The city of Orkney does not just reflect Scotland’s enthralling ancient history but also features the best of the country’s natural beauty. It is home to highly diversified ecosystems in the area. Factor in the striking landscape and you have the perfect formula for a nature lover’s perfect holiday destination.
Begin your exploration at Brough of Birsay. The area is signposted so you can easily move around without worrying about getting lost. Take any of the paths available, enjoy the scenic route and watch for wildlife sightings along the way! You’ll find groups of dolphins basking under the sunshine while seabirds freely fly above them.
Nearby, accessible by the path going eastward, is Skiba Geo where you’ll find a remarkably preserved and restored fisherman’s hut right on the side of the cliff. You can also take an easy walk to the Longaglebe Geo where you’ll find more seals and seabirds as well as dramatic rock formations that are surely going to be a special treat to nature trippers.
Another popular destination in Orkney is the Noup Cliffs. It is a favorite among bird lovers because the area is home to the largest seabird colony in the region. If you are in for bird watching, you’ll definitely have a grand time keeping up with the appearances of kittiwakes, puffins, fulmars and Guillemots to name a few bird species that can be found in the area.
If you want a wider expanse to walk around and discover, then proceed to Mull Head where you’ll be given free reign to explore over 200 acres of this nature reserve. The area offers much variety in dramatic landscapes. You’ll find towering and rugged cliffs on one side, heather moorland on the other and a spectacular coastal panorama in yet another section. Seals, otters and sea birds are regulars in the area.
For dizzying sheer drops, check out the Marwick Head, also a nature reserve. It’s a seabird’s breeding ground and the view from the cliffs is simply stunning. It also houses a piece of Orkney’s interesting history, the Kitchener Memorial tower which is built in commemoration of Lord Kitchener who died along with many others in HMS Hampshire off the coast of Orkney.
For even more dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs, water-carved stone arches and blowholes, Yesnaby is the place to be. It was previously occupied by the military during the WWII but now simply a place of spectacular natural beauty. The best time to come is just before sunset so that you’ll be treated to a dazzling display of color reflected on the turbulent tides of the seas and the dark hues of the rock formations.
Other nature reserves in the area that are also worth checking out include the Brodgar nature reserve located just a short distance from the Ring of Brodgar, there is also Copinsay – an island whose inhabitants are thousands of birds and wildlife with no human settlement to ruin the view, as well as the nature reserve of Cottascarth and Rendall Moss which is the perfect place to spot merlins and owls.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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