Cliffs of Yesnaby
Experience Orkney’s dramatic coastal scenery at its finest at the Cliffs of Yesnaby. These towering red and yellow sandstone cliffs have been sculpted by the full force of Atlantic storms into spectacular formations, including the famous Yesnaby Castle sea stack. The coastal walk offers breathtaking vistas across to the island of Hoy, and during spring and early summer, you might spot the rare Scottish primrose (Primula scotica) that blooms in this harsh environment.
Island of Hoy
Visible from Stromness, the mountainous silhouette of Hoy beckons exploration. A short ferry journey takes you to this dramatically different island, home to Orkney’s highest hills and the famous Old Man of Hoy—a remarkable 137-metre sea stack popularised by a famous BBC broadcast of climbers ascending it in the 1960s. The island offers exceptional walking opportunities, from the relatively easy stroll to the Old Man viewpoint to more challenging hikes across moorland and hills. Hoy also hosts the Dwarfie Stane, an unusual rock-cut tomb, and the atmospheric Rackwick Bay, once a thriving community and now a peaceful valley meeting the sea.
Scapa Flow
The sheltered waters of Scapa Flow—one of the world’s largest natural harbours—have played a pivotal role in British naval history. During both World Wars, this vast natural anchorage served as the main base for the Royal Navy’s Home Fleet. Today, Scapa Flow is renowned among diving enthusiasts who come to explore the remains of the scuttled German High Seas Fleet, while history buffs can visit the excellent Scapa Flow Visitor Centre on the island of Hoy to learn more about its strategic importance.