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A mini guide to
North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Book ferries and flights early
Orkney Ferries asks travellers to book as early as possible, particularly in summer; the inter-isles planes have seven passenger seats.
Walk Rousay's tomb trail
Historic Environment Scotland describes a walk from the Rousay pier via Blackhammer, Taversoe Tuick and the Knowe of Yarso to Midhowe.
Sanday's summer bus
The Sanday Bus meets every ferry at Loth pier from early May to late September and runs on demand in winter.
Hatch and ladder
Historic Environment Scotland says visitors enter the Holm of Papa Westray cairn through a roof hatch and down a vertical ladder.
Festivals
Orkney festivals and events
Dates are from each organiser's own website or, for the Ba', from its published custom; check before you book.
St Magnus International Festival
18 to 25 June 2027
Music, theatre, visual arts and literature by artists from Orkney, Scotland and around the world; the programme is announced in spring 2027.
Kirkwall Ba' games
Christmas Day and New Year's Day
A medieval street football game played through the centre of Kirkwall twice a year; when either day falls on a Sunday, the game moves to the Monday.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond?
North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond is in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Rousay's tombs, Westray's castle and cliffs, the Knap of Howar and the lighthouses of the outer isles. Nearby stops and stations include Tingwall pier, Kirkwall pier, Kirkwall Airport.
How long do I need in North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond?
A day for Rousay; two or more for Westray and Papa Westray. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Midhowe Broch, Midhowe Chambered Cairn, Taversoe Tuick Chambered Cairn. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Tingwall pier (Orkney Ferries); Kirkwall pier (Orkney Ferries); Kirkwall Airport (Loganair inter-isles). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 5 places to eat and drink in and around North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 7 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in North Isles: Rousay, Westray & beyond
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
North Ronaldsay Lighthouse
Built in 1854 by David and Thomas Stevenson; at 139 feet it is the tallest land-based lighthouse tower in Britain.
Midhowe Broch
One of at least nine brochs on Eynhallow Sound, well preserved inside, with a water tank, fireplace and room partitions still visible.
Midhowe Chambered Cairn
The largest of Rousay's 15 chambered cairns, a stalled tomb inside a modern hangar, seen from raised walkways; at least 25 people were buried here.
Orkney
More areas to explore
Kirkwall & central Mainland
Orkney's main town: St Magnus Cathedral, the palaces, the Orkney Museum and Neolithic tombs close by
Open the mini guide →
Stromness & the West Mainland
Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the stone circles, Stromness harbour and the cliffs of Birsay and Yesnaby
Open the mini guide →
Scapa Flow, the South Isles & Hoy
The Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers, St Margaret's Hope, and Hoy's hills, Old Man and wartime Lyness
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Vinquoy Chambered Cairn: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North Ronaldsay Lighthouse: John Tustin, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Midhowe Broch: Bronwy Chomitz, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Midhowe Chambered Cairn: MichaelMaggs, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Kirkwall & central Mainland: Robert Scarth, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Stromness & the West Mainland: Dr. John F. Burka, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Scapa Flow, the South Isles & Hoy: Gregory J Kingsley, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Orkney