Papa Westray

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Papa Westray

Papa Westray, also known as "Papay" by the locals, is one of the Orkney Islands located off the north coast of Scotland. It covers an area of approximately 9 square kilometers and is home to a population of around 90 people. The island boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Papa Westray is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The island also hosts a number of rare plant species, adding to its ecological importance.

Historically, Papa Westray was inhabited by Neolithic settlers, and several well-preserved archaeological sites can be found on the island. The most famous of these is the Knap of Howar, a Neolithic farmstead believed to be the oldest standing stone houses in Europe, dating back to around 3,500 BC.

Despite its small size, Papa Westray offers a range of amenities for visitors, including a post office, a general store, and a café. The island is also home to the Papay Community Cooperative, a local organization that works to promote sustainable living and community engagement. The cooperative runs various projects, such as the Papay Peedie Kirk, a restored church that serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.

Overall, Papa Westray is a captivating island that combines natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant community spirit. It offers a unique escape for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with nature.

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Papa Westray Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.350659/-2.8899593 or Grid Reference HY4951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking on Papa Westray

stalked

Swans on the Shore

Usually you see swans on fresh water, but these ones were exploring the shore. These are dipping strata of the Middle Old Red Sandstone that makes up most of Orkney, even though they are not at all red in colour. Most of the land in this square is on the Holm of Papa, a small offshore island, the tip of which can be seen at upper right in this view.

Anne Burgess

Remains of a Fence

The stile for crossing the fence is still standing, but the fence it used to cross has gone.

Anne Burgess

Zigzag Rocks

I assume that the sea, having detached parts of the bedrock, has flipped the loose slabs over so that they are lying at an angle to the bedrock. I could have examined them more closely to test this hypothesis, but we were anxious to get to the pier in good time for our ferry, and my walking companion is not interested in geology and would have demurred.

Anne Burgess

Bay of Burland

The farm in the distance is called Blossom. At the far side of the bay is Redcraig Geo.

Anne Burgess

Two Ponies

Two ponies in a field above the beach with a distant view towards Hundland.

Rude Health

Pits, Bull Flag, Papa Westray, Orkney

From Link

: "A series of oval/amorphous scooped areas or pits may be kelp pits or quarry hollows. They measure 8m by 4m by 1m deep. They are filled with loose stone and are partially covered with grass."

Claire Pegrum

Bay of Burland, Papa Westray

Looking south to the abandoned buildings at Blossom.

Rob Burke

Mill Point, Papa Westray

There is the remains of a lade flowing past this ruin, so perhaps this is the mill that gives the point its name.

Rob Burke

Canoes at the roadside

Overlooking the tidal Loch of the Taing and North Wick on Papa Westray

Lis Burke

Chambered Cairn Remains

Remains of chambered cairn at the north end of Holm of Papa. In the distance you can just see the impressive Chambered Cairn at the south end of this tiny island and I think the longest chambered cairn in Orkney. There were Fulmars nesting in the stalls of the chambered cairn in the foreground.

Adam Ward

Holm of Papay

Isla17

View of the Holm of Papay, from the air

Arriving at Papay and just starting to turn into the island to land

hayley green

Cliffs, Holm of Papay

A view of the waves breaking on the cliffs around the side of the Holm of Papay, with the chambered cairn visible at the top

hayley green

From the Holm of Papay, back to Southwick

Managed at last to get a local fisherman to take us over to the Holm (thanks Jim, just seen here). Landed on the Holm and had to make our way over some very slippy rocks up to the chambered cairn, then down the ladder...

hayley green

Approaching the tomb / chambered cairn

hayley green

Info Board, Holm of Papa Westray Cairn

hayley green

Inside the chambered cairn on the Holm of Papa Westray

Taken without flash or tripod, hence slight wobble - down a ladder via the roof and an excellent chambered cairn, 2 sections (one at each end) that need a further crawl to get into

hayley green

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Papa Westray is located at Grid Ref: HY4951 (Lat: 59.350659, Lng: -2.8899593)

Unitary Authority: Orkney Islands

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands