One of the optional excursions when walking with EasyWays, is a day trip to the beautiful Orkney Islands. We highly recommend that you venture to the islands, and see some of the brilliant sites and attractions on the main island. Going on holidays in the Scottish Highlands there are so many chances to explore!
About Orkney
Orkney is a very unique, secluded part of the UK and is made up of over 70 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Orkney is rich in history, with many ancient sites scattered across many of the islands. In fact, some of the historical sites date back as far as 6000 years ago. Orkney is an unbelievably beautiful part of the world, which is why it’s no surprise Orkney was voted the most romantic place in the UK in 2015. With holidays in the Scottish highlands like Orkney, there is no need to go abroad!
Skara Brae
One of the most famous attractions in Orkney has to be Skara Brae. Skara Brae dates back to 3200BC, making it older than the likes of Stonehenge and the pyramids. It is a remarkable example of a prehistoric settlement. Skara Brae is located in the heart of Neolithic Orkney, with the site giving us a brilliant and rare insight into stone age life. Skara Brae is the best preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe, and this is what makes it so fascinating. For thousands of years, Skara Brae remained untouched, buried beneath sand and earth, this is what has kept the site in such good condition. When visiting Skara Brae you will have the chance to see some unique artifacts collected from the site as well as the site itself. Skara Brae is the perfect place to visit when visiting Orkney.
The Italian Chapel
The beautiful Roman Catholic Italian Chapel was constructed during the Second World War by the Italian prisoners of war. When the Italians surrendered to the allies during WWII, the Italian prisoners of war were granted more freedom and were paid for their labour. Prisoners of war being held in in the area, requested a proper place of worship for their time in Orkney. The Italians were then granted two Nissen huts which were joined together, end to end.
The prisoners of war then spent their time off work to convert the huts into the beautiful chapel that still stands today. The majority of the chapel was constructed using concrete and plasterboard which was then painted to look like bricks and stone. The decorations inside the chapel were scavenged from anywhere the Italians could scavenge from around Orkney. The site has been beautifully preserved, and is well worth a visit during your time in Orkney.
Highland Park Distillery and Visitor Centre
Highland Park Distillery is one of many whisky distilleries across Scotland, however, Highland Park is one of only six distilleries in Scotland which malt their own barley. This Whisky has also claimed the title of “The Best Spirit in the World”, on more than one occasion. If you are interested in whiskey and the distillery process, then a visit to the distillery is an opportunity not to be missed. With a range of tours to suit all budgets and expertise, the Highland Park Distillery offers a unique experience in a beautiful part of the world. Booking walking holidays in the Scottish highlands with EasyWays, there is every opportunity to see new things and do what you wouldn’t normally.
Walking Holidays in the Scottish Highlands
A visit to the North Highland Way opens up a whole host of opportunities, from experiencing some truly breath-taking landscapes to visiting beautiful islands such as Orkney. The day trip to Orkney is a brilliant excursion available when you book walking holidays in the Scottish highlands with EasyWays. The trip allows you to see even more of Scotland has to offer, as you visit some truly unique sites. Walking holidays in Scotland are always fun!
If you are interested in learning more about the beaches along the north coast, look at our last post!
If you are interested in walking with EasyWays and visiting the Orkney islands, then get in touch today, we would love to hear from you.
Thanks to pixabay.com for the photo.
