Sanday is one of the unspoiled islands that make up Orkney's 'Northern Isles'. Sanday's character is quiet and well natured. This is a very low lying island whose sands give it its name. Sanday has some of the best beaches in Orkney. You can literally have miles of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The island's clean, clear waters are home to a wealth of marine life in their impressive kelp forests. There are many hundreds of grey seals in the surrounding seas and they will follow you up and down the beach calling as they go. Spring and summer in Sanday see thousands of birds in the fields and you can easily see the young of curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher as skylarks soar overhead. There are seasonal migrations of waders with Orkney being in a strategic position on many migration routes. The fly fishers among you will find Sanday has some of the finest trout in Orkney. Visitors are amazed the fly fishing is free!
Archaeology, from prehistoric times|, up to and including world war two abounds on Sanday. Though not as large as its Mainland cousins, Quoyness is still an accessible example of a chambered cairn. 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. On the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. The imposing ruins of a Victorian 'model' farm can be explored at Stove, complete with a huge steam engine shed and chimney. Abandoned or converted kirks and schools evidence former religious fervour and the advent of universal schooling. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage are evidence of the Volunteer movement on Sanday. The B98, a World War 1 German destroyer is still visible in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. You can see the remains of two World War Two air defence radar stations at Whale Head and Lettan at the North end of the island.
There are lots of things to do on Sanday, even if you choose not to join in the island's thriving social calendar. The island has an excellent ranger service built up by Roderick Thorne which gives a series of events explaining the islands wonderful 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 unpredictable, 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 wonderful place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller ever sees it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to the island and discover a slower pace of life.
Archaeology, from prehistoric times|, up to and including world war two abounds on Sanday. Though not as large as its Mainland cousins, Quoyness is still an accessible example of a chambered cairn. 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. On the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. The imposing ruins of a Victorian 'model' farm can be explored at Stove, complete with a huge steam engine shed and chimney. Abandoned or converted kirks and schools evidence former religious fervour and the advent of universal schooling. A positional battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage are evidence of the Volunteer movement on Sanday. The B98, a World War 1 German destroyer is still visible in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. You can see the remains of two World War Two air defence radar stations at Whale Head and Lettan at the North end of the island.
There are lots of things to do on Sanday, even if you choose not to join in the island's thriving social calendar. The island has an excellent ranger service built up by Roderick Thorne which gives a series of events explaining the islands wonderful 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 unpredictable, 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 wonderful place for a relaxing retreat. At night you can see the milky way as no city dweller ever sees it. Walk the endless sandy beaches and dunes and listen to the seabirds and seals. Bring your family to the island and discover a slower pace of life.
About the Author:
Backaskaill is a charming Sanday bed and breakfast run by Jane and Geoff who moved to Sanday to start a Sanday B and B 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.
