My Orkney Diary
Diary entries for a visit to Orkney, read where to stay, eat and visit in the Orkney Islands.

 

 

flying over Kirkwall bayFlew over Kirkwall, lovely clear day so could see the North Isles no problem. Landed at Kirkwall airport straight off the plane collected my luggage within just a few minutes, picked up my hire car and off l went to my self catering cottage.

Shorelines AcomodationStaying in Finstown at Jane Glues ( Judith Glues twin sister ) accomodation. Saw a grey seal in the bay through the big glass windows, great sunset to- having breakfast on the decking in the morning with more seal watching.

St Magnus CathedralWent to see St Magnus Cathedral in the centre of Kirkwall today - amazing inside, bought an Orkney icecream from Judith Glues shop opposite and sat on the Kirk Green enjoying the sun people watching and listening to some young girls playing the fiddle and harp - seems to be a lot of talented musicians in Orkney.

Later on went back to her Real Food Cafe for an evening dinner - simply cooked local food made in an open kitchen at the back of the shop -fantastic meal with an amazing wine list!

 

 

busking outside Orkney shopNice shops in the town but this one was really special - a real emporium of the best from Orkney and the Highlands and Islands. Spent a fortune and got a free box of Orkney fudge when l joined the mail list l can even order online Orkney food hampers at Xmas to remind me of my visit.
food at Wellpark Cafe Headed off down to Visit Orkney where l picked up tourist information on the best neolithic sites to visit tomorrow then walked through windy narrow streets to the Willow Cafe at Wellpark Garden Centre ate the best local produce and yummy cakes l have tasted.
cottage in the yellow field by Jane Glue Looked at Jane Glues lastest exhibition of her Orkney watercolours at Shorelines Gallery just next to my accomadation in Finstown. l wish l could paint like this the colours are very Orkney. Had tea at home then drove to the Broch of Gurness in Evie and went for a walk along the sands before bed.
Ring of Brodgar Got woken up early this morning by the birds outside the window beautiful day again, studied the information l picked up at the local tourist board and drove to The Ring of Brodgar - no admission fee just simply walked round the site.
Next went to Skara Brae - a real stone age village that was found uncovered after a beach storm - just fantastic- one of the wonders of the world. Orkney is a World Heritage site so all neolithic sites are protected by Unesco.
Orkney Food at the Foveran
Booked dinner at the Foveran on a recommendation l read in the diary of the cottage where l am staying - was not dissappointed Wow !! the Orkney Beef Steak was mouth watering - noticed you could stay here to - will think about that for next time !
Judith Glue products Had to leave today said my goodbyes to the seals and the birds. Couldnt resist dropping into Judiths shop in Kirkwall again on the way to the airport just to pick up a few last minute gifts - will definetly be back again next year though !!
But if l cant make it to Orkney again l could alwayd visit her other shop in Inverness !