The East Mainland is a quiet corner of the islands defined by fertile farmland, spectacular stretches of coastline, and a handful of beautiful beaches. Scratch the surface here and you'll discover a talented community of makers working within this elemental landscape.
About the East Mainland
It might lack the amazing archaeological of its western counterpart, but the East Mainland has an attraction all of its own. Head out onto the area’s craggy coast and you’ll probably have the peninsulas and headlands all to yourself.
There is a gentle pace to life here with quiet roads and great swathes of farm and moorland. However, in recent years it has become home to several food, drink, and crafts businesses, including jewellery designers and a rum distillery, showcasing the vibrant nature of even the most peaceful parts of Orkney.
There is history here too, plenty of it, in fact. The Churchill Barriers begin from its southern coast, and the parish of Deerness hosts some hidden historical gems. But more than anything, the East Mainland is about the great outdoors and the drama of Orkney’s coastline.
Useful information
- Getting around
The best way to see everything the East Mainland has to offer is by car. It’s a little over 13 miles from the centre of Kirkwall to Mull Head in Deerness.
Orkney's number 3 bus service will take you from Kirkwall through the East Mainland, with stops at Kirkwall Airport and at Sheila Fleet Jewellery, to within walking distance of the Gloup & Mull Head Nature Reserve.
The X1 bus travels through the East Mainland’s southern parish of Holm to the Churchill Barriers and Burray & South Ronaldsay, including the Italian Chapel.
If you’re planning on cycling in the East Mainland then you’ll find a couple of relatively steep climbs (for Orkney). The main roads to Kirkwall Airport and to the village of St Mary’s and across the Churchill Barriers can be very busy, especially during the summer months, so do take care.
- Shopping
Deerness Stores is the area’s main shop, with its well-stocked shelves full of local food & drink and other essentials. It’s ideal for picking up a snack after a coastal walk or two, or ingredients for a home-cooked meal at your self-catering accommodation. Find the shop on Facebook to check opening times.
The Holm shop in St Mary's village has a selection of food & drink, local produce and other goods, and doubles as a post office too. It's open weekday mornings - find the shop on Facebook to check opening times.
Sheila Fleet Jewellery’s Kirk Gallery & Café has a beautiful gift shop, as does Celina Rupp Jewellery on the outskirts of St Mary’s village.
Both the Deerness Distillery and J. Gow Rum sell bottles of their award-winning spirits and more from their bases too.
- Fuel
There are no petrol pumps in the East Mainland - you'll have to head to Kirkwall to fill up.
- Public toilets
There are public toilets at St Mary’s Pier, with one gents’ toilet and one ladies’/accessible toilet available, and at Dingieshowe, with one ladies' toilet and one gents' toilet available. Public toilets can also be found at the Mull Head Visitor Centre.
Take a quick look at a map and you might think you can tick the East Mainland off your Orkney itinerary within a day.
While that’s technically possible, it would mean missing out on the chance to walk its numerous coastal trails, enjoy its sandy beaches, or getting to meet some of the makers who call the area home.
Our advice would be to slow down, take your time, and discover the parishes that make up the East Mainland at your own pace. Find out what you can see and do below.
We also have two excellent coastal walks in the East Mainland. Find out more below.
Use the key below to explore the East Mainland with our interactive map.
Find your perfect home from home in the East Mainland.
