Here you are right at the top of Orkney’s most southern island, South Ronaldsay, on the Hoxa peninsula between Scapa Flow, the Pentland Firth and Widewall Bay. Orkney has a vibrant craft industry, with a waymarked walk that will lead you to the Hoxa Tapestry Gallery where you can view the magnificent, hand woven tapestries. Then carry on to the Hoxa Tearooms and finally to Hoxa Head.

Orkney was of vital strategic importance in both World Wars and nowhere is the legacy more evident than here on South Ronaldsay. The peninsula was crucial to the defence of Scapa Flow and the impressive remains of these coastal batteries can still be seen at Hoxa Head. To reach the Orkney 'mainland' you will have to cross the impressive Churchill Barriers, passing the Italian Chapel en route. This was built by Italian prisoners of war using anything they could get their hands on and stands as a poignant reminder of these difficult times.

The history of Orkney goes much further back than that though. Farmed for at least 5,000 years, the islands are a treasure trove of discoveries - the amazing World Heritage Site at Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness and the burial chamber at Maeshowe to name but a few. On South Ronaldsay itself you can explore the Tomb of the Eagles, Banks Tomb and the nearby Burnt Mound. The Vikings too have left the legacy of their long occupation of these islands, not only in the local place names but also in more visible examples, such as the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and the graffiti they left behind in Maeshowe.

St Margaret's Hope (known locally simply as 'The Hope') is home to the renowned multi award winning Creel restaurant as well as a café, a few shops, tennis courts, a bowling green and even a golf course. The capital, Kirkwall (all facilities), is within a half hour drive. The must-sees there are St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl's Palace, as well as the Orkney Museum. From there, too, many ferries sail to the outlying islands, each of which has its own particular character.

Orkney's second town, Stromness, is a delight, with its lively harbour and quaint cobbled streets. From there you can take boat trips to view the local marine wildlife, or to dive to the wrecks in Scapa Flow, where the German fleet scuttled itself in 1918. Close by are the impressive sea pinnacles of the Yesnaby Stacks, or take a day trip to Hoy, have a picnic on the sands at Rackwick Bay and walk round to the most famous stack of all - the Old Man of Hoy itself.

Quite apart from the fascinating history and breathtaking scenery, Orkney is internationally renowned for its birdlife and your stay in Orkney will be rewarded with spectacular sightings of a wide variety of birds, in differing peaceful habitats - the farmland, heather moorland and coastal waters. Hoxa itself is home to many visiting and breeding birds, including hen harriers and a pair of short-eared owls.

So much to see, then and Rinibar certainly provides an excellent base from which to explore these fascinating islands.