Orkney - has anyone been there?

[tdew]

A book I just read has made me want to see Orkney.

Lyn Hamilton's "The Orkney Scroll"

The tourist board site makes it sound even more inviting. http://www.visitorkney.com/

I wonder if anyone here has experience?

[greendragon]

I haven't been there yet, but will be traveling there in June of this year. We're staying three nights at the Mill at Eyrland, and I can't wait! It's part of a three week trip I've organized with 6 of us (me, husband, parents, and two girlfriends) into the Highlands and the Islands :)

[BYOFT]

Have you read Mary Stewart's books? "The Last Enchantment" and "The Wicked Day" have a lot of scenes in the Orkneys. (They are 3 and 4 in her Merlin stories. The first two are equally good, if not better- "The Crystal Cave" and "The Hollow Hills".)

[tdew]

I haven't been there yet, but will be traveling there in June of this year. We're staying three nights at the Mill at Eyrland, and I can't wait! It's part of a three week trip I've organized with 6 of us (me, husband, parents, and two girlfriends) into the Highlands and the Islands :)
oooh, I hope you'll give us a full report when you get back.

[PerfectJourneys]

I visited Orkney last year and absolutely fell in love with it! It is a magical place and the people are wonderful. I wish I could have stayed more than the 5 days I was there. I definitely plan on going back, perhaps this autumn.

For two days we toured the area with a company called Wildabout Orkney. They are a small company that provides guides that are not your average tour guide. They are full of information, presented in a manner sure to keep you interested and never bored! I specifically like the fact that they use small tour busses that can go to some locations that the other large coaches can't get into.

The rest of the time was spent exploring on our own. There is so much to see and do. Sitting watching the sun set among the standing stones is something I shall never forget.

The islands of Orkney are full of standing stones and neolithic locations. For archaeology buffs, it is a must. One of the tombs we visited (Tomb of the Eagles) was only accessible by lying down on a wooden flat trolley and pulling yourself along with a rope into the tomb (well, you can actually crawl your way in if you want, but try the trolley, it's much more fun and a good photo op!)

For World War 2 buffs, Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel are poignant rememberances of Orkney's place in the war.

Our best night though, had to be the night that we decided to head over to the local community center for a local country dance. We arrived well into the event which was happening in the gymnasium. As soon as the ladies at the door realized that we were definitely not local, the buzz went around the room. At one point when they were asking for volunteers to start the next set, one of our party coincidentally got up to fetch another pint and was mistaken for the volunteer. Lots of hoots of laughter from us and some giggles from the locals at the thought of any of us being able to lead one of these complex stepped dances.

Highland Park Distillery was a fascinating place. I have been known to enjoy a wee dram, but I had no idea how whisky is actually made! Well worth a visit, even if you don't imbibe.

I have plenty of additional information that, if you want to PM or email me, I will be more than happy to share.

[greendragon]

I'll definitely do a trip report - I have for each of my trips (on my website, www.greendragonartist.com) to the UK, Ireland, Nova Scotia, etc.

Where was this party, PerfectJourneys? I would LOVE to go to something like that! I have actually been taking Scottish Country Dancing classes here, learning some of those complex steps :P