|
Highlights
Many visitors leave Orkney determined to return. Whilst the islands' famous Neolithic sites, cathedral and sea cliffs are rightly celebrated, they are only part of the story. Beyond the well-known attractions lies a quieter Orkney of hidden archaeological treasures, remote island communities, spectacular coastlines and wonderful wildlife. This holiday has been designed for those who have already discovered some of Orkney's highlights and would like to delve a little deeper. Over the course of the week we will explore several of the archipelago's lesser-visited islands, each with its own distinctive character and fascinating history. Along the way we will visit ancient cairns and forgotten chapels, wander along beautiful beaches, explore dramatic coastal cliffs and enjoy some of the finest island walking in northern Scotland. Our journey will take us to the wonderfully peaceful island of Sanday, famed for its sweeping sandy beaches, rich archaeological heritage and abundant birdlife. We will spend time on tiny Graemsay, one of Orkney's hidden gems, where quiet roads, sea views and traditional island life combine to create a very special atmosphere. On Graemsay, overlooking the waters of Scapa Flow, we will discover a landscape shaped by traditional island farming and the events of the two World Wars. No visit to Orkney would be complete without time on Hoy, the wildest and most dramatic of all the islands. On this trip, however, we will also be visiting the adjoining island of South Walls, where fertile farm fields end abruptly in seacliffs that plunge into the Pentland Firth. We will also spend a day exploring South Ronaldsay, an island rich in wildlife, maritime history and beautiful coastal scenery. As with all Hidden Hebrides holidays, the week is about far more than simply walking. Archaeology, wildlife, geology, local history and island culture are woven throughout the itinerary. Travelling in a small group, we will have the flexibility to adapt our plans to weather conditions and make the most of any wildlife sightings or unexpected discoveries along the way. If you've visited Orkney before and found yourself wanting to return, this holiday offers the perfect opportunity to discover some of the islands' best-kept secrets. Inspired by feedback from many of our returning guests, it showcases a quieter, more remote side of Orkney that relatively few visitors ever experience. Note that although this holiday is ideal for previous visitors to Orkney, first-time visitors are equally welcome! |
2027 Dates:
Sat 15th - Fri 21st May Full Sat 12th - Fri 18th June Full Sat 21st - Fri 27th August Full How long: 6 nights, 5 days walking Grade: Easy / Moderate (see our Grading Information page for more details on how we grade our tours) Start / Finish: Inverness Price: £2,195. Single supplement: £240. ***£50 discount for returning clients!*** |
Tour Details
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO ORKNEY
The tour starts with a pick up outside the front entrance of Inverness train station at 1.30pm. From Inverness we will travel by minibus to Scrabster at the northern tip of Scotland where we will catch the evening ferry across to Orkney. Once on the islands you will be taken to your guest house in Kirkwall, the island's attractive and historic capital. We will be eating most nights in the town's excellent restaurants and pubs.
DAY 2 - SANDAY
Today we will take the ferry north to Sanday, one of the largest of Orkney's outer isles and an island renowned for its beautiful beaches and wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Sanday is very different in character from much of Orkney, with miles of white sand, rolling dunes and big open skies giving it a distinctly Hebridean feel.
Our day will include a walk through some of the island's finest coastal scenery, with opportunities to enjoy the beaches, wildlife and expansive views for which Sanday is famous. The island has a rich history too, with archaeological remains scattered across the landscape and many stories of shipwrecks along its shores.
Although it lies only a short ferry journey from Mainland Orkney, Sanday feels delightfully remote and offers a captivating glimpse into life on one of Orkney's most attractive outer islands.
DAY 3 - GRAEMSAY
Today we visit tiny Graemsay, one of Orkney's least-visited inhabited islands. Nestled between Mainland and Hoy, Graemsay enjoys a fine sheltered position and offers magnificent views across Hoy Sound and Scapa Flow. After crossing by ferry from Stromness we will explore this quiet and charming island, following peaceful lanes past traditional farmhouses and crofts. One of the highlights of the day is the chance to visit Hoy High Lighthouse, designed by the famous lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson and one of Orkney's oldest lighthouses.
