Orkney & Shetland Islands

We fly to Kirkwall Airport and transfer to our hotel in Stromness.

Today starts with a short orientation walk to the hill, Brinkies Brae, just above Stromness to enjoy views across the town, harbour and on to the Island of Hoy we will be later visiting. After a walk through Stromness we continue across fields to the west coast where we take a coastal trail to Warebeth beach with an option to go on to Breck Ness. Along the trail we should be able to watch one of the many local seal colonies. 

Later we return to Stromness. Those who choose may visit the intriguing Victorian local museum. Here the Orkney relationship with the Hudson Bay Company in Northern Canada is recorded along with involvement with the Royal Navy at Scapa Flow and local artefacts.

Walks

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 1 hours

Ascent: 100

Descent: 100

At Birsay, there is the shell of the Earl’s Palace – built in the 1500s by a notorious Earl Robert Stewart (learn about the intrigue during the visit). This is followed by the most splendid of coastal walks with cliff views and a variety of bird species and, depending on the season, a chance of seeing a variety of whales. The trail passes a grand memorial to Lord Kitchener and turf-roofed fishermen’s huts. 

A tour highlight comes at the end of the walk with a visit to Skara Brae (a World Heritage site) village that is Northern Europe’s best preserved Neolithic Village. Next to Skara Brae is Skaill House, a 1620 family home, now open to the public and included in our trip. The entrance to Skara Brae is included in the price of the holiday. As tickets must be purchased well in advance, it is not possible to offer a discount to Historic Scotland members.

Walks

Distance: 7.5 miles

Time: 5 hours

Ascent: 120

Descent: 120

Wideford Hill and Kirkwall – Now for a hill walk – taking us up Wideford Hill (225m). On the way we visit a chambered cairn and then a heathland walk and tracks descending to the Orkney capital of Kirkwall. The walk is about 4.5 miles. The St Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137, is a must to visit. The structure is unlike that of many cathedrals and was built of red sandstone by Durham masons. Opposite the Cathedral is the Kirkwall museum where local artefacts are displayed to include the famous ‘Orkney chair’. For the radio enthusiasts there is a specialist Wireless Museum and for those wanting to experience a local dram a visit to the Highland Park Distillery for a tour is well worthwhile. Highland Park is the most northerly distillery in Scotland (please note, entrance fees for these optional visits are not included in the holiday price).

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Ascent: 190

Descent: 225

We take private transport to Tingwall and take a ferry to Rousay. We will explore some of the ancient monuments on the island and walk over the Trumland Reserve with lunch at the viewpoint if the weather is good. Various shorter options are available. Later we return to the jetty and catch the ferry for the short trip to Wyre. From the jetty we will walk up to Cubbie Roo’s Castle. Claimed to be the oldest stone-built castle in Scotland, it is now just a ruin. We have some time to explore a little more of the island before catching the ferry back to Tingwall where our transport awaits us for the trip back to the hotel.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Ascent: 280

Descent: 280

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 40 hours

Ascent: 50

Descent: 50

Just a short ferry boat trip from Stromness to Moaness on Hoy to visit the 2nd largest island in the archipelago. We will be met by a mini bus and taken to view the Dwarfie Stane – cut from rock in about 3000BC. This is followed by commencing a trail from Rackwick to the most famous of sites – ‘The Old Man of Hoy’. The island of Hoy is the largest RSPB reserve and apart from puffins there could be fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and shags to be seen in season.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Ascent: 250

Descent: 250

A day of visits to include some of the world famous Neolithic sites of: The Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and on the banks of Loch Harray the foundations of the “Barnhouse Village”. Moving on to more recent times the ‘Italian Chapel’ will be visited. The chapel is a master craftsman’s structure having being made during the Second World War by Italian prisoners of war that were camped on the island. Travelling to the chapel the ‘Churchill lines’ will be passed. These are remarkable structures, along with block ships (some of which can still be seen) were designed to protect the Scapa Flow naval base. Along the route the islands of Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay will be passed with many opportunities to view coastal birds.

Walks

Depart the Stromness Hotel after breakfast and transfer to Kirkwall airport for your inter-connecting flight to Sumburgh, Shetland. A transfer from Sumburgh airport to The Lerwick Hotel will be provided. 

The provisional flight time from Kirkwall has an early departure. This will mean an early continental breakfast and early start. It is likely you will arrive in Lerwick before you are able to check in at The Lerwick Hotel, however you can store your luggage at the hotel and have free time before your room is ready. 

You have a free day to spend as you wish. You might want to explore the town of Lerwick, just a short walk from the hotel. 

Your evening meal will be in the hotel restaurant.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Ascent: 110

Descent: 110

A walk around Clickimin Loch and a look at the broch, followed by visits to two headlands; almost all on surfaced paths and roads. After lunch, your leader will provide an orientation walk around Lerwick and a visit to the tourist office. miles

A visit to the very interesting Jarlshof archaeological site, followed by a walk to Sumburgh Head, the most southerly point on the mainland. There will be ample time to watch the puffins (in season) and other sea birds.

Walks

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 5.5 (including time sightseeing) hours

Ascent: 200

Descent: 200

Today we take a hired bus north to walk on the Ness of Hillswick. This is a lovely walk around a headland offering some great views of sea cliffs, arches and stacks. We should enjoy a display of wild flowers inland and plentiful bird sightings. Particularly look out for the Bonxies, Great Skuas. If they are around you will see them. The walking is generally good under foot. We start on grassy paths rising gently from the shore to the sea cliffs. The views improve through out the walk. Particular highlights include Tur Ness and the Drongs.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Ascent: 210

Descent: 210

We will carry out an easy walk today on the island of Muckle Roe, now linked to Mainland by a bridge. There are two delightful bays at the northern end, North and South Ham which we will explore.

Walks

Distance: 7 miles

Time: 5 hours

Ascent: 400

Descent: 400

Today, we will go as far north as you can go in Great Britain to the islands of Yell and Unst. This is probably the highlight of the week with magnificent cliff scenery and puffins at close quarters. Whilst on Unst, we make a worthwhile visit to the Unst Boat Haven.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 4 hours

Ascent: 200

Descent: 200

We start the final day on St Ninian's Isle, with a walk across a tombolo to walk around the island. After lunch will be a walk along the low cliffs in Scalloway and a visit to the Scalloway Castle and the Scalloway Museum.

Walks

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2 (plus sightseeing time) hours

Ascent: 120

Descent: 120

After breakfast we return to the airport for our flight back to mainland Scotland.

We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and we look forward to welcoming you on another soon.