Papay Peedie Tours 2023
We are now taking bookings for tours, please email, call or message Jonathan the Papay Ranger for information regarding dates and availability.
Join the Papay Ranger on a guided tour of Papa Westray, a journey through the archaeological and natural heritage of this special island.
On arrival by boat or perhaps on the world's shortest scheduled flight from Westray, you will embark on a full day tour taking in the sights and sounds of Papay, with time to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere of the island along the way.
The guided tour takes in the archaeological and natural heritage of Papay. You'll see the oldest standing houses in Northern Europe at the 5,000 year old Neolithic farmstead of the Knap of Howar. Also included is a trip to St Boniface Kirk, a beautifully restored twelfth century church on the site of an earlier Celtic chapel, and the impressive steading of Holland Farm, a busy working farm featuring buildings from as far back as the 1600s.
For 2023 guests can request a packed lunch for the tour from Northern Delights, the Papay cafe. We will take our lunch at the Kelp Store Craft & Heritage Centre with tea and coffee provided. Afterwards, you'll be taken to the RSPB North Hill reserve to see the beautiful maritime heath and all its wildflowers, including Primula scotica. You might also catch sight of nesting puffins and Arctic and Great skuas at the cliffs of Fowl Craig.
The Papay Peedie Tour runs from the beginning of April to the end of September on any day of the week. Private tours are also available at any time, these tours can be tailored to particular interests or sites. Bird watching tours, archaeology tours, which can include a trip to the Holm of Papay. Get in touch to discuss options.
Visitors should bring appropriate clothing with stout walking boots/shoes and waterproofs recommended. Binoculars are very handy too.
Private tours
Tours can be specially arranged throughout the year - contact the Ranger to discuss what is possible. These tours can be tailored to particular interests, perhaps taking in some of the more remote and rugged parts of the island, or spending more time at particular sites. However, the itinerary for the Papay Peedie Tour takes some beating!Papay Peedie Tour prices
Full day tour - £55 adults, £30 children (5-15) cash or card on the day preferred, booking is essential.
Packed lunch from Northern Delights Cafe - £7.50 per person. Booking essential.
Holm of Papay Boat trip - £25 per person.
Email papayranger@gmail.com to book, or text/leave a message at 07970 732615.
Boat trips to the Holm of Papay
For years, this tiny island off Papay's east coast has been a much sought after destination for visitors. However, until recently only a lucky few got across to be delighted by the wildlife and archaeology. Now, thanks to Papay Development Trust's new boat, the Holm's Neolithic South Cairn (with its impressive 67ft long subterranean passage with carved decorations and 14 chambers) can be enjoyed by visitors when the weather conditions are suitable.
The boat trips are dependent on weather. Email papayranger@gmail.com to book, or text/leave a message at 07970 732615.
Papay Bicycle Hire
Unfortunately there are no bikes for hire on the island at the moment, please contact Jonathan the Ranger for any updates.
Papay Ranger Social Media Links
https://twitter.com/PapayRanger
https://www.instagram.com/papayranger/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039830474161
RSPB North Hill nature reserve
Puffins, skuas, Arctic Terns and much more can be seen on the RSPB North Hill nature reserve. Guided tours are given by the RSPB warden on Wednesdays and Saturdays from early May to the end of August. To book, contact the Orkney RSPB office on 01856 850176.
