The Tomb of the Eagles
While many of Orkney’s Neolithic sites can become so busy that they lose their special feeling, the Tomb of the Eagles on South Ronaldsay is just far enough away to avoid the bus tours.
It’s roughly a mile walk from the visitor centre, but the path is flat and easy. The only way inside the tomb itself is to lie flat on a trolley and pull yourself inside for a few metres. Uncovered accidentally by the local farmer in 1958, this tomb dates back around 5000 years and contained the remains of over 300 people. Alongside them lay the talons and bones of at least 14 sea eagles, which gave the tomb its name.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10am–5pm
- Tuesday
- 10am–5pm
- Wednesday
- 10am–5pm
- Thursday
- 10am–5pm
- Friday
- 10am–5pm
- Saturday
- 10am–5pm
- Sunday
- 10am–5pm
Muckle SkerryScattered off the northern coast of Scotland are the Pentland Skerries, four empty islands of varying sizesUnder a mile4 min by road
Hoxa Tapestry GalleryHand-woven tapestries at the end of a South Ronaldsay road.7 miles16 min by road
The Murray ArmsSeafood off the family's own boats, in St Margaret's Hope.8 miles15 min by road
Polly KettleA family tearoom on Burray, cooking from scratch with Orkney produce and selling local pottery and crafts.10 miles18 min by road
Glimps Holm BeachA long, sheltered beach beside the third Churchill Barrier, with the wreck of the blockship Reginald offshore.13 miles22 min by road
Places to stay near The Tomb of the Eagles, and when each is next free.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.