Information
Open All Year
Tel: 0845 293 73 73
Local Attractions
Knap of Howar
Papa Westray's most famous monument.
St Boniface Kirk
Now restored, St Boniface Kirk is set in an
important ecclesiastic site dating back to
the 8th century.
Holm of Papay
This is a small island accessible only by
private hire boat from the old pier at
Papa Westray - contact Papay Coop for advice.
St Tredwell's Chapel
This is a renowned Orkney pilgrimage-centre,
standing on a conical mound on a small peninsula
in St Tredwell's Loch.
Eating and Drinking
Well-stocked community run shop adjacent to hostel.
A weekly 'pub' is available at Beltane House on a
Saturday night from 8pm offering locals and visitors
a chance to meet socially. Bar meals are generally
available. Check the shop notice board for details.
Mountain Biking
Exploring the isle by bike is a rewarding and practical way to
visit. The hostel has a bike rack, and there is a great outdoor
cyclo-gym near the community school.
Families
The hostel has 4 private rooms, one of which
is a designated family room for a family of 4, whilst a travel cot,
high chair and camp bed are also available if needed. The larger
rooms (6 beds) can also be booked on a private basis by (larger)
families. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms (shower, toilet &
basin). The hostel has a good space outside where families can
enjoy kicking a ball or throwing a Frisbee, for instance, whilst
the footbally pitch, cyclo-gym and community school are close by.
The kitchens have facilities for warming and preparing food/drinks
for babies.
Active & Adventure
Papa Westray offers rewarding potential for swimming, kayaking,
windsurfing, sailing and other water sports, though visitors need
to bring their own equipment. There is a small multi-gym which
visitors may use at a small fee after a short induction. There are
also facilities for badminton and other sports. Visitors in the
summer often join in with locals at the island football pitch.
There is a challenging 9-hole golf course in a wonderful
location.
Walkers
Papa Westray is a walker’s paradise! There is
a comprehensive leaflet describing recommended walks around the
isle and the many features of interest. Visitors can walk all round
the island’s coastline and inland to the Loch of Tredwell with
stiles provided for crossing fences and dykes.
Wildlife
Wildlife is rich and varied on Papa Westray,
and all sites of interest are within easy access from the hostel.
The coastline supports good populations of grey and common seal,
whilst whales and porpoises are sometimes spotted, as well as the
elusive otter.
Birdlife is particularly rich, with many
species of breeding seabirds, some in nationally important numbers,
such as the Arctic Tern and the Black Guillemot. The low cliffs at
Fowl Craig offer excellent easy viewing and photography of birds
such as Puffins, Razorbills, Fulmars and Guillemot, whilst the
maritime heath of the North Hill RSPB reserve supports breeding
Great and Arctic Skuas, Eider, waders and others. Corncrakes breed
every year at several sites around the island, and can be heard
‘craking’ from the hostel by those with a trained ear! The island
is also important for migratory birds from the north in winter,
such as Purple Sandpiper, Wigeon, Shoveler and Greylag Goose, and
for birds passing through such as Golden Plover and Whooper
Swan.
Papa Westray has a range of habitats and
plantlife, including one of the world’s largest colonies of the
diminutive Scottish Primrose.