With a population of only a few dozen people, Graemsay provides a fascinating insight into life in a small island community. The views towards the dramatic hills of Hoy are superb and, on a clear day, there are few better places from which to appreciate the beauty of Orkney's western seascapes.
DAY 4 - SOUTH RONALDSAY
Today we head south across the Churchill Barriers to South Ronaldsay. Connected to Mainland Orkney by a series of causeways built during the Second World War, the island combines beautiful scenery with some of Orkney's most unusual archaeology. During the day will visit the Tomb of the Eagles, one of the most remarkable Neolithic sites in Britain. Discovered by a local farmer in the 1950s, this chambered cairn dates back over 5,000 years and contains evidence of a mysterious and sophisticated stone-age community.
We will also have time to explore some of South Ronaldsay's attractive coastline and enjoy the superb views across the Pentland Firth. The island is rich in wildlife and history and offers a wonderful mixture of archaeology, scenery and traditional island life.
DAY 5 - STRONSAY
Another ferry journey today takes us to Stronsay, one of the most picturesque of Orkney's North Isles. Surrounded by sandy beaches and sheltered bays, Stronsay has a gentle and welcoming character that makes it a delight to explore. Our walk will take us through some of the island's finest coastal scenery. Highlights will include the Vat of Kirbister, a spectacular natural sea arch, along with impressive cliffs, sea caves and sweeping views across the surrounding seas.
Stronsay has a rich maritime heritage and was once home to one of Scotland's busiest herring ports. Today life moves at a rather slower pace, making it an ideal place to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that characterise Orkney's outer islands.
DAY 6 - SOUTH WALLS
Our final full day takes us to South Walls, a small island connected to Hoy by a remarkable natural shingle causeway known simply as The Ayre.
Today's walk follows one of the finest stretches of coastline in Orkney. From the broad sweep of The Ayre we will make our way towards Cantick Head, enjoying magnificent views across the Pentland Firth towards the Scottish mainland. The lighthouse at Cantick Head occupies a dramatic position high above the sea and provides a fitting destination for our walk.
The area is steeped in maritime history and has long been associated with seafarers, fishermen and lifeboat crews. The nearby village of Longhope is famous throughout Britain for its connection with the RNLI and for the courage of the crews who served these challenging waters. This is a wonderful area of open skies, dramatic seascapes and far-reaching views, providing a memorable finale to our exploration of Orkney's lesser-known islands.
DAY 7 - DEPART
Our departure day will involve taking the ferry back to Scrabster at 11am then driving back to Inverness. We will arrive back at Inverness train station between 4pm and 5pm.
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO ORKNEY
The tour starts with a pick up outside the front entrance of Inverness train station at 1.30pm. From Inverness we will travel by minibus to Scrabster at the northern tip of Scotland where we will catch the evening ferry across to Orkney. Once on the islands you will be taken to your guest house in Kirkwall, the island's attractive and historic capital. We will be eating most nights in the town's excellent restaurants and pubs.
DAY 2 - SANDAY
Today we will take the ferry north to Sanday, one of the largest of Orkney's outer isles and an island renowned for its beautiful beaches and wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Sanday is very different in character from much of Orkney, with miles of white sand, rolling dunes and big open skies giving it a distinctly Hebridean feel.
Our day will include a walk through some of the island's finest coastal scenery, with opportunities to enjoy the beaches, wildlife and expansive views for which Sanday is famous. The island has a rich history too, with archaeological remains scattered across the landscape and many stories of shipwrecks along its shores.
Although it lies only a short ferry journey from Mainland Orkney, Sanday feels delightfully remote and offers a captivating glimpse into life on one of Orkney's most attractive outer islands.
