While staying at Balfour Castle you may wish to create your own itinerary for exploring Orkney. Alternatively the castle can offer you numerous activities or tours suitable for individuals, families or groups. Below is a list of some of what is on offer.

BOATING

Balfour Castle has 2 private boats: a 5.25 metre inflatable, ideal for short trips and cave exploration. The second is a 5.2 metre fibreglass speedboat with twin outboards and cabin. For longer trips the castle charters a 12 person fast cruiser that has toilet, galley and large cabin.

UNINHABITED ISLANDS

There are numerous small uninhabited islands within easy striking distance of Balfour, all with unique features and wildlife. Almost all have either Common or Atlantic Seals, which you can get close to and, between June and August, the Common Seals have their pups. Seabirds you are likely to see are black guillemots, fulmars, puffins, razorbills, gannets, kittywakes, great and arctic skuas, eider ducks, cormorants, shags, greater black backed gulls and arctic terns. Dolphins are frequently seen and occasionally people catch a glimpse of an otter. The staff can drop you off for a picnic and a walk over the islands, ensuring sensitive bird nesting areas are avoided.

EXPLORING CAVES

The soft sandstone rock of Orkney is easily eroded by the sea, resulting in many wonderful sea caves and geos (narrow channels). Each cave has its own unique atmosphere; some are spooky, some are noisy and slightly smelly with nesting birds, others are cathedral like and awe-inspiring. There are many great photographic opportunities. The staff can take you right into them with their boats.

FISHING

The long sunny summer days and warm current of the Gulf Stream ensure Orkney's waters are a rich feeding ground for fish. There is plenty to be caught by anglers of all abilities. Youngsters are often taken out into the castle bay and their parents on shore know they are having a great time from the squeals of delight coming from the boat!

Anyone wishing to go further afield for mackerel, cod, pollock, coalfish and ling can use the charter vessel from which up to 12 people can fish comfortably.

Some of the fish you catch will be used as bait for lobster pots, and the castle staff hope you will come and help haul them. You can order lobster for dinner if you can't catch your own!

BIRD CLIFFS

Orkney has some of Europe's finest bird cliffs; several of the most dramatic are easily accessible from Balfour. You can get a little more than arm's length from the lower ledges, turn off the engine and experience the drama of life in a seabird colony. After you have taken some great photographs, you can linger a while to appreciate the differing routines of the various species, including watching the guillemots catching fish under the boat.

BOAT HANDLING

Instruction can be given to individuals wishing to learn the rudiments of small boat handling.

SAILING

There is local sailboat charter company (www.explorercharters.co.uk) where you can get a 4, 6 or 8 berth yacht on a daily basis, with or without skipper. It is hard to imagine a more relaxing way to travel amongst the islands.

ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY

Orkney is blessed with Europe's finest examples of well-preserved archaeological sites. Take day trips to visit the 5500 year old village at Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Maes Howe, Tomb of the Eagles and scores of other remarkable sites on the Orkney mainland or surrounding islands. You will get an intimate feel for the lives our ancestors led. There are signs too of more turbulent times in Orkney's history, from the Viking era up to WW II's romantic Italian Chapel and dramatic Churchill Barriers. All this and the beautiful and inspirational backdrop of the islands will leave you spiritually uplifted as you head back towards the tranquil surroundings of Balfour Castle in the evening.

SIGHT SEEING AND WILDLIFE

The bird life of Orkney constantly changes, from the spring migration northwards, when winter visitors are replaced by summer breeding birds, to their autumn exodus and the arrival of a fresh intake from the Arctic regions. There is not a month when Orkney is not alive with birds.

Seals are also to be found year round with mid summer and autumn being the pupping times for the Common and Atlantic Seals respectively. The sight of Killer Whales attempting to catch a seal has been witnessed more than once.

There are numerous nature reserves in the islands, the closest being a 10 minute walk from Balfour Castle and these allow good wildlife viewing. Using their experience, the castle staff will direct you or take you to those places that will give you the best viewing and photographic opportunities.

On your travels round the islands you may well wish to take a detour to one of the numerous craft workshops. Orkney is best known for its Celtic and Norse influenced jewellery and knitwear.

SHAPINSAY

Tours of Shapinsay can be arranged with a local guide visiting historical & archaeological sites and craft workshops while learning about island life and folklore.

SPORTING

Golf

There are two 18-hole golf courses on the Orkney mainland at Kirkwall and Stromness.

Trout Fishing

Brown trout fishing can be arranged on the numerous lochs on Orkney, either to explore on your own or with a ghillie and boat.

Cycling

Several bicycles are available for hire for you to explore the gently rolling island of Shapinsay.

Clay Pigeons

If you would like to try this fun sport or just keep your eye in, a shoot with instruction can be arranged.

4X4 Driving

Learn the basics of off-road driving in Land Rovers on the farm. Instructor accompanied.