Orkney Islands (Scotland): tours to Kirkwall, the Gloup, Skara Brae

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The Orkney Islands (Scotland)


Sections:	Introduction
	Ferry journey to Orkney
	Kirkwall
	The Gloup and other mysteries
	Standing stones
	Orcadian jewellery
	Skara Brae
	Tomb of the Eagles
	Italian Chapel
	Going back
	Further information
	Links

INTRODUCTION

The pictures on this page were taken during a tour to Orkney.

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FERRY JOURNEY TO ORKNEY

KIRKWALL

For details about the history of Saint Magnus Cathedral: http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/stmagnus/magcath.htm

Front view of Saint Magnus Cathedral

Cathedral entrance

Spire

Earls Palace: http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/earls.htm
Orkney Museum: http://www.orkney.org/museums/tankhouse.htm

Earls Palace

Puffins (display in the Orkney Museum)

Ice cream

THE GLOUP & OTHER MYSTERIES

The coastline is rocky ...

... but what caused this shipwreck?

What is the Gloup?

The sheltered water surrounded by the southern Orkney islands is called the Scapa Flow. Because of its strategic location on the route into the Atlantic Ocean it was used as one of the main bases for the British navy during the two world wars. At the end of the First World War the German navy surrendered here, and their ships were deliberately sunk to create a defensive barrier. However, in October 1939 (only a few weeks after Britain entered the Second World War) a German submarine managed to get past the wrecks and to torpedo a British battleship called HMS Royal Oak. More than 800 men and boys lost their lives.

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STANDING STONES

Standing Stones of Stenness: http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/standingstones
Ring of Brogdar: http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/brodgar

Standing Stones of Stenness

Ring of Brodgar

Picnic time

ORCADIAN JEWELLERY

Celtian Jewellery

Shiela Fleet Jewellery:
http://www.sheilafleet-jewellery.co.uk

SKARA BRAE

See: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/westmainland/skarabrae

TOMB OF THE EAGLES

See: http://www.tomboftheeagles.co.uk

ITALIAN CHAPEL

See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/heritage/scotland/highland

GOING BACK

Walking home

The ferry back

"See you again!"

FURTHER INFORMATION

Orkney Tourist Board: http://www.visitorkney.com
The Orcadian newspaper: http://www.orcadian.co.uk

Weather forecast for Kirkwall: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=2358

Lonely Planet verdict: Orkney Islands "The magical Orkney archipelago incorporates 70 islands which together form an oasis in the surrounding wild seas. Although Atlantic gales virtually rob Orkney of trees, the fertile soil carpets the terrain with a lush, green covering ... Dramatic coastal scenery ranges from 300m cliffs to white, sandy beaches. The climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, is surprisingly moderate, with April and May being the driest months ... Over 1000 identified prehistoric sites pepper the islands - Europe's greatest concentration ... More recent history is also well represented through fine medieval palaces and cathedrals, including the magnificent St Magnus" (extracts from "Lonely Planet Great Britain - 2003 edition", used with permission)
	Lonely Planet Great Britain Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications Date: May 2007	Lonely Planet Scotland's Highlands and Islands Authors: Clay Lucas, Joseph Bindloss Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications Date: June 2002
Other Lonely Planet publications

LINKS

Introduction to Scotland: Britain/Countries/Scotland
Tours in Scotland: Travel/Tours/Scotland
Tours in Wales: Travel/Tours/Wales

Home page: Home

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