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.
