Kirkwall’s Top 5 Outdoor Activities: Explore Orkney
Alright, so you’re planning a trip to Kirkwall and you’re looking to experience the outdoors, right? Well, Orkney, where Kirkwall is kinda the heart of it all, is absolutely brimming with things to do that get you out into the fresh air. We aren’t just talking about the average walk in the park, but this is about uncovering history, gawking at insane coastlines, and creating memories, too it’s almost a guarantee. Let’s check out five awesome things that you absolutely have to try!
1. Exploring the Mystical Ring of Brodgar
First, a visit to the Ring of Brodgar is an absolute must; it’s not even really up for debate. Picture this, that is, standing in a huge circle of ancient stones, with the wind whipping around you and the vast Orkney sky overhead, almost giving you a sense of feeling insignificantly small It truly offers a great view. These stones, you see, have been standing for literally thousands of years, yet acting as silent witnesses to, like, countless generations. Think about it; what stories could they tell, right? This spot, in some respects, feels like stepping back in time, connecting you to Orkney’s very, very distant past.
The walk to the Ring itself, that is, it’s just gorgeous, with views of the lochs of Harray and Stenness, too it’s almost breathtaking. You can spend hours here, right, just soaking up the vibe and pondering the people who put these stones in place. Plus, there are often guided tours available, right, offering a super-cool peek into the archaeology and folklore of the site. So, wear comfy shoes and bring a camera. You are certainly going to want to capture this, so, like, very unforgettable location!
2. Coastal Hiking at Yesnaby
Alright, so if you’re after some heart-stopping coastal scenery, then Yesnaby is absolutely your place to be, it really is. Picture this, almost a mental image; towering cliffs meet the wild Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing dramatically against the rocks. The coastal path here, it provides some, like, pretty awesome hiking opportunities, right, with views that’ll leave you completely breathless.
Keep an eye out, though, for the Yesnaby Castle, and then it would be pretty awesome to see the sea stack which is the eroded remnant of the coastline, I mean, isn’t that kind of unique? It’s very easy to spend half a day, right, hiking along these trails, taking in the views and the salty sea air With plenty to see. The dramatic cliffs really aren’t kidding. And then, if you’re there at the correct point of time, that is, sunset, expect something pretty stunning. The way the sun makes the colours of those cliffs glow is certainly going to bring you joy!
3. Exploring Scapa Flow by Kayak
So, fancy a bit of adventure on the water? Then, in that case, why don’t you grab a kayak and explore Scapa Flow, right, which is very rich in maritime history. That area was a major naval base in both World Wars, almost a location, is that, where history happened. There are a few local companies, too it’s almost, that they offer guided kayak tours, providing all the kit and expertise, right, which you would absolutely need.
Think about it; kayaking across the clear waters, right, passing by sunken warships and getting a totally different perspective on Orkney’s coastline. That might actually just appeal to you, and for those with diving certifications, in the same way you could explore these wrecks further with a guided dive tour, that’s right Book a kayak. Even without getting wet, kayaking this area is often a beautiful experience for both locals and travellers. You’ll be doing exercise, yes, that’s fair, you’re going to get some cool photo ops, and in some respects it’s a history lesson rolled into one!
4. Wildlife Watching at the Brough of Birsay
Alright, now, for you wildlife enthusiasts, right, a trip to the Brough of Birsay, it might just interest you, too it’s almost your type of location. You see, this tidal island, that, it’s reachable by foot at low tide and offers incredible views. But more than just the great view is often to do with those seals. At low tide, too it’s almost there’s the time that they bask in the sun on the rocks, totally without any type of care in the world You can only see the Brough on lowtide! It’s very essential that you check the tide times before you head over, so, like, you don’t get stuck!
The Brough is full of the ruined Norse settlement, right, for you history fans, and for everyone there is a lot of the wildlife to watch. Bring your binoculars along, so, like, you can, like, spot puffins, arctic terns and a bunch of seabirds that all call this location home, that, right, makes a point. So this might actually just appeal to you. That means something to us who made a living on our local birds.
5. Cycling Through the Heart of Orkney
Orkney, that area is generally pretty amazing to explore by bike, alright? The roads tend to be quiet, right, with really incredible scenery at every turn. So there aren’t hills, right, so in some respects it is not really challenging and actually very doable. It’s pretty awesome that you can rent a bike in Kirkwall and create your own adventure, seeing everything around you Take to two wheels. I am always there.
Why don’t you cycle past the Standing Stones of Stenness, right, before then heading to Maeshowe, a remarkable chambered cairn. Pack a picnic, of course, too it’s almost and stop off at one of the beaches, so you can soak up the views. I can safely suggest that you go with the local companies that can offer guided cycling tours. It makes your route very clear to you, so, like, you can learn lots from very friendly local guides. They certainly ensure you experience everything there is, without very any risk. The views around Kirkwall are there for all to admire.