Mainland, the largest and most important island of the group, is about 22 miles long and lies in a NW and SE direction. Kirkwall and Stromness, the principal towns of the Orkney Islands, are situated on Mainland. Several lakes are to be found on each of the larger islands of the group. Loch Stenness and Loch Harray, on Mainland, are the largest, each of which is over 3 miles long. Hoy (58°50'N., 3°15'W.) the southwestern most island, is the only one that can be considered mount ainous. Ward Hill, located near the center of the N part of that island, has an elevation of 475m and is the highest mountain in the Orkneys.

Location