Wheems Organic Farm
UK Scotland Scottish Isles Orkney
Not for nothing did the poet and novelist George Mackay Brown say that the Orkney imagination was haunted by time. There’s something otherworldly about the Orkney Islands. There’s been a human presence here for thousands of years; the living in places like Skara Brae and the dead in the Neolithic burial chamber of Maes Howe, whose entry shaft is perfectly aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice.
The land’s been smoothed over by the prevailing winds, and the resulting views are of rolling hills and water, water everywhere between the 70 islands that make up the archipelago. The dun hills are are like the patternless tweed of a geography teacher’s jacket and the sky can do everything from broody to menthol-clear.
Many visitors arrive on the short ferry hop from Gills Bay, between Thurso and John O'Groats on the family-run Pentalina ferry, to the charming little port village of St Margaret's Hope. From here it's a couple of miles over the hill to Wheems Organic Farm. Owned by Mike Roberts, though now largely run by his daughter Islay, the campsite has a simple and fitting ethos; to keep things small, simple and eco friendly but, most of all, to share the beauty of this ethereal setting with all who choose to visit.
For those seeking creature comforts, Mike has constructed four solid wooden bothies, insulated with sheeps’ fleece and with long double-glazed doors that open onto a deck overlooking the bay. Islay, meanwhile, has poured her efforts into two bell tents and a Mongolian-style yurt with beautiful latticework walls, each with a toasty log-burning stove for cooler weather. Between them they bridge the various gaps in the world of camping accommodation, leaving something for every visitor. Campers and caravanners can pitch in the meadows, visitors travelling light can bunk in the wooden bothies, while those pipping for the full comforts of a double bed and furnishings can head straight for the yurt – and the entire site is powered by wind energy. Everyone is welcome.
Facilities-wise, there are toilets, showers and a communal kitchen housed alongside the farm buildings and, if the hens are playing ball, fresh eggs are available along with other homegrown produce (when in season). BBQs and small campfires are permitted, though do check the wind direction for the possibility of spark damage to neighbouring tents. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on leads.
On your way back south, try if you can to stop at the small Italian chapel on Lamb Holm, built by and for the POWs while they were here and skilfully preserved. Like most things in the Orkneys, it’s a simple and unassuming place, but beautifully done.
Our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Book with complete confidence at Wheems Organic Farm with the Cool Camping Coronavirus Booking Guarantee. We guarantee the following clear policy for your booking:
- A low deposit of 30% to secure your booking
- Balance due 30 days before your holiday
- Complete flexibility to move bookings up to the end of 2021 in the event of Coronavirus restrictions
- Due to the flexibility provided we are unable to offer refunds
- This guarantee supersedes any other policies
Gallery















Details
Facilities
BBQs and small campfires allowed. There are 4 showers and 4 toilets in a wooden building by The Loft, a simple modern rustic style self catering apartment above the barn. The campers' kitchen has 2 small electric cookers and a kettle with lovely wooden surfaces, including tables, chairs and a little lawn with a stone bench, there is also roofed glass 'sit ooterie' to 'sit oot in' built using old conservatory windows. They also have a washing machine, large fridge, freezer and a hairdryer, plus books and games for the kids. Each bothy is provided with bedding, a heater, small kettle, water container, rechargeable lamp and hot water bottles. The yurt is more lavishly furnished, with a custom made wooden floor, beds, bedding, blankets, towels, candles, lamps, a log fire and firewood for your stay. The bell tents are simply furnished also with wooden floors and stoves. Islay can provide yurt dwellers with a camping stove if you would rather this than using the shared kitchen.
Suitable For
Tents, campervans, dogs (on leads), small caravans, big groups, young groups – yes. Large caravans – no.
Nearby
Make a pilgrimage to the tiny chapel, built by Italian POWs held here during the Second World War. They also built the causeways that link South Ronaldsay with the ‘mainland’. The interior of the chapel is just as striking as anything you’d find in Rome. An even shorter walk away, you'll find a pristine sandy beach, which is also the starting point of a fabulous 10-mile circular hike. Alternatively hop in the car and drive 20 minutes to Kirkwall, where you can wander around the labyrinth of stone-paved streets, or visit the gallery and co-operative craft and gift shop, in St Margaret’s Hope (01856 831587).
