How to get here and where to stay?
The island of Westray lies at the north western corner of Orkney and can be reached from Kirkwall by both ferry and light aircraft. A variety of tourist accommodation is available including a campsite, self-catering cottages, B & B’s and a hotel.
The land use is primarily agricultural with beef cattle, sheep, a dairy farm and smaller areas of arable. The coastline is varied and stunning being mostly rocky with towering sea cliffs but also including intertidal areas and attractive sandy beaches. Small areas of maritime heath occur above the cliffs. There are three freshwater lochs and surrounding wetlands which provide important bird habitats.
Orkney Ferries run ferries from Kirkwall to Westray. The crossing takes approx 1 hour and 25 minutes. Plenty of wildlife to see from the deck!
www.orkneyferries.co.uk
info@orkneyferries.co.uk
01856 811397
Loganair run flights from Kirkwall to Westray which take approx 15 minutes. (You will be on the world’s shortest scheduled flight of 2 minutes between Papa Westray and Westray as part of this journey, either on the way out, or on the way back. Ask at the flight desk for your certificate!)
www.loganair.co.uk
01856 872494 or 01856 873457
Orkney Mainland: Close to the airport and only 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. A most comfortable room and delicious breakfast awaits you at Straigona, BED & BREAKFAST, Tankerness Orkney KW17 2QR Tel: 01856 861328
Westray: The Barn at Chalmersquoy provides a range of accommodation including a campsite, B & B, a hostel and self-catering units.
www.chalmersquoywestray.co.uk
01857 677214 or 07803 048189
Hotel accommodation can be found at the Pierowall Hotel.
www.pierowallhotel.co.uk
01857 677472 or 677208
We do not provide catering. However, there are three general stores on Westray where groceries can be obtained. There is also a super new café, “Groatie Buckies” within the Rendalls store in Pierowall. 01857 677389. Meals can also be obtained from the Pierowall Hotel 01857 677472, Wheeling Steen provides refreshments alongside it’s excellent gallery and gifts and Peter Miller’s store has a coffee corner with comfortable seating. Alternatively you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
There are three general merchants shops on Westray, two in the village of Pierowall and Peter Miller’s shop, known as the Skello shop. The Skello shop is found in Skelwick, in the southern part of the island, signed off the main road between the village and the Rapness ferry terminal. Here you will find a very well stocked rural shop with an off license. There is also a small post office run to community hours, but the friendly staff are always willing to open it for you. Open 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday (2-5pm Sunday)
JC Tulloch is also in Pierowall village and along with a wide range of produce also has an off licence and the Post Office. Opening hours are 9 am – 7.30 pm Monday to Saturday and during the afternoon on a Sunday.
W I Rendall is found in Pierowall village and has a good selection of gifts and souvenirs. It also boasts the only fuel pumps on the island and stocks Calor Gas. It is open from 9am -6pm Monday to Saturday (Sunday 2-4:30pm, Summer only)
All 3 shops sell Westray baked bread and biscuits, from WFM Brown, fish from Pierowall Fish and crab products from Westray Processors.
Contact Information
Should you feel interested in taking a tour with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Our contact details: