Sanday is one of the 'Northern Isles' - part of the archipelago that forms the county of Orkney. The island's name literally means 'sandy' in Norse and the island is blessed with some of the cleanest, whitest beaches in Orkney. You can stroll for miles along the clean, white beaches and never see another human being. The island's clean, clear waters contain a wealth of marine life in their impressive kelp forests. The island's wildlife includes major colonies of grey seals boasting a high proportion of the UK's entire population of these beautiful animals. In summer our meadows and pastures teem with birds including redshank, curlew, oystercatcher, lapwing, snipe and skylark. Throughout the year the beaches host countless waders on their migrations - Sanday is a year round bird watching paradise. The anglers among you will find our lochs have some of the finest trout in Orkney. This amazing fishing is free!
The island's archaeology covers many millenia and is often in plain sight. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic. Scar is the site of an amazing Viking boat burial discovered after a storm in the 1980s. Farms in Sanday often sit on mounds which are essentially middens containing the waste of literally thousands of years of continuous occupation. At Stove you will see the impressive remains of a Victorian 'model' farm which include a steam engine shed. Kirks and chapels abound as do disused 19th Century schools, all schooling having long since been centralised on one excellent school. The Victorian Volunteer movement is represented by a postional battery, once equipped with a 64 pounder rifled muzzle loader and complete with magazine at Colligarth, South of Otterswick Bay and a drill hall and instructor sergeant's cottage in Lady Village - now a private home. The B98, a WW1 German destroyer can still be seen in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. If you are interested in World War Two heritage, you can see what is left of of two radar installations at Whale Head and Lettan.
There are lots of activities on the island, even if you choose not to participate in the island's thriving social calendar. The Sanday Ranger runs events throughout the summer for visitors and locals alike themed on Sanday's amazing 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 changeable, 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 place to attain true peace and relaxation year round. Our dark skies from autumn to spring mean you can enjoy the milky way as no city dweller ever sees it. Walk the endless pristine beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to our remarkable island and discover a slower pace of life.
The island's archaeology covers many millenia and is often in plain sight. There is a fine and accessible chambered cairn at Quoyness - warning, not for the claustrophobic. Scar is the site of an amazing Viking boat burial discovered after a storm in the 1980s. Farms in Sanday often sit on mounds which are essentially middens containing the waste of literally thousands of years of continuous occupation. At Stove you will see the impressive remains of a Victorian 'model' farm which include a steam engine shed. Kirks and chapels abound as do disused 19th Century schools, all schooling having long since been centralised on one excellent school. The Victorian Volunteer movement is represented by a postional battery, once equipped with a 64 pounder rifled muzzle loader and complete with magazine at Colligarth, South of Otterswick Bay and a drill hall and instructor sergeant's cottage in Lady Village - now a private home. The B98, a WW1 German destroyer can still be seen in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. If you are interested in World War Two heritage, you can see what is left of of two radar installations at Whale Head and Lettan.
There are lots of activities on the island, even if you choose not to participate in the island's thriving social calendar. The Sanday Ranger runs events throughout the summer for visitors and locals alike themed on Sanday's amazing 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 changeable, 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 place to attain true peace and relaxation year round. Our dark skies from autumn to spring mean you can enjoy the milky way as no city dweller ever sees it. Walk the endless pristine beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to our remarkable island and discover a slower pace of life.
About the Author:
Backaskaill is a wonderful Sanday bed and breakfast run by Geoff and Jane who moved to Sanday to start a good alternative to a Sanday hotel focused on providing excellent customer service. Geoff is a qualified chef and offers quality local produce and great, home-cooked cuisine including vegetarian. Well behaved pets are most welcome.
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