DAY 3 - GRAEMSAY
Today we visit tiny Graemsay, one of Orkney's least-visited inhabited islands. Nestled between Mainland and Hoy, Graemsay enjoys a fine sheltered position and offers magnificent views across Hoy Sound and Scapa Flow. After crossing by ferry from Stromness we will explore this quiet and charming island, following peaceful lanes past traditional farmhouses and crofts. One of the highlights of the day is the chance to visit Hoy High Lighthouse, designed by the famous lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson and one of Orkney's oldest lighthouses.
With a population of only a few dozen people, Graemsay provides a fascinating insight into life in a small island community. The views towards the dramatic hills of Hoy are superb and, on a clear day, there are few better places from which to appreciate the beauty of Orkney's western seascapes.
DAY 4 - SOUTH RONALDSAY
Today we head south across the Churchill Barriers to South Ronaldsay. Connected to Mainland Orkney by a series of causeways built during the Second World War, the island combines beautiful scenery with some of Orkney's most unusual archaeology. During the day will visit the Tomb of the Eagles, one of the most remarkable Neolithic sites in Britain. Discovered by a local farmer in the 1950s, this chambered cairn dates back over 5,000 years and contains evidence of a mysterious and sophisticated stone-age community.
We will also have time to explore some of South Ronaldsay's attractive coastline and enjoy the superb views across the Pentland Firth. The island is rich in wildlife and history and offers a wonderful mixture of archaeology, scenery and traditional island life.
DAY 5 - STRONSAY
Another ferry journey today takes us to Stronsay, one of the most picturesque of Orkney's North Isles. Surrounded by sandy beaches and sheltered bays, Stronsay has a gentle and welcoming character that makes it a delight to explore. Our walk will take us through some of the island's finest coastal scenery. Highlights will include the Vat of Kirbister, a spectacular natural sea arch, along with impressive cliffs, sea caves and sweeping views across the surrounding seas.
Stronsay has a rich maritime heritage and was once home to one of Scotland's busiest herring ports. Today life moves at a rather slower pace, making it an ideal place to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that characterise Orkney's outer islands.
DAY 6 - SOUTH WALLS
Our final full day takes us to South Walls, a small island connected to Hoy by a remarkable natural shingle causeway known simply as The Ayre.
Today's walk follows one of the finest stretches of coastline in Orkney. From the broad sweep of The Ayre we will make our way towards Cantick Head, enjoying magnificent views across the Pentland Firth towards the Scottish mainland. The lighthouse at Cantick Head occupies a dramatic position high above the sea and provides a fitting destination for our walk.
The area is steeped in maritime history and has long been associated with seafarers, fishermen and lifeboat crews. The nearby village of Longhope is famous throughout Britain for its connection with the RNLI and for the courage of the crews who served these challenging waters. This is a wonderful area of open skies, dramatic seascapes and far-reaching views, providing a memorable finale to our exploration of Orkney's lesser-known islands.
DAY 7 - DEPART
Our departure day will involve taking the ferry back to Scrabster at 11am then driving back to Inverness. We will arrive back at Inverness train station between 4pm and 5pm.
This holiday starts and ends in Inverness. Your guide will meet you at the entrance to Inverness railway station at 1.30pm where you will join the rest of the group for the drive up to Scrabster on Scotland's north coast and the ferry to Orkney.
Inverness is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.loganair.co.uk - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Exeter, Glasgow, Newquay, Southampton.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
If you wish to join the holiday in Orkney, the following airline offers flights to Kirkwall:
www.loganair.co.uk - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen.
Trains
Inverness can be reached by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow and England. Travellers coming from London and the south of England can take advantage of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper service. For more information on train services see the following websites:
www.scotrail.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com
www.sleeper.scot
Please note that all train tickets should be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as advance tickets are always considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Coaches
The following operator offers coach services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness:
www.citylink.co.uk
Please note that all coach tickets must be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as coaches can get booked up. Advance tickets can also be considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Cars
Driving to Inverness by car is straightforward - it is simply a case of heading for Perth then taking the A9 north. Approximate journey times (not including stops, road works or delays) are as follows:
Edinburgh: 3 hours
Glasgow: 3.5 hours
Newcastle: 5.5 hours
Manchester: 6.5 hours
Birmingham: 7.5 hours
Bristol: 8.5 hours
London: 9.5 hours
For secure parking in Inverness we recommend the Highland Council run Rose Street multi storey car park. This is staffed until 10pm each night and is fully covered by CCTV. The cost for a week's parking here is about £57.
