Trip Overview

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 our highly knowledgeable guide, 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.

Day 1 – Travel to Orkney Read Less: Day 1
Travel to Orkney
Meeting in Inverness, the journey northward to the Orkney Islands follows the Highlands coast and onwards over the Pentland Firth. Upon reaching Orkney in the late afternoon, we’ll start off this culturally rich week by visiting the unique and impressive Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. Continue on to our cosy hotel, situated near some of Orkney’s major archaeological sites, for some time to relax and reflect on the intrigue of these islands. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing from our guide to learn what lies ahead.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Rousay and the Midhowe Broch Read Less: Day 2
Rousay and the Midhowe Broch
This morning, we will drive to the Eynhallow Sound to take a local ferry to the island of Rousay. Though small, Rousay is simply bursting with ancient monuments, ocean views, and nature reserves. With over 150 ancient sites peppering its hills, moors, beaches, and cliffs, Rousay is a history lover’s paradise. Midhowe Broch is one of the best preserved and most stunning sites, offering a fascinating insight into Orkney’s Iron Age. Our guide will lead us on an enchanting walk to the Midhowe Broch with the crash of the coastline echoing in the background.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 3 – The Gloup and Mull Head Read Less: Day 3
The Gloup and Mull Head
Remote, rugged, and wild, our hike starts at the Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave. This impressive sight is separated from the sea by a land bridge. Coming from the Old Norse word for gluppa or chasm, this is the perfect start to today’s walk. We’ll head north along the coast to Mull Head, following a route that promises stunning coastal vistas, dramatic geology, and plenty of places to spot seabirds. Tonight we will enjoy dinner back at our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 4 – The Old Man of Hoy Read Less: Day 4
The Old Man of Hoy
Another day, another island. A short drive along the windblown edge of Scapa Flow takes us to the wee hamlet of Houton, where we catch the ferry to the island of Hoy. Once on the island, we break out the hiking boots and set off on a walk that winds past the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack. At 137 metres/449 feet, this towering sea stack looms over the rugged coastline offering one of the most iconic views of the Orkney Isles. Enjoy cliffs and coasts – some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs – before returning to Rackwick Bay. Tuck into a hearty dinner in a local pub or restaurant tonight.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 5 – Brough Head to Marwick Head, Skara Brae Read Less: Day 5
Brough Head to Marwick Head, Skara Brae
Perhaps the most exciting day of the trip, today we’ll visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae. This amazing discovery was made in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. Step back in time at this ancient site built more than 5,000 years ago, walking along paths and into homes lived in by our distant ancestors. With a new perspective on time and history, a superb walk winds from Brough Head to the coast south to Marwick Head, one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 6 – Stromness, Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe Read Less: Day 6
Stromness, Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe
Heritage is in full force today. Today’s route encounters a selection of Orkney’s most impressive and beloved historic monuments, such as the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and the chambered cairn, Maeshowe. Afterwards, our groups will meander along the windswept coastal path from Stromness to The Ness before heading west for the Sand of Warebeth.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

Day 7 – Return to Inverness Read Less: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

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Wilderness Walking

The Orkney Islands

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Trip Dates & Prices

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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 preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Wilderness Walking

The Orkney Islands

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Trip Details

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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 £510.00 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

Six nights accommodation in a 4 star, family-owned hotel with views across Kirkwall to the north isles
All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary
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

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 450 m/1500 ft. Distances will be typically 8-10 km/5-6 miles 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 Inverness Station by 5:00pm on your last day.

Trip Reviews

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 360 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – The Orkney Islands

324

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.

Tina Nash

Reviewed on 28/10/2024

Age: 50 - 60
Country: Bermuda
Trip Date: 12/10/2024
Trips Taken: 3

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Orkney was incredible with so much history and lovely walking. Being the only two on the trip, our guide was happy for us to do our own thing at dinner. Another awesome trip! Thanks.

Terry Divoky

Reviewed on 10/10/2024

Age: 70 - 80
Country: United States
Trip Date: 14/09/2024
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Bridgett was extremely helpful in answering our questions and taking care of a switch in our plans. The itinerary one could download prior to enrolling in the tour was very helpful. We really looked forward to receiving emails from Wilderness Scotland that gave on clothing suggestions and Skye’s crazy weather. Addition emails inspired us to learn more about Skye: local craftspeople, Scottish music, wildlife and birds, geology. Each week or so a new interesting email would arrive. We really appreciated this.

Trip Comments

Andy, our guide, led us into the fascinating history, outstanding natural beauty of the backcountry, and cultural differences offered by a visit to The Orkney Islands. The Neolithic Monuments were mind blowing but so was the realization that people have existed and continue to thrive here since 7000 BC due to Orkney’s location and abundance of food and resources. Learning of Orkney’s strategic importance in WWI and WWII. as home to the British Grand Fleet, and becoming the UK’s “Pearl Harbor” startled me with my ignorance and gave me a whole new perspective of Orkney’s importance.

Accommodation & Food

The Lynnfield Hotel impressed us with its location: walking distance to Kirkwell, our big room with views of the harbor, a big soaking tub with lots of hot water, and a wide selection of food at every meal. The Orcadian flare to the food, the hotel’s furnishings and the kindness and helpfulness of the staff added to the atmosphere of Orkney. The whiskey selection was absolutely amazing, never experienced anything like it.

Your Guide

Andy’s choice of day hikes showed off the varying terrain of the Orkneys. We never saw many people and were able to gain a better understanding about Orkney’s varied terrain and the resources that has allowed all the different people who settled on Orkney to live their lives. He, at the last minute, replaced a guide previously scheduled for this trip, but you wouldn’t know that. He was prepared, timely, and interesting, showing a side of Orkney that would have been hard for us to gain without his knowledge.

The Bottom Line

I think I have done that with the earlier things I've written. The trip was awesome, we learned so much. Your company provided us with a whole new perspective of a piece of the world we knew little about and even now remain interested in and want to re-visit.

Nancy Louise Mecham

Reviewed on 02/10/2024

Age: 60 - 70
Country: USA
Trip Date: 14/09/2024
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

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Wilderness Scotland

The Orkney Islands

Trip Overview

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Travel to Orkney

Day 2

Rousay and the Midhowe Broch

Day 3

The Gloup and Mull Head

Day 4

The Old Man of Hoy

Day 5

Brough Head to Marwick Head, Skara Brae

Day 6

Stromness, Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe

Day 7

Return to Inverness

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single Rooms

Green Graded 1-3

Speak to an Expert

Rachael Gavan

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Green Graded 1-3

Trip Reviews

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

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