South Island Panoramic

OVERVIEW

Experience the beauty of a drive through Orkney’s southern islands, stopping at sites with wartime history and a village where the shopping is peaceful. You’ll depart Kirkwall to the south, hugging the coast along Scapa Flow as you learn why action seen here during World Wars I and II make this one of the world’s best-known stretches of water. Heading across the Churchill Barriers, a series of four rock causeways that link Orkney’s main island to smaller south islands previously only reachable by ferry, you’ll first arrive at Lamb Holm. While uninhabited, this tiny islet is home to the Italian Chapel – converted from a raw corrugated metal hut into a place of hand-painted beauty by Italian prisoners during World War II. You’ll be touched by your visit here, as are the “Camp 60” ex-prisoners and their descendants who still come to visit. Further south is the island of South Ronaldsay and its pretty village of St. Margaret’s Hope. Stopping here for a while, you’ll learn more about the people behind that name and have some time to meander streets lined with handsome stone cottages or perhaps do a little impromptu shopping at the excellent craft workshop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Head south hugging the coast of Scapa Flow, whose waters have famous tales to tell.
• Cross to the southern islands via the Churchill Barriers, causeways built to block enemy access to the Scapa Flow.
• Visit a beautiful Italian Chapel built on an uninhabited islet by Italian prisoners during WWII.
• Spend awhile wandering or craft shopping in the charming stone village of St. Margaret’s Hope.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing; bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.