Walking the Orkney Islands

7 days from £2820 per person

Old Man Hoy Rising

Discover the little-visited and enchanting Orkney Islands, an archipelago of over 70 small islands which are home to idyllic and remote beaches, UNESCO listed Neolithic sites, beautiful local produce and an array of wildlife. Surrounded by culture and history, Orcadians are very proud of their heritage that dates to the Vikings and whose influence remains strong today. In the company of your private knowledgeable guide, you will walk in the wildest places of Orkney. Throughout your journey, visit ancient standing stone circles and prehistoric villages, enjoy gentle coastal walks witnessing the rich birdlife and experience true Scottish hospitality. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and colonies of sea birds, not forgetting the amazing coastal scenery and sandy beaches.

Inverness – Orkney – Inverness

Itinerary Highlights

Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkneys. During gentle hikes and wild walks, discover the spectacular scenery, poignant views and coastal landscapes of this archipelago.

Visit the stone built Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae located on the Bay of Skaill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village consisting of eight houses.

Travel to the picturesque island of Hoy to see some of Britain’s highest sandstone sea cliffs including the famous sea stack of the Old Man of Hoy standing at 137m high.

Itinerary: Walking the Orkney Islands

Day 1 Inverness to Orkney - 146 miles

This morning meet your driver/guide in Inverness and travel north to the beautiful Orkney Islands. Enjoy the journey to Orkney as you follow the north-east coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth, arriving Orkney in the late afternoon. Visit the Italian Chapel, a highly ornate chapel built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war, before continue to your hotel which will be your base for the next six nights. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing from your guide. (L/ D)

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Orkney – visit Rousay

Today drive to the Eynhallow Sound and take a local ferry to the island of Rousay to enjoy two short walks. First embark on the Westness Walk to the Mid Howe Broch walk. It is said that this scenic coastal path incorporates thousands of years of history in just one mile, and has been described as the most important archaeological mile in Scotland. Enjoy the spectacular views across to the mythical island of Eynhallow. The second walk is superb moorland walk around Faraclett Head with fantastic vistas of the Westray Firth. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 miles/ 8 kms – approximately 4 hours

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Orkney – visit the Mull Head Nature Reserve

After a hearty Scottish breakfast embark on a walk that starts at The Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave. From here head north along the coast to Mull Head which is home to over 200 acres of coastal grassland and heath. Points of interest on the reserve include the archaeological remains of a Norse settlement, a church on the Brough of Deerness and dramatic sea cliffs which are home to many seabirds. Enjoy a traditional dinner at the hotel tonight. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 6 miles/ 9 kms – approximately 4 hours

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Orkney - visit The Old Man of Hoy

This morning take a short drive along the edge of Scapa Flow to Stromness where you will take the ferry to the picturesque island of Hoy. Starting from Rackwick Bay walk to see some of Britain’s highest sandstone sea cliffs including the famous sea stack of the Old Man of Hoy at 137m high. These incredible natural landmarks provide a fantastic photo opportunity. Take the ferry back to Stomness and enjoy local fare in a pub or restaurant for dinner on the way back to the hotel. (B/L/D)

Walk details: 6 miles/ 10 kms – approximately 5 hours

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Orkney – visit Skara Brae & Brough Head

Today visit Skara Brae a stone built Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. Consisting of eight houses, Skara Brae was occupied from around 3180BC to about 2500BC. Although it was only first uncovered after a fierce storm in 1850. Afterwards drive north to Brough Head to take a superb walk with breath-taking views of the Orkney coastline south to the RSPB Nature Reserve at Marwick Head, home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles. (B/L/D)

Walk details: 3½ miles / 6 kms – approximately 2-3 hours

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Orkney – visit Stromness

Today visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maes Howe. These Neolithic sites are located close to other and were built around 3000BC to 2000BC. Afterwards drive south-west and follow a coastal path from Stromness to The Ness before heading west taking in the superb sceneary of Hoy Sound to the curving bay of the Sand of Warebeth. (B/ L/ D)

Walk details: 5 miles / 8 kms – approximately 3 hours

Accommodation in Orkney: Lynn Field Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Return to Inverness

After breakfast return to Inverness on the mainland. En route enjoy the beautiful rugged coastal scenery of Scotland’s northern tip. (B/L)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

This is an active tour and reasonable fitness is required. The pace on hikes will be comfortable, last between 3 to 5 hours, will vary from 6km to 10km in length with some steep ascents. The majority of paths and trails are of a good condition but may be muddy and rough in places. Since the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable this can make activities more challenging so please be prepared for all eventualities. Your guide may need to alter your itinerary on the day due to local conditions.

On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle (Ford Custom or similar) and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle has a maximum occupancy of five people (from the same household). The vehicle will be cleaned every day.

It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. We can also assist you with rail or air travel to and from Scotland as well as any additional hotel stays in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Please contact us for further details.

Continue north to the Shetland Islands with its ancient archaeological remains and excellent bird watching.

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