Wow! I barely know where to begin describing my exchange in Orkney in Lawrence and Irenes wonderful home. I have been dreaming about going there for ages, so was over the moon when Irene said yes, I could come this Easter.
Originally the plan was a week in their Orkney home and then 5 days in their Embo home. But as you know sometimes the best laid plans... Irenes husband tested posiive for COVID and needed to be in isolation so we ended up is was better to spend all the days in Orkney. And the be honest I wasn't upset at all, on the contrary as 10 full days in Orkney gave a a good taste of the islands, but still with lots to see and do.
As car rental prices had gone through the roof, Irene offered I could use their car and just pay the added driver insurance, which was way cheaper and I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of this gesture.
In planning my trip to Orknay, Irene was literally a fountain of knowledge and great advices, which I benefitted from big time.
On my way to Orkney, I took the bus from Edinburgh, where I had one night and the pleasure of meeting another Danish exchange couple from Denmark, that I have exchanged as a staycation swap.
I had a nights pt stop in Embo at Irenes home and was so happy to finally meet Irene, lawrence and their adorable pooch Nell! They cooked me dinner and we just chit chatted all night, really lovely.
Orkney Islands.... what can I say to do this place justice...
Orkeny was everything I ever dreamed they would be - and then some! Wild beautiful nature, with stunning cliffs, moores, wild sea, lochs, little charming villages, kind people, green fields, lots of sheep and lambs, ancient history dating back to neothilic time as well as norse influence.
And don't get me started about their craft beers!!! I stayed in the area of Twatt (yes, you read correctly) so more or less in the middle of the two local Breweries, so of course visited them both and bought a selection of beers from each place - YUMMY!
Orkney itself also is home to the well know Distillery Highland Park - due to COVID closed for walk ins, so missed that. I'm not keen on Whisky, so not a big deal, gin however... I visited two of the islands three gin distilleries, who happend to have free tasting! I left with a bottle from each place...
Of my 10 days in Orkney I had one stay at home day, the rest was spent out and about exploring this amazing place. I visited three of the other islands.
I flew in a small 8 seater from Kirkwall to Papa Westray, just called Papay. I started out with rain and freezing cold wind, but luckily the rain stopped later as I spent 7 hours walking all over the place before I took the worlds shortest schedules flight to the next island over - Westray.
I stayed the night at the Barn, a lovely hostel/B&B place with super lovely hostess Teenie. -Can def recommend this place it you go to Westray (which you should def do!).
The next day I was blessed with fantastic weather, perfect for my planned hiking along the coaastal path up to The Noup Lighthouse and by the stunning Grobust Beach on the return.
I could easily have spent another day at Westray, so if you go allow yourself two days there to enjoy all the beautiful scenery that Westray has to offer.
Then I flew back to Kirkwall and picked up my car at the airport.
Flying inter island was cheaper than I had thought, these three flights were only £ 72 and parking the car for two days were £6!
Last Island I visited was Hoy. I had planned to do a approx 20 km circular walk from the ferry, up the Cuilag, on to St. Johns Head and Old Man of Hoy, to Rackwick and then through the valley back to the ferry at Moanness. I had another full day of sun and I had uch a blast doing this walk, the scenery just stunning.
Through all of my stay I kept in touch with Irene, who would offer so many great ideas og good advice, helping me to make the most of my visit and stay.
I had a BLAST and loved every minute of my stay. It was super nice when returning from a day out to just hang out and relax in the rustic and very charming home. The driveway was filled with blooming daffodils greeting me every day. The house has all one could need and I instantly felt at home.
Due to unforseen I spend the last night in Embo on my own and then drove the car to Stirling and handed it over to Lawrence before heading to Edinburgh for one last night before flying back home.
If you not already have Orkney on your bucket list, you really should add them!!!!!
Thank you Lawrence and Irene for making this possible for me and all of your help, I absolutely LOVED it and I'll def be bugging you guys to let me come back in a not too distant future ;-)
I can't wait till I get the chance to welcome you in Denamark <3