Orkney

Emma — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Orkney

Emma — Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

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 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 its own Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Here, too, you’ll 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 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 60 seconds, between Westray and Papa Westray – and is the location of the UK’s most northerly distilleries. 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.

Rowe, Mark – The Bell Bookshop

Orkney

Orkney