Sanday is a beautiful island in Orkney's 'Northern Isles' off the Northern coast of Scotland. It is an island of unique charm and character. Sanday literally means 'sandy' in Norse. This has given the island some astonishing beaches. You can literally have mile after mile of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The ocean is clean and clear and divers will appreciate Sanday's incredible kelp forests. The island's wildlife includes large colonies of grey seals containing a high proportion of the UK's entire population of these wonderful animals. Spring and summer see thousands of birds breeding in the fields and you can easily see the chicks of curlew, lapwing, snipe and oystercatcher as skylarks sing overhead. Throughout the year the beaches the beaches host countless waders on their migrations - Sanday is a year round bird watching paradise. The island's trout fishing is legendary, boasting some of the largest trout found in Orcadian waters. Visitors often can't believe the fly fishing is free!
Archaeology, from prehistoric times, up to and including ww2 abounds. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic! 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. Around the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous human activity on the site over thousands of years. At Stove you will see the imposing remains of an impressive Victorian model farm with a huge engine shed and chimney. As religion has wanted and schooling has been centralised, the countryside is littered with former Kirks and schools. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage in Lady Village are monuments to the Artillery Volunteer movement and Territorial Force on Sanday. In the aftermath of World War One, a surrendered German destroyer, the B98, parted its tow and ran aground in the Bay of Lopness - two of its boilers and turbines can be seen to this day at low tide. Whale Head and Lettan contain the evidence of two WW2 and early post war air defence radar sites, complete with bunkers.
There are lots of things to do on Sanday, even if you choose not to join in the island's thriving social calendar. The island has an excellent ranger service run by Roderick Thorne which gives a series of events explaining the islands wonderful natural and archaeological heritage.
A complete network of well planned walks awaits the keen walker or anyone wanting a casual stroll on the island. An excellent Walking Guide is available from shops, post offices and hotels throughout the island. Our island's weather, however can be unpredictable, so even take packable waterproofs, even on the sunniest of days! Kettletoft has two hotels a great general store, a butcher's and a garage. There are also shops at Lady and Roadside.
Sanday is a wonderful place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller can enjoy it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your loved ones to the island and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Archaeology, from prehistoric times, up to and including ww2 abounds. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic! 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. Around the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous human activity on the site over thousands of years. At Stove you will see the imposing remains of an impressive Victorian model farm with a huge engine shed and chimney. As religion has wanted and schooling has been centralised, the countryside is littered with former Kirks and schools. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage in Lady Village are monuments to the Artillery Volunteer movement and Territorial Force on Sanday. In the aftermath of World War One, a surrendered German destroyer, the B98, parted its tow and ran aground in the Bay of Lopness - two of its boilers and turbines can be seen to this day at low tide. Whale Head and Lettan contain the evidence of two WW2 and early post war air defence radar sites, complete with bunkers.
There are lots of things to do on Sanday, even if you choose not to join in the island's thriving social calendar. The island has an excellent ranger service run by Roderick Thorne which gives a series of events explaining the islands wonderful natural and archaeological heritage.
A complete network of well planned walks awaits the keen walker or anyone wanting a casual stroll on the island. An excellent Walking Guide is available from shops, post offices and hotels throughout the island. Our island's weather, however can be unpredictable, so even take packable waterproofs, even on the sunniest of days! Kettletoft has two hotels a great general store, a butcher's and a garage. There are also shops at Lady and Roadside.
Sanday is a wonderful place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller can enjoy it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your loved ones to the island and enjoy a slower pace of life.
About the Author:
Backaskaill is a warm and welcoming Sanday bed and breakfast run by Jane and Geoff who moved to Sanday to start a romantic getaway on Sanday focused on providing excellent customer service. Geoff is a trained chef and offers quality local produce and fine cuisine including vegetarian. Well behaved pets are most welcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment