Heart of Neolithic Orkney - Skara Brae, Maes Howe, Standing Stones of Stenness, Ness of Brodgar and the Ring of Brodgar.
Orkney is host to some of the most astounding Neolithic sites in Europe. Dating back to 5,000 BC the above sites depict life on the Orkney Islands for the early settlers. Next to the Ring o’ Brodgar is the newly discovered Ness o’ Brodgar which each year reveals new treasures to redefine history and amaze archaeologists from all over the world.
A bit further afield, across the famous Churchill Barriers, in the East Mainland of Orkney, the Tomb of the Eagles and the adjacent Bronze Age settlement are well worth a visit.
Orkney played a major role in WW2 and was the home to thousands of service men and women. Remains of airfields are strewn across the now farmland. At our farm, Bryameadow, we have an airfield, named HMS Tern, see the website here "HMS Tern". Visitors to Kringla Apartments are welcome to take their time wandering the remains of this once bustling military site.
The Churchill Barriers, sunken Royal Oak, Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel are equally as significant and are situated on the East Mainland.
On the island of Hoy, Lyness Naval Base & Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and the Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery are also worth a visit. Also on Hoy you can visit an exceptionally well preserved Martello tower, dating to the Napoleonic Wars.
Striking reminders of WW1 are Kitchener’s Memorial atop Marwick Head and the remains of the scuttled German fleet in Scapa Flow – a haven for divers.
Orkney has progressed in terms of farming. Both Kirbister and Corrigall Farm Museums are situated in the West Mainland of Orkney and provide a glimpse into farming from the past.
The following website will give you a more in depth look at the places of interest within the West Mainland: West Mainland.
The Mainland of Orkney is surrounded by a number of smaller islands. These islands offer a deeper insight into Orkney life and are the home to beautiful beaches, walks, wildlife and history. Each island has its own character and majestic sites. Most are easily accessible by air or ferry, particularly in the summer months.
For a guide on what Orkney has to offer, visit Attractions.
The beautiful coastal walk around Orkney, combined with the fresh sea air, gives anyone who ventures out a feeling of fulfilment. If coastal walks do not appeal to you, then take a tranquil walk over moorland, hills or quiet country tracks and whatever your level of fitness we can suggest walks suitable for you.
Kringla Apartments are in a perfect position for walkers, provide a cosy haven to return to and are a short drive from the following:
- Brough of Birsay – take a trip to this tidal island to visit a Pictish and Norse settlement. Venture around the small island to see staggering cliffs, brilliant views and perhaps a ‘peedie’ puffin.
- Skippa Geo – fisherman’s huts, weather beaten whale bone and jagged cliffs.
- Skaill Beach – golden sand situated below the Stone Age phenomena, Skara Brae.
- Yesnaby – breathtaking cliffs and balancing sea stacks. The beautiful rare flower, Primula Scotica can also be spotted here.
Orkney has an abundance of wildlife. In the spring and summer the glorious wild flowers are breathtaking, sea pinks, squill and bladder campion are abundant. It is great fun to hunt for the colourful puffins or watch the seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Orkney is one of the best places in the United Kingdom for seabirds with some 21 breeding species. The variety of habitat and the richness of the farmland, heather moorland, and coastal waters provide ideal breeding territory for a host of species, and there is always something of interest, whatever the season.
Kringla is an ideal location for bird watching being central to many of the RSPB reserves and the breeding ground of Marwick Head.
Kringla is central for fishing the lochs of the West Mainland or sea angling with one of the charter boats or from the rocks. The following lochs are free and only a short drive away: Boardhouse, Hundland, Harray, Isbister, Swannay and Stenness.
With over 40 years of angling experience we can give local advice on the best places to fish and where to source boats.
Orkney has a vibrant music scene. The Folk Festival (May), St Magnus Festival (June), Blues Festival (September) attract artistes and visitors from around the world. The local talent is second to none and a visit to a local concert or Harvest Home (late October/November) is a real treat.
Orkney is very attractive to geese with lots of fresh green grass and barley to graze on. The local farmers look on them as a major problem now. We can give advice on where to shoot.
If you are planning a cycling holiday in Orkney then look no further than Kringla apartments for your accommodation. They are central to the West Mainland of Orkney and close to crossroads that take you all over the island. The local shops, café and restaurant will supply all your food requirements.
The land is low undulating farmland with few steep hills so is ideal for cycling. We do feel we need to warn you, the Orkney weather is renowned for being changeable and we seldom get a day without wind!
We can arrange for bicycles to be at Kringla on your arrival if you do not wish to bring your own.
The Orkney Islands are situated off the North of Scotland and consist of 70 islands, 21 of which are inhabited. Orkney offers endless days of fun and adventure for all the family. There is an abundance of well-preserved historic attractions dating from the Neolithic through WW2. With such a wide range of activities and history, Orkney is guaranteed to capture the interests and imagination of everyone.
