Wilderness Hiking in the Orkney 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. You will enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh local produce at our stylish accommodation in a historic guest house and more! This morning you meet your group in Inverness and travel along the north-east coast of the Highlands and onward over the Pentland Firth. We’ll continue by ferry to the Orkney Islands. We reach Orkney in the late afternoon, where we’ll visit the Italian Chapel, two Nissan huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. We’ll then continue on to our hotel which is situated near the major archaeological sites which add to the intrigue of these islands. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing from your guide for what lies ahead. Meals: (L, D)

Today we drive to the Eynhallow Sound where we’ll catch a local ferry to the island of Rousay. Here you will enjoy two short hikes – the Westness Walk to the Mid Howe broch and a superb moorland walk around Faraclett Head. Walking details: (8 km, 4 hrs) Meals: (B,L)

The hike starts at The Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave from where you head north along the coast to Mull Head. Tonight we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel. Walking details: (9 km, 4 hrs) Meals: (B,L,D)

A short drive along the edge of Scapa Flow takes us to Stromness where we’ll catch the ferry to the island of Hoy. Here we’ll walk to the famous Old Man of Hoy and marvel at some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs before returning to Rackwick Bay. A dinner will be enjoyed at a local pub or restaurant on our way back to our hotel. Walking details: (10 km, 5 hrs) Meals: (B,L,D)

Today we’ll visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which was uncovered in 1850 after a heavy storm blew away the sand dunes covering it. From Brough Head, a superb coastal walk along the south coast leads to Marwick Head – one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles. Walking details: 6 km, 2-3 hrs) Meals: (B, L, D)

Today we visit the historic Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maes Howe. Afterwards, we will walk along a coastal path leading from Stromness to The Ness before turning west towards the Sand of Warebeth. Walking details: (8km, 3 hrs) Meals: (B, L, D)

After breakfast we return by ferry to the mainland and Inverness, travelling through the rugged coastal scenery of the Northern tip of Scotland. Meals: (B, L)