Shapinsay is one of the smaller Orkney Islands, with its main settlement and ferry pier at the village of Balfour.
- Balfour Castle, +44 1856 872856. Closed. Impressive 19th-century castle in Scottish Baronial style. It has operated as an upmarket hotel and wedding venue, with occasional guided tours. However it's now a private dwelling and is closed to the public. You can admire the Gatehouse, and the house facade from a distance - indeed it's visible from Kirkwall.
- Burroughston Broch. is a well-preserved Iron Age broch, with thick dry-stone walls and an interior chamber. It's on the north-east corner of Shapinsay, 4 miles from the ferry pier, follow Hillock Road. Nearby on the north tip of the island, the Geo of Ork is a deep cleft in the cliff face.
- Other remains are the Mor Stein, a 3-metre neolithic standing stone in the south-east of the island; Linton Chapel a 12th-century ruin on the east coast, and nearby Castle Bloody a neolithic chamber.
- Helliar Holm, the uninhabited islet enclosing the harbour at Balfour, has a lighthouse and the remains of a broch, cairn and chapel. It's tidal but only just, you'll need a spring low tide to walk across, but then how to get back? Seek local advice before trying.
Balfour Castle, +44 1856 872856. Closed. Impressive 19th-century castle in Scottish Baronial style. It has operated as an upmarket hotel and wedding venue, with occasional guided tours. However it's now a private dwelling and is closed to the public. You can admire the Gatehouse, and the house facade from a distance - indeed it's visible from Kirkwall.
Burroughston Broch. is a well-preserved Iron Age broch, with thick dry-stone walls and an interior chamber. It's on the north-east corner of Shapinsay, 4 miles from the ferry pier, follow Hillock Road. Nearby on the north tip of the island, the Geo of Ork is a deep cleft in the cliff face.
- Milldam RSPB Reserve 1 km from the port, the bird hide overlooks a peaceful lake, once used to power a mill.
Milldam RSPB Reserve 1 km from the port, the bird hide overlooks a peaceful lake, once used to power a mill.
- Thomas Sinclair, Shoreside, Shapinsay, KW17 2GG. A general store and bakery.
Thomas Sinclair, Shoreside, Shapinsay, KW17 2GG. A general store and bakery.
- The Smithy, Balfour Village, +44 1856 711258. Daily 10:00-17:00. Moderately priced good food, would make a good lunchtime trip out from Kirkwall. Tables on the seafront too. With various exhibits about the history of the island.
The Smithy, Balfour Village, +44 1856 711258. Daily 10:00-17:00. Moderately priced good food, would make a good lunchtime trip out from Kirkwall. Tables on the seafront too. With various exhibits about the history of the island.
Back to Kirkwall and the Mainland is the only option.