Orkney’s most northerly island is a place with a unique sense of history, community, and culture. Positioned on the periphery of our archipelago, North Ronaldsay is a place to slow down, experience incredible nature, and really connect with island life.
About North Ronaldsay
Lying further north than the southern tip of Norway, North Ronaldsay is a place like no other. At only three miles long and two miles wide, the line between land and sea is often blurred here.
North Ronaldsay is famed for its seaweed-eating sheep, a rare breed kept on the shore away from local grassland, which is reserved for cattle grazing. The mutton is much prized as a delicacy, due to its distinctive flavour. The hardy sheep are prevented from leaving the coast by a 13-mile drystone dyke that encircles the island, thought to be the only one of its kind in the world. If you arrive in the summer though, you might see ewes and their lambs in the fields. The annual North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival celebrates the breed and welcomes volunteers from around the world to help rebuild sections of the dyke damaged during winter storms.
North Ronaldsay is a first and last stop for migrating birds heading between the Arctic and Africa, and the local Bird Observatory plays a major role in documenting these incredible avian arrivals.
Standing tall above it all is the island’s distinctive lighthouse, a constant reminder of location and latitude, at the very edge of Orkney.
Useful information
- Food & drink
The Obscafé at the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory is your only option for eating out in the island, but it’s a very good one. On offer here are light lunches and evening meals, which are served communally with other guests and observatory staff.
The Observatory is also home to the island’s pub, with a fully licenced bar and lounge offering an excellent selection of wines, beers and spirits, including local beers, gins, and whiskies.
Visit the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory Facebook page for more information, or phone 01857 633 200 to check in advance.
- Shopping
The island’s shop is found at the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory and stocks a wide range of goods.
You can pick up fresh food including meat, fish, milk, cheese, fruit and vegetables, as well as cereals, pastas, sweet treats and more.
You can even pick up branded Bird Observatory clothing and local gifts, including handmade bags, brooches and toys made with North Ronaldsay wool. Check the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory Facebook page for more information, or phone 01857 633 200 to check in advance.
- Fuel
Petrol and diesel is available if needed - contact Billy Muir on 07703 112 224 to arrange.
- Public toilets
There is one public toilet available in North Ronaldsay. At the island’s pier you’ll find one gents' toilet and one ladies'/accessible toilet.
It might be on the edge of Orkney but flights and ferries make sure the North Ronaldsay community has daily links to Kirkwall.
Getting to North Ronaldsay by sea
Orkney Ferries operates sailings from Kirkwall to North Ronaldsay on Tuesdays and Fridays or Saturdays during the summer months, with an occasional Sunday excursion service that departs from Kirkwall and calls in at one of the other islands. The summer Tuesday sailings often call in past Papa Westray on either leg of the journey, so do check in advance if you’re planning a trip. At other times of year, the only boat is on Saturdays.
The pier at North Ronaldsay is often also often affected by tides which can lead to sailing amendments and cancellations.
Bicycles are accepted on Orkney Ferries sailings. Book your ferry tickets online via the Orkney Ferries website, and contact the ferry company directly for more information on all its services.
Getting to North Ronaldsay by air
Loganair offers daily return flights between Kirkwall and North Ronaldsay throughout the week. Advance booking for all inter-isles flights in Orkney is essential, particularly during the summer months. You can view the timetable on the Loganair website. Contact the Loganair team at Kirkwall Airport for travel information and advice.
Getting around North Ronaldsay
If there was a perfect island to explore on foot or by bicycle then North Ronaldsay is probably the one. It’s only three miles long and two miles wide, and its highest point barely rises 20 metres. There are no hill climbs or steep terrain here!
For example, a walk from the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory to the lighthouse in the north end will only take a little more than an hour. Most visitors set off on foot or by pedal power, with the island’s roads and farm tracks providing plenty of access to all the main sites.
Cycle hire is available and a range of bikes can be picked up at the island’s airfield or pier. Helmets can be provided too. Booking in advance is essential, especially during the summer. Phone 01857 633 200 to reserve your bike, or email bikehire@northronaldsay.co.uk or enquiries@nrbo.org.uk
A taxi service is available, contact Chris Kerslake on 07487 572 089 to book.
Guided tours
There are no official guided tours available in North Ronaldsay but staff at the Bird Observatory will be more than happy to offer advice and point you in the right direction (depending on their availability, the may be able to take you out and about). It’s the kind of place where locals will stop to speak to you whether you’re asking for directions or not, so take advantage of that island knowledge when you get the chance.
Despite its relatively small size, North Ronaldsay has plenty to offer visitors keen to experience its distinct culture and traditions.
It’s also an ideal place to experience Orkney’s elements, with a selection of beautiful bays and beaches.
Use our North Ronaldsay cycle route to explore the island at its best.
Find your perfect home from home in North Ronaldsay.
