Orkney has the greatest density of ancient monuments of any location in Northern Europe. Your visit will give you the opportunity to explore them and also enjoy the lush green rolling landscape and beautiful sea views. The abundant wildlife includes otters, common and grey seals, puffins, lapwings, grouse and artic tern. A short sea crossing takes you from John o'Groats to Burwick on South Ronaldsay and from there your Orkney adventure leads you over the Churchill Barriers, past the beautiful Italian Chapel, around the north coast of the East Mainland to Kirkwall. Stop on the way to visit Sheila Fleet's Jewellery Workshop near Tankerness. From Kirkwall you cycle along the south coast past the Hobbister Bird Reserve and Orphir to Stenness. Skara Brae, the magnificent prehistoric village, is perhaps the most famous of all the Orkney ancient monuments and from there you travel north to Birsay to visit the Brough of Birsay, the small museum, ruined Romanesque Church and Bishop's Palace. The Northlink ferry from Stromness returns you to Scrabster past "The Old Man of Hoy" as he stands guard over the Pentland Firth.
Availability
Thursday or Sunday start days, April to October Minimum two persons. Other days by prior arrangement.
Access
By air to Edinburgh/Glasgow/ Inverness Airports. By bus with Citylink By train with Scotrail to Thurso. Car parking available.
Ferry Fares
Approx. £50p.p. depending on which islands you wish to visit
