Mar/110
Sanday, Orkney – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise
Sanday is a beautiful island in Orkney's 'Northern Isles' off the North coast of Scotland. It is an island of unique charm and character. Sanday literally means 'sandy' in Norse. This has given the island some astonishing beaches. You can literally have miles of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The ocean is clean and clear and divers will appreciate Sanday's incredible kelp forests. The island's wildlife includes large colonies of grey seals containing a high proportion of the UK's entire population of these beautiful animals. Spring and summer see thousands of birds breeding in the fields and you can easily see the chicks of curlew, lapwing, snipe and oystercatcher as skylarks sing overhead. Throughout the year the beaches the beaches harbour countless waders on their migrations - Sanday is a year round bird watching paradise. The island's fly fishing is legendary, boasting some of the largest trout found in Orcadian waters. Visitors often can't believe the fly fishing is free!
Archaeology, from prehistoric times|, up to and including world war two abounds on Sanday. Though not as impressive as its Mainland cousins, Quoyness is still an accessible example of a chambered cairn. 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. On the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. The imposing remains of a Victorian 'model' farm can be found at Stove, complete with a huge steam engine shed and chimney. Derelict or converted kirks and schools evidence former religious fervour and the advent of universal schooling. A former battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage are evidence of the Volunteer movement on Sanday. The B98, a World War 1 German destroyer is still visible in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. You can see the remains of two World War Two air defence radar stations at Whale Head and Lettan at the North end of the island.
The island boasts a thriving social calendar and lots of other things to do. The Sanday Ranger runs events throughout the summer for visitors and locals alike covering our island's amazing natural and archaeological heritage.
There is a complete network of well planned walks that are subtly signposted and have stiles to aid you in crossing fences. You can get a copy of the Walking Guide to Sanday from any post office, shop or hotel on the island. However, the island has highly unpredictable weather - the islander's sometimes refer to this as 'four seasons in a day'! Kettletoft boasts two hotels, an amazingly well stocked general store, a butcher's(!) and a garage. There are also shops at Lady and Roadside.
Sanday, above all, is a getaway. Come here to experience real peace and quiet under big skies. The milky way is astonishing in the dark skies of the Northern Isles. Take a few afternoons to walk our pristine island's amazing beaches and listen to the calls of countless birds and seals. Bring a friend or spouse for the ideal relaxing retreat.
Backaskaill is a wonderful Sanday bed and breakfast run by Jane and Geoff who moved to Sanday to start a alternative to an Orkney hotel focused on providing excellent customer service. Geoff is a qualified chef and offers quality local produce and great, home-cooked cuisine including vegetarian. Well behaved pets are most welcome.