Bradt's new guide to Orkney is written by experienced writer and journalist Mark Rowe author
of Bradt's hugely popular guide to the Outer Hebrides and something of a specialist in more
remote parts of Scotland. Orkney comprises 70 islands 19 inhabited and the focus of this
guide is the 13 major inhabited islands. Masses of background information is included from
geography and geology to art architecture and archaeology with significant coverage of
wildlife too as well as all the practical details you could need: when to visit suggested
itineraries public holidays and festivals local culture plus accommodation and where to eat
and drink. Wildlife lovers walkers bird-watchers beach lovers archaeology enthusiasts
genealogists foodies couples seeking escape and cyclists are all catered for and this is an
ideal guide for those who travel simply with curious minds to discover far-flung places of
great cultural historical and wildlife interest. Orkney is extraordinary. Home to Skara Brae
the most important Stone-Age village in northern Europe it is also the site of the Neolithic
henge of the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe chambered tomb the entrance to which is aligned with
the setting sun on the winter solstice. In fact Orkney has so many archaeological sites it has
been designated Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Here too you'll find the Old Man of Hoy
spectacular 140m-high sea stack Scapa Flow scene of the dramatic scuttling of the German
Fleet in 1919 and Marwick Head nature reserve the definitive wildlife location dramatically
perched on cliffs and a wonder-world for bird lovers. The archipelago also offers the world's
shortest scheduled commercial flight - just two minutes between Westray and Papa Westray - and
is the location of Scotland's only wine festival and the UK's most northerly distillery. Food
lovers won't be disappointed either with an astonishing number of local food outlets and family
producers some going back more than 100 years. Whatever your interest whatever time of year
you visit and whether you're a first-time or repeat visitor Bradt's Orkney is the ideal
companion for a successful visit.
