Orkney Islands - Kirkwall / Rings of Brodgar.

The Orkney Islands lie off the Scottish mainland and are accessable by several car ferries, including a high speed catamaran operated by Pentland ferries in little under an hour. Other ferry operators include North Link Ferries from Scabster and Aberdeen and Jog Ferries from John O'Groats.You can also fly on 37 seat prop planes operated by flybe from various airports, including Glasgow and Inverness.

Pick up a car rental from W.R.Tullock at both the airport or in Kirkwall Town centre and take a day trip exploring the Island. Head to Stromness, a 16th century town and port. The picturesque town consists of narrow paved, twisting streets and stone houses with gable ends facing the sea.

For history, visit the Rings of Brodgar at Stenness, a stone circle comprising originally 60 stones of which 27 now remain. This area is also abundant with many species of birds, which can be observed from the bird hide on site.

For scenery, head up to Yesnaby Cliffs, formed mainly of middle old red sandstone, creates stunning dramatic towering cliffs and stacks with swells crashing in from the Atlantic. Also, look out for the hole O'Row, an arch carved out by the sea at the Bay of Skaill. Take a recommended combined tour of Skaill House and Skara Brae, which is the best preserved group of stone age houses in Northern Europe. This neolithic village dates back 5,000 years and was first exposed after a violent storm in 1850.

If you head north to Birsay and the ruins of Earl's Palace, then head back south via Tingwall and Kirkwall to view the Scapa flow, which sheltered the british Fleet in two World Wars, and contains many ship wrecks! Head across the Churchill Barriers to Lamb's holm where you will find the italian chapel, built by italian prisoners of war during WW2. If you continue to Burwick, the scottish mainland of John O'Groats may be visible.

Rings of Brodgar

Skara Brae

Whiteness

Review of Sanderlay Guest House. For lodging, I recommend the Sanderley Guest House, which is in a quiet residential area, a ten minute walk to Kirkwall town Centre, and offers comfortable ensuite rooms at affordable prices. In Kirkwall, check out St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 and the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. For food, I can recommend a steak and orkney ale pie sampled at the Kirkwall Hotel on harbour street.