About the local area

Widefirth Cottages are ideally situated for exploring the Orkney Islands.  The cottages are situated only a 20 minute drive from the main archaeological sites and main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness.  There are many sites to explore within the local area of Rendall and adjacent parish of Evie.

An interesting doocot is present at the Hall of Rendall which is a unique feature to Orkney.  One of the best preserved brochs in Orkney is situated in Evie at the Broch of Gurness.  The broch is a tall, defended tower surrounded by a series of small stone dwelling houses.  The broch was discovered by Robert Rendall in 1929 and it is thought that it was built between 200BC and 100BC.

Along the vast stretches of coastline you can see common and grey seals, otters and dolphins.  Nearby, the Holm of Rendall has a large colony of Arctic terns.  The loch of Brockan is a good place to see wintering and migrant wildfowl and waders, while the RSPB reserve at Cottascarth is a good place to see hen harriers.

Sea fishing is common in the area, particularly at Isbister Bay.  Beachcombing is also a favourite activity on the long stretches of coastline at Aikerness beach, Evie.

The Tingwall terminal with ferries travelling regularly to the northern isles of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre is within close proximity.  Rousay is rich in archaeology with various cairns and brochs distributed particularly on the south side of the island.  The Trumland RSPB reserve is characterised by moorland hills and it is possible to see hen harriers, merlin, perigrene and red throated divers.  Egilsay lies to the east of Rousay where the St Magnus Church can be explored.

Burgar Hill in Evie has a number of wind turbines; this area boasts magnificent panoramic views over Evie, Rendall and the northern isles of Orkney.  The Burgar Hill bird hide is a great place to red-throated divers.