Visiting Orkney Tips From Local Experts

~ Meet Paul and Julie Allan ~
Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite

Orkneyology: Please introduce yourselves.

P&J: Hello, we are Paul and Julie Allan - owners and directors of Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite.

O: What brought you to Orkney?

P&J: We moved to Orkney in 2007, with our two children. We always idealised the idea of one day owning a campsite and hostel. However, we did not come to Sanday with the intention of buying.

We originally came here on holiday in our motorhome and fell in love with the beaches and freedom of island life. Which was opposite of our rat race life styles in Bristol, where family time was scarce.

The fact we could move up and own our own business was the cherry on top.

O: What is your favourite place in Orkney?

P&J: Without being biased, our favourite place has to be a beautiful beach in Sanday called Saville Bay.

With white sands and blue clear seas it could be mistaken for the Bahamas (if the weather held up its end lol).

O: What do you consider the best time of year to visit Orkney?

P&J: Favourite time of year would have to be spring. It tends to be when the sun shines the most and you have all the lambs and calves as well as the start of spring flowers and plants.

O: Favorite festivals or events?

P&J: The Soulka events which are held in Sanday are great family weekends planned by locals.

These show off the island's history, skills, community, agriculture, artists and businesses through hosting events for all to partake in - always lots of fun and interesting.

O: What's your favorite Orcadian word?

P&J: Favourite Orcadian phrase has to be “hellibouys” the word for hailstones.

O: Do you have a funny story to share from your work life?

P&J: We have had a guest who managed to travel from Petticoat Lane all the way to us by hitchhiking. She was in her 80s and wore a top hat!

Inspirational really but also an opportunity for a laugh. It’s amazing the lengths folk will go to get here.

O: Where would you recommend as a special, little-known Orkney place to visit?

P&J: Visit the islands! They are steeped in history, nature and just indescribable beautiful scenery.

In the outer islands you gain the strong sense of community. Although small in size, you would have enough walking, nature watching and sightseeing to last days.

O: Do you have a favourite Orkney walk?

P&J: Doun Helzie south east walk on Sanday has high cliffs with access to little sandy bays with crystal clear water.  It's ideal for braving a quick dip in the sea and exploring archeological faults and caves.

O: What is your area of expertise?

P&J: We run self catering accommodation in the form of a hostel, campsite, camping pods, caravan and self catering cottage.

We serve locals and guests from afar who would like a trip away to visit our beautiful island. People from all over the world come to stay with us and love our unique location, being situated right on a bay with stunning views of the ocean.

Our guests have plenty of opportunities to see nature such as birds, otters and seals to name a few.

We have run the business for 14 years and maintained a 4 star Scottish tourism rating throughout, which we are proud of.

All our accommodation is family friendly and hosts comfy rooms. The great thing about having such a variety on site is that there is something to suit everyone.

O: What do you most enjoy about your work?

P&J: Getting to interact with visitors and share our island with them has to be what we enjoy most about it.

It’s great to hear others' stories and interests and in turn share our knowledge of the island, advising places which may suit their interests where they could visit during their stay.

We pride ourselves on customer service and providing people with a pleasurable stay, and we take enjoyment in doing so.

O: Any other Orkney travel tips?

P&J: Logan Air islander planes are under-used. Once on an outer island you can fly to Kirkwall and some other islands for £19 return.

~ Contact Paul and Julie ~

Email: sandayhostel@gmail.com

Ayres Rock on Facebook

Ayres Rock on Instagram