Papa Westray Hostel, Orkney

Papa Westray is a beautiful remote island, and you're never far from the sea. The main historical sites of interest are:

* Knap of Howar: Papa Westray's most famous monument, the oldest standing house in North-west Europe.
* St Boniface Kirk: Now restored, St Boniface Kirk is set in an important ecclesiastic site dating back to the 8th century.
* Holm of Papay: This is a small island accessible only by private hire boat from the old pier at Papa Westray.It boasts a magnificent chambered cairn.
* St Tredwell's Chapel: This is a renowned Orkney pilgrimage-centre, standing on a conical mound on a small peninsula in St Tredwell's Loch.

Papa Westray is a walker’s paradise! There is a comprehensive leaflet describing recommended walks around the isle and the many features of interest. Visitors can walk all round the island’s coastline and inland to the Loch of Tredwell with stiles provided for crossing fences and dykes.

Wildlife is rich and varied on Papa Westray, and all sites of interest are within easy access from the hostel. The coastline supports good populations of grey and common seal, whilst whales and porpoises are sometimes spotted, as well as the elusive otter.

Birdlife is particularly rich, with many species of breeding seabirds, some in nationally important numbers, such as the Arctic Tern and the Black Guillemot. The low cliffs at Fowl Craig offer excellent easy viewing and photography of birds such as Puffins, Razorbills, Fulmars and Guillemot, whilst the maritime heath of the North Hill RSPB reserve supports breeding Great and Arctic Skuas, Eider, waders and others. Corncrakes breed every year at several sites around the island, and can be heard ‘craking’ from the hostel by those with a trained ear! The island is also important for migratory birds from the north in winter, such as Purple Sandpiper, Wigeon, Shoveler and Greylag Goose, and for birds passing through such as Golden Plover and Whooper Swan.

Papa Westray has a range of habitats and plantlife, including one of the world’s largest colonies of the diminutive Scottish Primrose.