Inverness is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.loganair.co.uk - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Exeter, Glasgow, Newquay, Southampton.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
If you wish to join the holiday in Orkney, the following airline offers flights to Kirkwall:
www.loganair.co.uk - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen.
Trains
Inverness can be reached by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow and England. Travellers coming from London and the south of England can take advantage of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper service. For more information on train services see the following websites:
www.scotrail.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com
www.sleeper.scot
Please note that all train tickets should be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as advance tickets are always considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Coaches
The following operator offers coach services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness:
www.citylink.co.uk
Please note that all coach tickets must be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as coaches can get booked up. Advance tickets can also be considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Cars
Driving to Inverness by car is straightforward - it is simply a case of heading for Perth then taking the A9 north. Approximate journey times (not including stops, road works or delays) are as follows:
Edinburgh: 3 hours
Glasgow: 3.5 hours
Newcastle: 5.5 hours
Manchester: 6.5 hours
Birmingham: 7.5 hours
Bristol: 8.5 hours
London: 9.5 hours
For secure parking in Inverness we recommend the Highland Council run Rose Street multi storey car park. This is staffed until 10pm each night and is fully covered by CCTV. The cost for a week's parking here is about £57.
What's Included: 6 nights' accommodation in a comfortable island guest house*, 5 days walking. Full Scottish or continental breakfasts and evening meals. Packed lunches. All transport during the holiday, including minibus transport from Inverness - Orkney. Ferry crossings to Orkney, plus day trips to Hoy, Graemsay, Sanday & Stronsay. Entrance fees for Tomb of the Eagles. The services of an experienced walk leader.
What's Not Included: Food & drinks at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any other visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Restaurant tips. Travel insurance. Lunch on day of return.
*We will be staying in a comfortable guest house in Kirkwall, Orkney's attractive little capital. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms.
We usually manage to accommodate the entire group in the same guest house on this trip, but occasionally we may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of £240. If you are a single traveller and do not select the single supplement option, we will do our best to find another client of the same gender who is happy to share a twin room. However, if this is not possible, or there are no more twin rooms available, you will need to pay the single supplement.
What's Not Included: Food & drinks at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any other visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Restaurant tips. Travel insurance. Lunch on day of return.
*We will be staying in a comfortable guest house in Kirkwall, Orkney's attractive little capital. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms.
We usually manage to accommodate the entire group in the same guest house on this trip, but occasionally we may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of £240. If you are a single traveller and do not select the single supplement option, we will do our best to find another client of the same gender who is happy to share a twin room. However, if this is not possible, or there are no more twin rooms available, you will need to pay the single supplement.
Easy / Moderate. There will be more walking on this trip than on our main Orkney holiday, however it is comparable in difficulty to most of our other holidays. Distances covered each day will vary, but most days we will be between 6 & 8 miles.
We will be walking for around 4 - 5 hours each day but the pace will be reasonably gentle, with lots of opportunities for photographs, wildlife watching or just admiring the gorgeous Orkney scenery.
You will, however, need a basic level of fitness, be used to walking on uneven ground for up to 8 miles, and be capable of occasional sections of uphill. Some walks include awkward stiles over fences.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
We will be walking for around 4 - 5 hours each day but the pace will be reasonably gentle, with lots of opportunities for photographs, wildlife watching or just admiring the gorgeous Orkney scenery.
You will, however, need a basic level of fitness, be used to walking on uneven ground for up to 8 miles, and be capable of occasional sections of uphill. Some walks include awkward stiles over fences.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
No reviews yet.