Introducing Paul from JP Orkney
For those of you planning a trip to Orkney this Springtime. Or who may be thinking about planning a trip to Orkney, next week, next month or even next year what better way to start than right here!
I have asked one of Orkney’s fabulous tour guides a couple of questions to whet your appetite and maybe even let you into some local secrets!
Introducing Paul Hudd from JP Orkney
A cheeky, smiley chap who originates from the Wirral. Paul has lived in Orkney for over six years and is a fully accredited member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and a proud member of the Orkney Tourist Guides Association.
Together with his partner Jane they run JP Orkney. An enticing combination of artisan Orkney produce and tailor-made Orkney tours. With his extensive knowledge of Orkney, I thought I’d see what he has to say to these questions!
- Given that our weather can be very variable here in Orkney and your love of outdoor activities such as sea swimming which is you favourite month and why?
Orkney is epic in all seasons but if I’m pressed to pick one, I’d say September. This is when the sea is warmest and on land, we have fabulous displays of flowering heather across our most famous sites.
- On a beautiful sunny day where would be your favourite place to take your visitors and why?
That’s a tough one as there’s so many wonderful places. For me it would be a battle of the Broughs. Walking to and around The Brough of Deerness is a must for any visitor but in my opinion the Brough of Birsay just edges it. Timing the tides right crossing the causeway and spending time exploring this fascinating tidal island always leaves a smile on our guests faces.
- And on the flipside, a rainy, windy day in Orkney, where does that lead you to?
We are very lucky to have so many marvellous historical sites, museums, independent shops, restaurants, and cafes to make taking shelter a fun past time. I’ve just visited the brand new Museum on Hoy which is excellent and has a tasty café named after the viking name for Scapa Flow- SkalpaFloi.
My favourite place to visit is of course Deerness Distillery. The delightful greeting of juniper aromas (the Sea Glass Gin is awesome!) and a smiling team makes you feel at ease straight away. They are always happy to talk you through their grain to bottle process and best of all they are always generous with a tasting.
- Is there anywhere off the beaten track that is not widely known about that you like to visit?
The best ones are kept a secret and only revealed to our guests when they arrive. Some of my favourite lesser visited spots include Marwick Head and the delightful coastal walks on South Ronaldsay. We also love doing some island hopping and have organised trips this year to Hoy, Rousay, Shapinsay, Sanday and Westray.
- And finally, if you could choose anyone in the world to take on a tour of the Orkney Islands, who would it be and why?
Other than Jane, I’d have to say Rafael Benitez so I could ask him what he said to the team at half time on the famous night in Istanbul.
It has been awesome discovering Pauls’ favourite places for all seasons and if you’d like to learn more about him and Jane and what they can offer head on over to their fab website JP Orkney – Orkney Produce and Island Tours
Until next time, enjoy!
