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    Wilderness Walking

    The Orkney Islands

    325 reviews

    Next Trip: 6th - 12th Apr 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,575 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Stevie Christie
    View Stevie's Profile

    Region: Orkney and Shetland Isles
    Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
    Accommodation: Deluxe
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £689

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 158kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Join us on a stunning journey to the unforgettable Orkney Islands, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland.

    Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. 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, 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 the memorable cuisine and the finest accommodation in the Isles.

    Trip Highlights

    • Discover wild walks, ancient landscapes and spectacularly weathered sea cliffs on the walking holiday of a lifetime.
    • Experience the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Orkneys in the company of our knowledgeable guides.
    • Enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh local produce at our stylish accommodation in a historic guest house.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Travel to Orkney

    We meet in Inverness and transfer north. Our journey to the Orkney Islands follows the north-east coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth. We reach Orkney in the late afternoon, where we’ll visit the Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. We’ll then continue on to our hotel which is situated nearby to the major archaeological sites which add to the intrigue to these islands. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing from your guide for what lies ahead. (L, D)

    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 a walk to the Mid Howe broch and along the superb coastline of the sound. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 8km/5 miles | approx. 4 hrs

    Day 3 – The Gloup and Mull Head

    Today our walk starts at The Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave from where we head north along the coast to Mull Head. Tonight we enjoy dinner back at our hotel. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 9km/6 miles | approx. 4 hrs

    Day 4 – The Old Man of Hoy

    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 sea stack and some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs before returning to Rackwick Bay. Enjoy dinner in a local pub or restaurant tonight. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 10km/6 miles | approx. 5 hrs

    Day 5 – Brough Head to Marwick Head, Skara Brae

    Today we visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. Afterwards, from Brough Head, a superb walk follows the coast south to Marwick Head – one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 6km/3.5 miles | approx. 2-3 hrs

    Day 6 – Stromness, Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe

    Today we visit the historic Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. Afterwards, we follow a coastal path from Stromness to The Ness before heading west for the Sand of Warebeth. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 8km/5 miles | approx. 3 hr

    Day 7 – Return to Inverness

    After breakfast, we will return to the mainland and Inverness, via the rugged coastal scenery of the Northern tip of Scotland. (B, L)

    X
    Wilderness Walking
    The Orkney Islands

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    6th Apr - 12th Apr 20244 places leftGuaranteed £2,675Book Now
    4th May - 10th May 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,675
    18th May - 24th May 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,675
    6th Jun - 12th Jun 20241 place leftGuaranteed £2,675Book Now
    15th Jun - 21st Jun 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED £2,675
    29th Jun - 5th Jul 20242 places leftGuaranteed £2,675Book Now
    24th Jul - 30th Jul 20248 places leftAvailable £2,675Book Now
    4th Aug - 10th Aug 20244 places leftGuaranteed £2,675Book Now
    17th Aug - 23rd Aug 20244 places leftGuaranteed £2,675Book Now
    14th Sep - 20th Sep 20248 places leftAvailable £2,675Book Now
    28th Sep - 4th Oct 20248 places leftAvailable £2,575Book Now
    12th Oct - 18th Oct 20248 places leftAvailable £2,575Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    Our accommodation in Orkney is in a 4-star small hotel, close to Scapa Flow and, somewhat temptingly, next to the Highland Park distillery. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £510 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    The hotel’s restaurant is popular with locals and has a strong focus on local Orkney produce. Naturally, any special dietary requirements can be catered for and the restaurant is fully licensed offering a selection of Orkney malts and ales.Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in a four star, family owned hotel with views across Kirkwall to the north isles
    • All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout
    • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Inverness
    • All private boat and ferry transfers
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 1-3

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at the fixed seating area in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 9:00am on Day 1 of your trip. We aim to have you back at the station by 5:00pm on your last day.

    For full details on how to get to Inverness, please see our website: Recommended Travel.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Rachael Gavan

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Rachael a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Graded Walking Holidays

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

    Compare walking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 325 reviews of Wilderness Walking – The Orkney Islands

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    JH

    Joan Hosking

    Reviewed on 19/10/2023

    Age: 80 - 90
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 07/10/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    HD

    Heather Dewar

    Reviewed on 18/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 23/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    RS

    Ralph Schoolcraft

    Reviewed on 17/10/2023

    Age: 80 - 90
    Trip Date: 07/10/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

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