The Orkney Islands are world-renowned for their spectacular landscapes and seascapes, and autumn is a great time of year to explore everything the islands have to offer.
Invigorate your senses and head out on a brisk walk on one of the islands’ many coastlines and secluded beaches. The crisp weather and fresh sea air will soon have you wide awake, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.
Exploring the coastlines can bring you face-to-face with different scenery depending on which side of the islands you are on. The West Mainland offers a rugged coastline dotted with dramatic cliffs lapped by the rolling Atlantic Ocean, whereas the East Mainland is home to gentler landscapes and the calmer shoreline of the North Sea.
And in between each of these vast waters, the natural landscape offers never-ending views of the heaths and farmlands putting on a stunning kaleidoscopic display of oranges, browns and greens in autumn.
Autumn can also be a fantastic time to spot local wildlife.
Newborn seal pups can often be seen along Orkney’s coastline as the autumn months progress. The grey seal population gathers in colonies (called “rookeries”) on safe and secluded beaches around the islands.
The early weeks of November usually bring the greatest activity, with hundreds of seals on the shorelines, but pups can be born all the way through to mid-December.
It’s also worth keeping your eyes on the sky during the autumn months. The islands are on the flight path for migrating birds and skies come alive as thousands of birds make their way south for winter. Redwings, bramblings and flocks of waders are often present, as well as Slavonian grebes, barnacle geese, waxwings and even whooper swans.
Orkney is also home to healthy numbers of hen-harriers, which can be seen coming together to roost at dusk at this time of year. They seek sanctuary in the moorland, becoming more and more visible as the autumn turns to winter.
Head to the hills and moors of Hoy, the only place in Orkney where you may be lucky enough to spot mountain hare. Their brown summer coats beginning to turn white in autumn, before their transformation is complete come the New Year.
But it’s not just elusive wildlife you have the chance to see during an autumn visit to Orkney. This time of year is one of the best for getting a glimpse of the Northern Lights – so make sure you bring a camera if you head out after dark!
Feeling inspired to explore further? Follow Destination Orkney’s landscapes and seascapes itinerary, to discover the best natural beauty the islands have to offer, click here.
