Orkney Islands Accommodation

Papa Westray Orkney Islands Shortest Scheduled Flight in the World

Papa Westray, or Papay for short, is one of the smallest Northern Isles in the Orkney Islands. It lies twenty miles north of Kirkwall and is four miles long and one mile wide. The island has long had a farming tradition and over 60 archaeological sites have been discovered on the island.

The island is important for wildlife and the RSPB have a reserve here, North Hill. If you're coming here by plane you'll be travelling on the world's shortest scheduled flight.

Papa Westray Tourist Information Orkney Islands

Papa Westray, often called Papay, is one of the smallest Northern Isles of the Orkneys. It has a population of around 70 people and is often cited as being Bill Bryson's favourite place in Britain. For the visitor there is an abundance of wildlife, archaeological sites and sandy beaches.

There is some B&B and self-catering accommodation on the island, a small supermarket, post office and a garage. The Westray and Papa Westray Tourist Association have a Google Map showing the location of accommodation and places of interest on the island. Check the link right.

Scottish Island Hopping - Flights to Papa Westray

Loganair schedule at least two flights every weekday and one flight on Sunday from Kirkwall Airport. The Islander planes used only seat 10 and that includes the pilots so space is limited. Book your journeys well in advance particularly if you plan to go in the busy summer months. Discounted fares are available for overnight stays. Contact Loganair on 01856 872494.

The flight between Papa Westray and Westray is the shortest scheduled flight in the world lasting a mere 2-3 minutes! If you make the journey you get a certificate to prove you've made it. You can see the flight in its entirety on the Youtube link right.

Orkney Ferries Inter-Island Ferries Kirkwall to Papa Westray - Papay Car HIre

Orkney Ferries run a direct car passenger ferry service from Kirkwall to Papa Westray. There are, however, only two crossings per week (Tuesday and Friday).

During the summer passengers on foot can also take the more frequent daily ferries to neighbouring Westray from Kirkwall where a connecting minibus service links you to the short sea crossing to Papay. The 'Golden Mariana' passenger service operates every day between Papay and Westray.

Check the timetables on the Orkney Ferries website for up-to-date schedules. Given the limited crossings you're well advised to book your journeys in advance - even before coming to the Orkney Islands as it can sometimes prove difficult to book at the last minute.

Papa Westray has its own car hire company handy if you want to do some independent exploring of the island. Contact Papay Car Hire on tel: 01857 644202.

Papa Westray Wildlife - North Hill RSPB Reserve

Papa Westray has a wealth of different habitats from blanket bog and maritime heath on North Hill to sand dunes and flower-rich machair.

The far northern part of the island is the RSPB managed North Hill bird reserve (it's actually owned by the people of Papa Westray). It includes sea cliffs where thousands of nesting birds come to breed including around 6,000 pairs of arctic terns, 100 pairs of arctic skua, razorbills and guillemots. Puffins, black guillemots with their bright red legs and beaks and Great Skuas are also there amongst the crowds. A good variety of waders like redshank, curlew, dunlin and oystercatcher are also attracted to the reserve. Autumn brings a variety of migrants to the island including Steller's eider, long-tailed ducks, goldeneye, whooper swans from Iceland. If you're into bird watching there's plenty to keep you amused. A statue has been placed where the last breeding great auk was shot in 1813 by a collector from London - criminal today but thankfully times have changed.

The maritime heath within the reserve is one of the very few places that Scottish Primrose can be found. Blanket bog harbours a variety of different plants including the carnivorous sundew that relies on consuming insects for its nutrients.

The Warden of the reserve can show you around or you can follow the two hour walking trail. A bird hide is located on Hyndgreenie Hill and conveniently has a toilet. Binoculars are available for hire and group bookings and guided walks can be organised during the summer by contacting the Warden. Tel: 01856 850176 or Email: orkney@rspb.org.uk. Check the RSPB link right for more information.

Papa Westray Walking

Walking is popular on Papa Westray and is the best way to get a real feel for the island.

There are a series of walks listed on the Westray and Papa Westray Tourist Association website (link right) and a Papa Westray Walking Guide is available from tourist offices and post offices.

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