We stayed at Stonehigh for 12 days in September and found it a great base for exploring Orkney.

The site is easily accessed from either St Margaret's Hope or Stromness ferry terminals.

The Co-op in Dounby was about 5 miles away and was well stocked. For Sunday papers, give them a ring to see if they're in before setting off - papers may not be delivered until 1:00pm. Bigger Tesco & Lidl stores were available in Kirkwall. Orkney Fish (seafood suppliers) on a small retail development outside Stromness was a work a visit.

We used the Orkney Explorer pass to get to the main historic sites, but in addition to these, the upper level tour of St Magnus' Cathedral was a must!

The Merkister Hotel outside Dounby was a good place to eat and for great seafood and views over the Pentland Firth, try the Skerries Bistro near Burwick on South Ronaldsay (drive over the Churchill Barriers to get there). For fish and chips head to the Harbour Fry near Kirkwall harbour.

We used Orkney Ferries to get to the islands (they'll reverse you on if you don't fancy doing it yourself) and Northlink to get back (roll on / roll off).

All in all a great holiday and a place, unlike any other, that we were sorry to leave.