the Cathedral is worth a visit as are the museums, local library, shopping and the Highland Park distillery. There is a selection very good local beers brewed at the Orkney Brewery, Quoyloo & the Highland brewery, Swanney.
Crafts – woollens, Orkney chairs, pottery, musical instruments, tapestry and jewellery are all examples of the hand crafted goods and workshops to be found, as are the number of annual festivals for music, jazz, folk, rock, and the arts. See the Summer events calendar on the notice board.
We have a number of guide books and maps to help you plan your stay and help you find your way around. These are available on loan from the house library, guests are welcome to use them; but please return them for others to use later.
