What not to miss in Papa Westray

From ancient sites to wonderful nature and wildlife, you won’t be short of options if you’re planning a visit to this beautiful island. Here are our top tips for making the most out of your time in Papay.

Like much of Orkney, Papa Westray is home to some fascinating historical sites. Out on the west coast of the island you’ll find the Knap of Howar, the oldest standing stone buildings in north-west Europe. This ancient farmstead was built around 3800BC, before even Skara Brae.

Elsewhere, make sure you visit St Boniface Kirk, a tiny church overlooking neighbouring Westray. The site here dates back to the Iron Age and the kirk itself was built in the 12^th century. Make sure to explore the graveyard with its Norse hog-back gravestone and simple crosses marking the graves of sailors who perished on shipwrecks around the island.

A walk around St Tredwell’s Loch is well worth the effort too. It features the ruins of a chapel, found on a small mound jutting out into the loch. The loch itself has long been a site of pilgrimage with many myths and legends attached to it.

Take the time to explore Papay’s wild side and you won’t be disappointed.

The RSPB North Hill Nature Reserve dominates the northern tip of the island and is possibly Orkney’s finest area of maritime heath. You’ll find beautiful wildflowers during the summer, including the Scottish primrose, and seabird sightings could include puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and kittiwakes.

The former coastguard lookout hut on the reserve is now a bird hide and the perfect spot to sit back and observe the scene in front of you.

If you’re investigating your Papay heritage then the Kelp Store should be your first port of call.

It’s the island’s arts and heritage centre and hosts community and cultural events throughout the year. The building was formerly a storage facility for kelp dating back to the mid-1600s.

Restored by the Papay Development Trust, it was reopened in 2016 and features displays, census and family history information, and exhibitions by local artists.

A flight on one of Orkney’s inter-isles routes with Loganair is always special, but if you’ve booked a seat on a flight to Papay, you’ll be able to enjoy a very unique experience.

The route to and from the island will include the short hop to neighbouring Westray, which is the shortest scheduled flight in the world. Depending on wind speed and direction, you could be in the air for little over a minute before touching down once again.

Remember, there’s more to Papa Westray than just the island’s airfield, so do plan to set foot on firm ground for a day or two before buckling up for the return journey.

There’s nothing quite like a coastal walk, and Papay has plenty of options if you want to hit the beach.

North and South Wick are neighbouring stretches of sand on the island’s east coast with azure water and shallow bays, perfect for paddling or snorkelling.

At the southern end of Papay you’ll find the Bay of Moclett and Bothican beach. It’s a sheltered sweep of sand overlooking the island’s pier with views south towards Westray.

The best way to see all of the above is to book a spot on one of the excellent tours offered by the island’s ranger, Jonathan Ford.

He’ll meet you off the ferry or flight before showcasing everything Papa Westray has to offer, along with plenty of facts, figures, folklore and a keen eye for spotting local wildlife too. Tours are available during the summer months and possibly out of season too – just contact Jonathan directly to find out more. Booking is essential.

Boat tours to the neighbouring Holm of Papay are available too, giving you the chance to explore this uninhabited island and its Neolithic burial cairn.