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KOI destination photo
SOY destination photo

KOISOY

Which side of the plane to sit from Kirkwall Airport (Kirkwall) to Stronsay Airport (Stronsay)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point of the inner North Isles archipelago and the historic town of Kirkwall shortly after takeoff.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏰

Kirkwall Skyline

Aerial view of St Magnus Cathedral and the historic harbor as the aircraft climbs away from the Mainland.

🚢

Balfour Castle

The distinctive Scottish Baronial architecture of Balfour Castle on the island of Shapinsay.

🦭

Linga Holm

An uninhabited island known as a significant sanctuary for grey seals, appearing just before the descent into Stronsay.

🌄

Inner North Isles

Panoramic views of the islands of Eday and Egilsay across the turquoise waters of the Orkney sounds.

Since this is an exceptionally short flight of roughly 15 minutes, ensure your camera is ready before takeoff. The left side is particularly stunning on morning flights when the sun illuminates the islands to the west. Look for the distinct turquoise hues in the shallow waters between the islands.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏖️

Inganess Bay

A beautiful sandy beach near the airport featuring the visible remains of the Juniata blockship wreck.

🕯️

Auskerry

A small, low-lying island to the southeast that houses a solitary lighthouse and serves as a major bird sanctuary.

🐚

Mill Bay

Stronsay's most famous white sand beach, which comes into clear view during the final approach path.

⚓

Stronsay Firth

The expansive stretch of water where you can often spot the local inter-island ferries navigating the channels.

The right side is excellent for beach enthusiasts and those hoping to spot the blockship wreck at Inganess. Afternoon flights are preferable for this side to avoid the glare of the morning sun reflecting off the North Sea. Watch for the dramatic change in water color as you approach the sandy shores of Stronsay.

Top Activities in Stronsay
Route Information

Distance: 27 km (17 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 min

Departure: KOI (58.957801818847656, -2.9049999713897705)

Arrival: SOY (59.1553001404, -2.6413900852200003)

Route Type: Domestic

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