It is often strange how and where you come across references to places or people.

North Orkney 290 miles from Haltwhistle

Standing proud in a north of England town is a fingerpost, celebrating that north Orkney is only 290 miles away.

The town in question in called Haltwhistle and is situated about a third of the way between Carlisle and Newcastle, just off the A69 in Northumberland.

Haltwhistle boasts that it is the centre of Britain. But this no doubt this depends on where you measure to and from.

The market square in Haltwhistle

With Hadrian’s Wall being only three miles away the area is popular with tourists, especially during the peak summer months.

The town is also popular with walkers and cyclists as many cross country routes, such as the Route 72 cycle way, pass through the area.

In the centre of the town in the old market area is a circular 1m wide bronze disc embedded into the stone flagged pavement.

It  contains images of the surrounding area and reflects a number of interpretation panels to be found around the town.

This sign made us wonder how many walkers, cyclists or just general holiday makers thought of going to Orkney as a result of seeing this sign.

Let us know your story via the comments area below.

 Similar Posts:

• Visit the Mull Head visitor centre
• Standing stones of Stenness
• Stenness reveals new archaeology
• North Ronaldsay Sheep
• Camping and Hostels in Orkney

Visiting the Orkney Isles is addictive and one of the best ways to see the islands is to go camping.

Many people travel to Orkney via ferry, bringing their own motor home with them, However, we would point out that the roads in Orkney are not designed for large vehicles and heavy traffic, many are indeed single track road with passing places, which could make some of the large, modern mobile homes a little cumbersome.

An enterprising couple on the mainland are offering tourists the freedom to travel light and hire a self drive camper van when they get there….and yes, they are genuine VW camper vans, lovingly named;

Poppy, who is a 1986 Leisuredrive conversion and Mr Bumble, a 1982 Westfalia High Top

The vans are equipped with everything you need to start your holiday, all you need to do is chose what to do first.

Hiring a VW camper gives you the freedom to choose where you go and how long you stay there as well as being compact and easy to drive around Orkney’s roads.

“It’s not just your wheels and your bed, it’s a way of life”.

Wild Camping
As well as campsites, Orkney (and the rest of Scotland) is one of the few places in the UK that you can still wild camp.

Plenty of beaches have public toilets with drinkable water and sinks.

People are asked to be aware of their impact on the natural habitat when wild camping, so there are a few simple rules to ensure your stay leaves the beautiful beaches as you found them and the facilities clean and tidy. This will ensure that this privilege lives on long after we have all gone.

A Hire Car with a Difference
Why not think about hiring a camper van as an alternative to a conventional hire car? It is much cheaper than a hire car and a hotel, plus you get to live the dream and you can vary whether you sleep in the van, stay with friends or at a B & B or Hotel, the choice is yours.

Have you seen Poppy or Mr Bumble?
Maybe you have seen one of these characterful camper vans on your tour of the islands or perhaps you have even hired one…If you have some happy camping stories and pictures to share, then just send them to us via the comments link at the end of the article.

More about camping in Orkney

Orkneycampers.com – Genuine VW camper van hire

Wild camping in Scotland

Orkney camping, caravan & hostels - A full list of camping and caravan sites on the Orkney mainland and islands

Be a responsible camper – Scottish outdoor access codeSimilar Posts:

• Accommodation
• Camping and Hostels in Orkney
• Orkney Fish
• Walking in Orkney and the Isles
• Getting to Orkney