1st edition May 2019 240pages 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 art, 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 been designated Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Here, too,
you'll find the Old Man of Hoy 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 two minutes, between Westray and
Papa Westray - and is the location of Scotland's only wine festival and the UK's
most northerly distillery. 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.