The old pier - photograph by Douglas Hourston

Visiting and Staying on Papa Westray

Papay Community Cooperative

Beltane House, Hostel and Shop

The Papay Community Cooperative provides a licensed general merchants shop and visitor accommodation in Beltane House, a community-run complex created from a row of 19th century converted farm cottages. Beltane House is an ideal place to base your holiday. With lovely views out over the Holm of Papay and beyond to the isles of Eday and Sanday, Beltane is centrally located within easy reach of beautiful beaches, archaeological and historic sites and many good walks around the isle. Owned and run by the community, Beltane provides quality self-catering accommodation offering a range of private and shared hostel rooms. In the past Beltane has offered B&B but this year accommodation is available on a 'room only' basis with access to cooking and dining facilities.

Private Self-catering Rooms

We offer a choice of four comfortable private rooms, including two twin rooms, one double room and a small family room, all with en-suite facilities. Two kitchens, a large dining room and a bright, comfortable lounge are shared with other guests, and the well-stocked community shop located next door offers all the groceries you may need for your stay. There is a large garden area in front of Beltane House and a private terrace and garden outside the lounge.

Individual and group bookings are welcome with discounts available for stays of 4 nights or more. Further discounts are also available for bookings with exclusive use of all four private rooms with facilities. Beltane House can also be block-booked for private functions, business events or family gatherings. For enquiries and bookings telephone Jennifer on (+44) 01857 644224 or e-mail beltanepapay@aol.co.uk.

Beltane House Accommodation 2009 rates

Double/twin private room with 2 sharing £30/night, £180/week
Private room with single occupancy £20/night, £120/week
Private family room (1 double bed, 2 singles) £40/night, £240/week
All four rooms with sole use of lounge and facilities £100/night, £400/4-7 nights

Papay Youth Hostel

The Papay Youth Hostel offers comfortable male and female hostel rooms each sleeping up to six people. Both dorm-style rooms are en-suite with bedding and towels provided, whilst facilities include a common room and kitchen. The hostel is owned and run by the community and is situated at the centre of the isle ideally located to explore local wildlife, history and fantastic scenery all within walking distance. The hostel is open all year round and rooms can be block-booked at discounted rates. For enquiries and bookings telephone Jennifer on (+44) 01857 644224, the Papay shop on (+44) 01857 644321 or e-mail beltanepapay@aol.co.uk.

Papay Youth Hostel 2009 Rates (Bedding and towels included)

Adult £13 per night
Student £10 per night
Child £8 per night
Hostel room (six beds) £50 per night

Papay Community Shop

The well-stocked Papay Co-op Shop is owned and run by the local community and offers a wide range of groceries including fresh and frozen food, wines & beers and petrol, diesel and coal. A selection of local crafts, postcards & publications is also available. Visitors are welcome to pre-book shopping orders for collection on arrival. For more information contact the Papay Co-op Shop on telephone (+44) 01857 644321. Please leave a message if there is no reply.

Shop opening hours are:-

Monday 10am-12pm & 3pm-5pm
Tuesday 10am-12pm
Wednesday 10am-12pm & 3pm-5pm
Friday 3pm-5pm
Saturday 10am-12pm & 8pm-9pm
Sunday closed

Post Office and Crafts

Daybreak

Post Office and craft shop. More details...

Recycled By Design

An independent retailer and creator of unique, one-off designs, in recycled, felted, woollen knitwear. More details...

B&B & Self-Catering on Papa Westray

Holm View

Self-catering Cottage. More details...

Peatwell

Self-catering Cottage. More details...

School Place

B&B or full board. More details...

Transport and Tours

Papa Westray Island Tours

Papay Community Co-operative offers the popular 'Peedie Package' tour of Papa Westray every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer season. After a morning pick-up from the Westray ferry (or the plane by prior arrangement) there is a guided bus and walking tour taking in the well-preserved Neolithic stone houses at the Knap of Howar, Holland Farm and the lovingly restored old kirk at St Boniface, as well as wildlife such as seal colonies and other scenic and cultural attractions.

Walk off a delicious lunch with a guided walk on the North Hill Nature Reserve with the RSPB Warden to see the sea cliffs with a wide range of sea birds in season and the maritime heathland including Primula scotica colonies. Round off with afternoon tea and homebakes before being dropped back to the ferry or plane. For enquiries and bookings contact Jim on (+44) 01857 644221 or the Papay Shop on (+44) 01857 644321. E-mail beltanepapay@aol.co.uk.

Taxi, Car Hire and Tours

Historical and contemporary tours, taken in 4x4 vehicles, allowing access to more sites, with less walking. Telephone (+44) 01857 644245 or Mobile 0770 888 7962

RSPB Bird Reserve

Puffins, skuas, arctic terns and many other birds can be seen on the North Hill. Guided tours of the Reserve are given by the RSPB warden on Wednesdays and Saturdays in season (tel: 01857 644240).

Land and Property on Papa Westray

Lows Orkney Property Department