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NRL → KOI
Which side of the plane to sit from North Ronaldsay Airport (North Ronaldsay) to Kirkwall Airport (Kirkwall)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic striped Start Point Lighthouse and the stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Sanday and Stronsay.
Start Point Lighthouse
Visible on the tip of Sanday, this is one of the few lighthouses in the UK with distinctive vertical black and white stripes.
Sanday's White Beaches
Aerial views of Tresness and the Bay of Lopness, featuring crystal clear waters that look surprisingly tropical.
Stronsay Coastline
Dramatic cliff edges and the Vat of Kirbister, a spectacular natural rock arch on the island of Stronsay.
Balfour Castle
A magnificent Scots Baronial mansion on the island of Shapinsay, surrounded by woodland and gardens.
Inganess Bay
The final approach over the bay near Kirkwall, often showing the wreckage of the Juniata visible in the shallow water.
Sit on the left for the best views of the inter-island geography. Since the flight is operated by small Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, every seat is a window seat. Mid-morning flights provide the best lighting for the eastern beaches without glare.
North Ronaldsay Sheep
Shortly after takeoff, look down to see the unique seaweed-eating sheep confined to the shoreline by the island's stone dyke.
Ward Hill of Eday
The rugged, heathery heights of Eday provide a stark contrast to the flatter islands nearby.
St Magnus Cathedral
As you bank toward Kirkwall Airport, you can often spot the towering red sandstone cathedral in the center of the town.
Orkney Farmland
Intricate patchwork of lush green fields and traditional stone farmsteads across the Mainland.
The right side is excellent for spotting the unique sheep dyke on North Ronaldsay right at departure. Late afternoon flights offer a beautiful golden hour glow over the moorlands of Eday and the interior of the Mainland.
Distance: 53 km (33 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 min
Departure: NRL (59.3675003052, -2.43443989754)
Arrival: KOI (58.957801818847656, -2.9049999713897705)
Route Type: Domestic
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