Innisgarth is ideally placed for exploring the Mainland with any other part of it no more than 40 minutes away by car. It is also an excellent base for exploring the other islands, with the main North Isles ferries departing from Kirkwall Pier, and Kirkwall airport 4 miles to the east.

Orkney is a good place to cycle with fine views on most routes, and a range of good circular routes to suit any standard of cyclist is possible. For example heading west through Orphir to Stromness then north to Skara Brae and back via Brodgar is a scenic and interesting forty miles, with plenty of pit stops available on the way!

Taking your bike on a day trip to an island such as Rousay or Shapinsay is also an excellent way to spend a day, and get about.

There are also many good walking routes, and maps and further information are available. Popular routes include the coastal route round the Mull Head in Deerness, starting from the dramatic collapsed sea-cave at the Gloup and passing the Brough of Deerness, and walking to the Old Man of Hoy, possible by taking a day trip to Hoy using the passenger ferry from Stromness. The rugged cliffs of the West Mainland are also good places to walk (carefully!) with spectacular walks both north and south from Yesnaby, up to Kitcheners Memorial and over to the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay (pictured on our website's header image).

Fishing is also popular, with good loch fishing for brown trout, free on most lochs, and sea angling from rocks or open boats.

Other water based activities include diving, with a vast number of wrecks around the islands including the massive ships of the sunken German Fleet in Scapa Flow, which can also be explored in comfort using a remotely controlled submarine from the Roving Eye Tours boat.

Throughout the year Orkney hosts a number of festivals such as the Orkney Folk Festival, the St Magnus Festival, the Orkney International Science Festival, and the Orkney Blues Weekend. More details, and dates can be found on the VisitOrkney website here.

Further listings of events can be found in the BBC Radio Orkney Daily diary, a transcript  of which is listed on the excellent local community website Orkneycommunities.co.uk, has its own listing of what community groups are up to here.

Eating out in local hotels or restaurants also recommended, although you may just want to buy some fine local produce and set to work in Innisgarth's well appointed kitchen!