Sanday and North Ronaldsay
Sanday is the third largest island in the Orkney archipelago - and its name gives a clue to its character, as Sanday is fringed by some of the finest sandy beaches amongst these isles. On a map Sanday appears to be almost entirely made up of peninsulas, meaning that the sea is never more than a mile away. There is plenty for the visitor to get out and discover here - from the mighty dunes of Cata Sand, to the magnificent chambered cairn of Quoy Ness whose remoteness gives ita very different atmosphere to the celebrated Maes Howe on mainland. To the east the island throws out a final, tidal islet to the striking striped lighthouse of Start Point.
Further north is North Ronaldsay - the most northerly of the Orkney isles (detailed coverage will be added in future). This far outpost has is renowned as a bird-observatory. The best known walk here is a challenging one, around the perimeter wall that keeps out the island's seaweed-munching sheep.
Accommodation
| Walk | Grade | Length | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backaskaill Bay, Sanday |
 | 5.5km | 1.5 hours |
| Quoyness Cairn, Sanday |
| 8.25km | 2 - 2.5 hours |
| Start Point Lighthouse, Sanday |
| 3.75km | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Whitemill Bay circuit, Sanday |
| 4.5km | 1 hour |
| Cata Sand and Tres Ness, Sanday |
| 9.5km | 2 - 3 hours |
| North Ronaldsay circuit |
| 19.25km | 6.5 - 7.5 hours |