Orkney Isles
Grade: 
(Grade explanation)
Mull, Iona and Ulva Photo Gallery
About the Orkney Isles
The Orkney isles: fascinating, that mixture of separateness and quiet sophistication in an island culture with its roots more than 6000 years ago. Some 70 islands and skerries, of which about 20 are inhabited, make up the archipelago. Shaped and controlled by the elements over the millennia, each island has developed its own character, each community its own individuality.
Anyone interested in archaeology or wildlife will be like a child in a toy shop on our Orkney Isles walking holiday. Some of our walks will facilitate visits to many of the well preserved ancient sites like Scara Brae, Maes Howe, Tomb of the Eagles, to name but three. Cliffs and headlands, and sheltered lagoons are home to a book-full of birds, while the seas and coasts reveal whales, dolphins, seals and otters. The summer flowers are a delight and provide welcome hiding places for rare birds and the unique Orkney vole.
Throughout the whole Orkney Isles walking holiday you will be aware of a culture that is different, having more in common with its Norse neighbours than with the British mainland. The relaxed walking, clear air and friendly ambience will leave you refreshed and exhilarated in both body and mind.
Brief Itinerary for the Orkney Isles:
Day 1: The group will meet in Stirling at Stirling rail station at 08.30 or at our office at 08.45. Travel to Gill's Bay (west of John O’Groats) on the far north coast, via Inverness, to get the 18.45 ferry across to St Margaret’s Hope in the Orkney Isles. A short drive takes us to our accommodation in the Kirkwall area.
Days 2-5: Walks chosen from the following:
- Explore mainland Orkney around Burray and South Ronaldsay home of the Tomb of the Eagles. St Margaret's Hope contrasts with the tranquil shores of Burray.
- Again on mainland Orkney we range around the Brough of Birsay and the Earl's Palace provide a walk through 1000 years of history as well as the time to savour the birdlife and flowers of the coastal machair.
- Across to explore Hoy, the Old Man, the Dwarfie Stane, the cliffs and hillscapes of this southern island.
- Skaill and Skara Brae are our destination with time for the Lochs of Stenness and Harray and the Ring of Brodgar.
- Over to one of the northern islands - Rousay or Egilsay where life is even quieter than but just as atmospheric as Orkney mainland.
- Tankerness and Deerness offer walks of wide-open skies and views to the patchwork of islands to the north.
Day 6: We depart the Orkney Isles today, sad to leave but entranced by the variety of landscape, wildlife and man's use of the land and sea through the ages. An early start to return to St Margaret’s Hope in time to catch the early ferry back to Gill’s Bay. It is anticipated that arrival back to Stirling will be about 18.00.
Orkney Isles - What's Included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 4 guided walking days on the Orkney Isles
- 5 nights hostel accommodation
- Transport from and back to Stirling and daily as required and for baggage
- Qualified Leader
- 3 ferry journeys
Group Size:
The minimum group size is 6. The maximum number of participants per leader is 11.
Shetland Isles
For those who are going straight onto our Shetland Isles holiday we will provide a free hostel bed night.
Group Bookings & Private Guiding
Additional dates or spaces are available for group booking and private guiding by arrangement. Please phone us on 01786 445 703 or complete the Special Enquiry form.
Early Bird Bonus
Book your holiday more than 12 weeks in advance to claim 5% off.
You must quote “Early Bird 08” promotional code on your booking form as the discount will not be automatically applied.
Book Your Orkney Walking Holiday
How would you like to pay for your CNDo Scotland activity?
If you would prefer to pay by:
- Cheque - download our postal booking form.
- Credit/Debit card securely online - use the form below
| Dates | SRS | Price | Spaces (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry - We have no further availability on this holiday in 2008. If you have a small group and would like to do this holiday privately or are interested in this holiday for next year please contact us. | ||||
Self Guided Extensions
Extend your holiday in Scotland for a few extra days planning your own explorations. We'll arrange the accommodation, neccessary transport and provide you with a dossier of tantalising information.
Check out the Self Guided Extensions available for this holiday
If you would like to do this holiday privately for your self and a small group - just get in touch!
Recommended Reading for Orkney Isles
To get the most from your Orkney Isles walking holiday or course you may wish to do some background reading prior to departure.
Books about the Orkney Isles which you may find informative are:
- The Islands of Scotland Including Skye by Derek John Fabian, Graham E. Little, D. Noel Williams
- The Orkney Guide Book by Charles Tait
- Orkney a Historical Guide by Caroline Wickham-Jones
Maps which you may find informative are:
