ITINERARY 
Walking in Orkney - An Introduction
Walking in the Orkney Isles is a wonderful way to discover these islands. Join us on a stunning and unforgettable journey to the Orkney Isles, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not forgetting the remarkable flora of the islands.
The unique situation and environment of the Isles have combined to create a fascinating cultural and historical tapestry of stone circles, countless invasions and occupations, isolation and extremity, all of which have left their mark through the ages.
In the company of your highly knowledgeable guide you will walk in the wildest places of Orkney, with history all around, before returning to enjoy memorable cuisine and the finest accommodation in the Isles.
Start: Inverness 1030 hours
Finish: Inverness 1700 hours
What's included in this walking holiday:
- 6 nights accommodation in a small hotel
- Most meals during the trip
- The services of a Wilderness Scotland walking guide throughout
- All transport during the trip, starting and finishing in Inverness, including ferry fares
Day 1 – Arrival in Orkney Islands
Our journey to the Orkney Islands follows the north-east coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth. Our accommodation is situated near the major archaeological sites which secure the intrigue of these islands.
Day 2 – Rousay and the Mid Howe Broch
We drive to the Eynhallow Sound and take a local ferry to the island of Rousay. We enjoy two short walks here – the Westness Walk to the Mid Howe broch and a superb moorland walk around Faraclett Head. (8 km, 4 hrs)
Day 3 – The Gloup and Mull Head
The walk starts at The Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave from where we head north along the coast to Mull Head. Before returning to Kirkwall we visit the Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. (9 km, 4 hrs)
Day 4 – The Old Man of Hoy. Scapa Flow and Rackwick Bay
A short drive along the edge of Scapa Flow takes us to Houton where we catch the ferry to the island of Hoy. Here we walk to the famous Old Man of Hoy and some of Britain’s highest seacliffs before returning to Rackwick Bay. (10 km, 5 hrs)
Day 5 – Coastal Walk and visit the Ring of Brodgar
We follow a coastal path from Stromness to The Ness before heading west for the Sand of Warebeth. Afterwards we may visit the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maes Howe. (12 km, 5 hrs)
Day 6 – Brough Head to Marwick Head, Scara Brae
From Brough Head, a superb walk follows the coast south to Marwick Head - one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles. Afterwards we visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. (12 km, 5 hrs)
Day 7 – Return to Inverness
Following breakfast, we will return Southwards to the mainland and Inverness, via the rugged coastal scenery of the Northern tip of Scotland.
For a detailed itinerary and trips information please see our PDF Trip Dossier
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