Mainland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

With its rugged landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Mainland, the largest island in Scotland, offers a captivating experience for travelers. Nestled in the United Kingdom, this enchanting destination is a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will be awestruck by the breathtaking scenery that Mainland has to offer. From the majestic peaks of the Highlands to the tranquil lochs and stunning coastline, this region is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Explore the vast expanse of the Cairngorms National Park, where you can hike through ancient forests, spot wildlife, or even try your hand at skiing in the winter months. For a truly unforgettable experience, venture to the Orkney Islands, a group of rugged isles off the northeastern coast, known for their archaeological treasures and stunning landscapes.

History buffs will be enthralled by Mainland's rich heritage, dating back thousands of years. Discover the ancient standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic monument that has stood the test of time. Explore the historic town of Stirling, home to the iconic Stirling Castle, where you can delve into the stories of Scottish royalty and relive the battles that shaped the nation. And no visit to Mainland would be complete without a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where you can wander through the medieval streets of the Old Town, visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Mainland is also renowned for its warm hospitality and vibrant culture. Indulge in traditional Scottish cuisine, from hearty haggis and mouthwatering salmon to delectable shortbread and a wee dram of whisky. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a ceilidh, where you can dance to traditional Scottish music and experience the true spirit of the Highlands.

Alternative names: Area: 208.49 mi²Elevation: 253 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°59'50"N, 3°6'55"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Mainland Top Attractions

Mainland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mainland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Loch of Kirbister, Loch of Swannay, The Gloup, Loch of Tankerness. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch of Kirbister
The Loch of Kirbister is a small, shallow, somewhat triangular shaped loch on Mainland Orkney, Scotland, in the parish of Orphir. It lies 5 mi south west of Kirkwall on cultivated land between two hills. There is a small turf covered islet known as the Groundwater of Holm just off the eastern shore of the loch.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch of Swannay
The Loch of Swannay is the most northerly loch on the mainland of Orkney and lies within the parish of Birsay in the north west of the island. It is an elliptically shaped, freshwater loch and is close to the lochs of Hundland and Boardhouse.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
The Gloup
The Gloup is a collapsed sea cave in the Mull Head Nature Reserve in the islands of Orkney, Scotland. The name derives from the Old Norse "gluppa", meaning a chasm. The cave is separated from the sea by a land bridge about 80 metres wide. It is approximately 40 metres long and 25 metres deep.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch of Tankerness
Loch of Tankerness is a large, lowland, freshwater loch on the Orkney mainland in Scotland. The loch is roughly triangular in shape and is shallow with a flat bottom that gradually deepens from west to east.
Museum • Archaeological site
Rennibister Earth House
Rennibister Earth House is located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland. It is located by the southeastern shore of the Bay o' Firth, in a farm yard and is accessed by a hatch in the roof of the earth house and by a ladder.
Church
Orphir Round Church
The remains of the Orphir Round Church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, are located in Orphir Parish on the Mainland of Orkney, Scotland. It has been a scheduled monument since 2014.
Watermill
Dounby Click Mill
Dounby Click Mill is a mill located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland. It is the last of the horizontal or "Norse" watermills of Orkney still in working order. The mill is constructed with drystone walls and roofed with flagstones and turf.
58°57'0"N • 2°51'0"W
Tankerness
Tankerness is a district in the St Andrews parish in Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. Essentially a peninsula, it is about 13 kilometres south-east of Kirkwall and 1 kilometre east of Kirkwall Airport.
58°56'49"N • 2°51'11"W
Toab
Toab is a parish on the Orkney Mainland. Toab is located off the A960 road at the head of Deer Sound on the Mainland, Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is in the parish of St Andrews – along with Tankerness – it is thought its name derives from the Norse phrase for the place where visiting ships had to pay a toll.
Archaeological site
Mine Howe
Mine Howe is an Iron Age subterranean man-made chamber dug 6 meters deep inside a large mound. It is located in the Tankerness area of Orkney, Scotland, about 5 miles southeast of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.
Archaeological site
Broch of Borwick
The Broch of Borwick is an Iron Age broch located on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It is a scheduled monument.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch of Bosquoy
The Loch of Bosquoy is a small, shallow, rhomboid shaped loch on Mainland, Orkney, Scotland situated just off the north east corner of the Loch of Harray.
59°0'0"N • 3°0'0"W
Orkney Islands Council
The Orkney Islands Council, is the local authority for Orkney, Scotland. It was established in 1975 by the Local Government Act 1973 and was largely unaffected by the Scottish local government changes of the mid-1990s.
Memorial
Broch of Ayre
Broch of Ayre, also known as St. Mary's Broch, is an Iron Age broch in Orkney, Scotland.
Beach
Sands of Evie
The Sands of Evie is a sandy beach landform near the village of Evie on Mainland Orkney, Scotland, protected by the Point of Hellia headland. This beach forms the southern boundary of Aikerness Bay, an element of Eynhallow Sound. Immediately to the east is Gurness, a rather well preserved Iron Age broch.
59°7'52"N • 3°4'34"W
Eynhallow Sound
Eynhallow Sound is a seaway lying between Mainland Orkney and the island of Rousay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The tidal indraught is "scarcely felt beyond a line joining Costa Head and the Reef of Quendale".

Day trips

Mainland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mainland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Skara Brae (Stromness), Ring of Brodgar (Stenness), Yesnaby (Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area).

8.8 miNW
Europe's most complete neolithic village
Skara Brae, Stromness
Nestled on the windswept shores of Sandwick in Orkney, Scotland, lies Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. This Neolithic settlement, which dates back to approximately 3180 BCE, provides a unique window into the lives of our ancestors...
4.1 miW
Neolithic stone circle and circular ditch
Ring of Brodgar, Stenness
Nestled in the heart of the Neolithic landscape of Orkney, Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar is a prehistoric marvel that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This ancient stone circle, located near the town of Stenness, is a monumental testament to the...
8.6 miW
Protected area
Yesnaby, Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area
Yesnaby is an area in Sandwick, on the west coast of Orkney Mainland, Scotland, south of Skara Brae. It is renowned for its spectacular Old Red Sandstone coastal cliff scenery which includes sea stacks, blowholes, geos and frequently boiling seas.
3.3 miW
Prehistoric monument in a wild landscape
Stones of Stenness, Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. This may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles.
11 milesSE
Unique Catholic chapel built by POWs
Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm
The Italian Chapel is a highly ornate Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm in the Orkney Islands. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, who were housed on the previously uninhabited island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers to the east of Scapa Flow.

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Best Time To Visit Mainland

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mainland weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in May and June. Most of it rains in October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mainland?

The top attractions to visit in Mainland are:

What is the best time to visit Mainland?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.