Carlin Skerry Local Information
Beverly and Richard have a good knowledge of Orkney and lots of information with which they will be happy to help you plan your days.
Walks from Carlin Skerry
Feel free to leave your car at the house. There are a couple of tracks leading up the hills opposite, to views over most of Orkney. With a bit of effort you can go as far as you like. There are lanes and tracks down to the beach at Swanbister, the cliffs or the Earl’s Bu, Orkneyinga Saga Centre and cemetery. You can make a nice, round walk of a couple of hours, or shorten it by parking at Breck on the cliff top first. More details of these walks will be in your room on arrival.
The newly opened St Magnus Way passes the door. This is a walking route from the tiny island of Egilsay, where Earl Magnus was murdered, to Birsay, through Orphir and on to Kirkwall. Quite a stretch at 55 miles, but you can do it in stages. The Orkneyinga Saga Centre and Earl's Bu are close by, as is Houton Ferry Terminal for ferries to Hoy and Flotta.
Wildlife at Carlin Skerry
Everything is seasonal, of course, but watch out for hares running through the garden. Flocks of greylag geese make a nice sound and sight as they fly over to and from their roosts nearby.
Another familiar call is that of the curlew and you might hear oystercatchers piping and squealing as they go over. Down at the shore there are ducks and waders. There is usually a seal or two watching you.Kirkwall & Stromness
It's a 15 minute drive to Kirkwall or Stromness.