Only eight miles form either Kirkwall or Stromness, the farm of Swanbister is half a mile from the A964. With the South Isles ferry terminal at Houton only a few minutes awy, the bothy is close to the Hobbister RSPB Bird Reserve, the trout fishing on Kirbister loch, Orphir Round Church and the Viking visitor Centre.
In the village at the top of the road is a children’s play area at the Orphir Community School, while the nearest Pub/Restaurant and Post office is only ¾ of a mile from the farm.