While in the UK for the Games, a break from all the frenzy is the solitude of Orkney Islands off the northern tip of Scotland. Alone with the stunning landscape or amid the friendly people, life is a constant celebration on the islands

1. luxury hotels and yachts are an option at Kirkwall Harbour, should you choose to indulge yourself 2. cycling tours are a popular way to explore the island—you can join a group or go solo 3. Buskers add to the appeal of the charming Mainland

one of the islands off Mainland is Hoy, known for this natural formation called old Man of Hoy—the sea stack is 449 ft tall and made of red sandstone

one of the main attractions on Mainland are these stunning standing stones called the Ring of Brodgar. A magnificent circle of upright stones with an enclosing ditch spanned by causeways, dating to late neolithic period, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and Henge is part of the Heart of neolithic orkney World Heritage site