59 Degrees North Motorhome Aire

Dominated by sand dunes and the sea, Sanday is nirvana if you’re a wildlife lover, so keep your eyes peeled for a (hopeful) chance to spot terns and hen harriers, as well as grey seals (they have pups in November), otters and red deer. This place is also all about the beaches – fine sweeps of white sand backed by blue seas. Check tide times and hike the dunes at Tresness (15 minutes’ drive), a long sandy spit that you’ll likely have to yourselves. Other spots for a picnic with views include Whitemill Bay and Backaskaill Bay – and you can poke around caves at Doun Helzie (all 10 minutes) at low tide. If archaeology floats your boat, then you’ve come to the right place. Sanday is a historic hotspot, with numerous sites like the Neolithic Quoyness Chambered Cairn (20 minutes) dating back around 4,000 years – and you can just walk right on inside. There are Viking remains to check out at Scar Boat Burial, and the restored croft at Sanday Heritage Centre (both 10 minutes) gives you a peek into the island’s farming past.