Food & Drink
Wheems’ own organic fruit, veg and eggs are on sale in their shop. For fresh seafood with a sea view, try Skerries Bistro (01856 831605) on the very southern tip of the island. In St Margaret’s Hope, Robertsons (01856 831889) serves delicious local beers, while those that visit The Italian Chapel (see above) will be a short hop from The Orkney Wine Company (01856 781736), where you can take a tour and sample their entire range of fruit wines and liqueurs (as well as J. Gow Rum from next door).
Opening Times
Wooden bothies and camping pitches are available all year round. Bell tents and yurt May–September.
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Wheems Organic Farm is an ecological and organic 6 hectare horticulture and animal smallholding, producing organic food for a local market. Wheems farm buildings are 200 years old and have been renovated using local, traditional and sustainable materials. Wheems farmland has been sensitively landscaped with areas set aside for conservation, areas carved out with stone dyke walling, and areas of tree planting.
Social Distancing Measures
- The 4 Pods, Yurt and both Bell tents will be closed as there are no individual loos. This will not be reviewed this year
- The kitchen and toilet facilities on the campsite are closed
- Camping in tents is closed.
- We hope to accept motorhomes with own facilities and guests in the loft and the cottage with their own private facilities, deep cleaned between bookings. I will be contacting all booked in guests in advance with their options.
This site offers our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Accommodation
20 pitches, some with hook-ups, pus four wooden camping bothies, a furnished yurt and two bell tents.Cottage
Loft
Grass pitch
Campervan Pitch
Arctic Tern
Buttercup Bell Tent
Yurt
Motorhome/Caravan Pitch
Location
Contact Wheems Organic Farm, Wheems, Eastside, South Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2TJ
Getting There
The easiest route from the mainland is the passenger ferry from John o’Groats to Burwick or the car ferry from Gills Bay, to St Margaret’s Hope. Follow the road from the Gills Ferry up through the village to the top of the hill and the main road to Kirkwall. Turn right then left (at the soldier’s statue). Follow this road for a mile or so until the crossroads (where there’s a postbox). Go straight over and the farm is down the hill on the left.
There’s a reasonably frequent bus service in the summer months from Kirkwall to St Margaret’s Hope (plus there’s the ferry) but then it’s a 2-mile walk from the village.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 12 reviews
This is how camping should be!
Very friendly and helpful, with thoughtful, very clean facilities.
Beautiful site, lovely facilities, warm welcome, stunning views and good value!
Beautiful and charming place for a holiday
Magical!
A welcoming well-organised campsite in a stunning location.
Perfection.
Lovely pitch with hook up and great views. Owners pleasant and helpful.
Relaxed site
This is quite a relaxed site overlooking a bay on the east coast of South Ronaldsay and very convenient for the fast ferry to the mainland. It is a little exposed to the weather as you might expect but then most places on the Orkneys probaly are. Facilities are basic but perfectly servicable, the communal cooking area is useful especially the electric kettle great in the morning if you prefer the short walk to fiddling arouns with the camping stove first thing. This area also provided a social focus if you are so inclinded.
You probably need a car to explore the full bueaty of the islands in comfort but there is also good regular bus service from St Margrets to the main towns on the island, we used it to visit the ring of Brodgar, it took a little over an hour each way, plus a twenty minute walk from the cmapsite.
The beauty of Wheems
I've visited Wheems campsite three times now and I've loved every single visit. Placed in outstanding beauty with the most spectacular views of the sea, Wheems is quirky and eco-friendly - completely in sync with the surrounding environment. If you are looking for something remote and peaceful then this is definitely the place. Orkney as a whole is a great place for creative inspiration and Wheems has something extra special about it. And yes, the strawberries are totally delicious, as are the fresh eggs and bread!
Not very welcoming
Petty rules enforced by sanctimonious owner and their friends. Couldn't enjoy our stay as we were told to keep dog on leash at every opportunity. Even when we were in an enclosed field by the site with no campers in it. The welcome was not particularly warm and indeed the only contact we had with him was to ask for the money and to keep our dog on a leash. No strawberries , just a run down old farm with exceptionally basic facilities. The only saviour is the location.
Response from Wheems Organic Farm
It is a shame you did not enjoy your stay at the campsite. Wheems is an organic farm so there are sheep, chickens, ducks and bio-diverse meadow close to the campsite to encourage wild birds, that is why we detail on our website that dogs are permitted but only if kept on a lead. I've not met a guest before who has made any negative comment about the facilities, the hot showers and basic cooking equipment seem to be adequate for most of our guests. As for the organic strawberries and raspberries if you come in the right season they are delicious and bountiful!
Wheems Organic Farm
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions