One of the closest North isles to the Orkney Mainland, Shapinsay is an island dominated by farmland.
One of the first sights of Shapinsay seen from the regular ferry from Kirkwall is the impressive Victorian Balfour Castle.
Shapinsay is also worth visiting for its sandy beaches, Mill Dam RSPB reserve and archaeological sites of interest.
Sites worth a visit include:
Balfour Castle – the 17th Century Castle which stands close to the shore is an impessive sight. The house (the interior of which stands almost the same as it did 150 years ago) and garden make an interesting visit, by arrangement.
Mill Dam RSPB Reserve – the artificial loch behind the disused Elwick Mill is now the Mill Dam RSPB reserve, and is a great place to view waterfowl.
The Brough of Burroughston – a well preserved Iron Age broch – almost 3m high inside.
Balfour Village – where the regular ferry from Kirkwall docks and where the visitor can find a pub, museum and shop.
Mor Stane – a 3m high standing stone, covered with lichen.
Map of Shapinsay
Getting to Shapinsay
Travel from Scrabster to Stromness with NorthLink Ferries. Once docked, take the A965 for 15 miles to Kirkwall. From there you can take a North Isles ferry to Shapinsay, with Orkney Ferries, from the harbour front (on Harbour Street)
Alternatively, travel from Aberdeen or Lerwick to Kirkwall with NorthLink Ferries. Once docked at Hatston, turn left at the first junction to head towards Kirkwall town centre. From there you can take a North Isles ferry to Shapinsay, with Orkney Ferries, from the harbour front (on Harbour Street).
Top tips
• William Irving was born in Quholm, found in the north of Shapinsay, in 1740 - and was the father of Washington Irving, the author of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.
• Shapinsay has several ayres (spits of sand cutting water off from the sea, thus forming lochs, such as Vasa Loch and Lairo Water, right next to the beach. These can be particularly picturesque.
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
