A guidebook to 80 walking routes on Scotland's Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Routes are described on the islands of Orkney (Orkney Mainland, Hoy, South Ronaldsay, Burray, Rousay, Eday, Westray, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay) and the islands of Shetland (Shetland Mainland, West Burra, East Burra, Foula, Fair Isle, Isle of Noss, Bressay, Whalsay, Papa Stour, Muckle Roe, Out Skerries, Esha Ness, Yell, Fetlar and Unst).

Routes vary in length from 1 mile to 16 miles, with something to suit all abilities. Offering a variety of landscapes together with a wealth of remarkable archaeological sites such as Skara Brae and Jarlshof, Orkney and Shetland are a walker's dream.

Step-by-step route descriptions are accompanied by clear OS mapping and a time estimate for completing each route. The book includes plenty of information on the region's wildlife, archaeology and history, as well as practical tips such as when to go, what to take and getting to and around Orkney and Shetland.

Quiet, remote and abounding in rare plants and wildlife, together with some of the world's most fascinating archaeological sites, Orkney and Shetland offer a treasure trove of natural and historic wonders, and makes an ideal walking holiday destination.

Seasons: April, May and June are the best months to go for daylight, sunshine and nesting birds, but the Northern Isles are a year-round destination - hardly ever getting midges or snow!

Difficulty: From short walks to ancient monuments and waymarked coastal strolls to 10-mile traverses, there is something for everyone. Some routes will require basic navigational skills.

Activities:

• Walking
• Birdwatching
• Visiting archaeological sites

Centres:

• Sumburgh
• Kirkwall
• Lerwick
• Stromness
• Hamnavoe
• Scalloway

Must See:

• Superb wildlife - whales, otters, seals, puffins, whooper swans, birds of prey, seabirds
• Ancient archaeological sites - Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Mousa Broch
• The Old Man of Hoy
• North Ronaldsay Coastal Traverse

Show Less