Island hopping is one of the great Orcadian adventures.
Think beautiful beaches, fascinating sites and a friendly, warm welcome from locals…all away from the traditional visitor trail too.
Stronsay, one of Orkney’s north isles, is a place that has all of the above, and more! Here are five reasons why you should add a visit to your island itinerary.
Vat of Kirbister
Orkney has hundreds of miles of coastline to explore, and Stronsay has one of the most spectacular stretches in the isles. A gentle stroll on the east coast leads you to the Vat of Kirbister, a stunning natural rock arch, the finest in Orkney. There are fascinating rock formations in the area and plenty of wildlife, flowers and fauna to enjoy too.
Whitehall village
The grand houses of Whitehall village are a permanent reminder of Stronsay’s past at the centre of Scotland’s herring industry. Nowadays things are quieter in Whitehall, but it’s still a hub for the island. Its safe harbour is home to a number of local fishing boats and visiting crafts, and it boasts the excellent Fish Mart café, hostel and heritage display. There is also a hotel and licensed bar and the well-stocked Ebenezer Stores too.
Free Bike Hire
Stronsay is the perfect place to explore on two wheels. The island is compact and relatively flat, with quiet roads and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery. Use pedal power to take in the view of the island’s interlocking bays, or head to the top of St John’s Hill for a beautiful vista of the north isles. Bikes for all the family are available to hire free of charge from Ebenezer Stores in Whitehall village.
Watch our short video to find out more about our five favourite things to do in Stronsay!
Craft Trail
For a small island, Stronsay certainly boasts some talented residents! Local makers have banded together to form a craft trail that can take you on a tour of the island. The Craftship Enterprise is the hub, offering regular workshops, a café, craft shop and crafting holidays. Other stops on the trail include Marion Miller Jewellery, Airy Fairy, Orkney Star Island Soap, Selkie Glass and the Wyrd Weaver. Come and see these talented makers at work!
Beautiful beaches
As you’d expect from ‘the island of bays’, Stronsay boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Orkney. Set foot on the white sand beaches of St Catherine’s Bay, Rothiesholm Sand and Mill Bay and take in the stunning sea views. Soak up the peace, quiet and tranquillity of island life and get away from it all!
Find out more about from the island's official website. You can also keep up to date with life in the island on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020 Programme.