Orkney Walking and Wildlife Map and Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Orkney

Upon arrival in Orkney you will make your way to Stromness for your first nights accommodation. The town is a traditional stone built port that nestles beneath the granite ridge of Brinkie’s Brae and is sheltered by the islands of Outer and Inner Holm. Built up on a history of whaling and trading it is a labyrinth of steep winding paths and well worth exploring. Stromness Museum has an excellent Victorian natural history gallery and should not be missed.

Overnight: Stromness

Day 2: Walking on the Isle of Hoy - The Old Man of Hoy - 14.5 miles (or 6 miles from/to Rackwick)

Following the short ferry crossing the walk crosses heather moorland, home to birds such as red grouse, hen harrier and short eared owl. The trail also passes the most northerly native wood in Britain. The ’Old Man of Hoy’ is an awesome delight, and the surrounding cliffs are filled with nesting seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. You may reduce the overall distance by utilising the Hoy Hopper Bus Service at the ferry port of Moness to and from the village of Rackwick where you may join the 6 mile trail to the Old Man of Hoy. Following the walk the ferry will return you to Stromness

Overnight: Stromness

Day 3: Walk from Skara Brae to Stromness - 16.3 miles

A morning transfer to takes you the best preserved Neolithic site on Northern Europe, Skara Brae . Having risen from sand dunes in 1850 the preservation of the village is incredible and you may still see stone furniture. Following exploration the walk takes you around wild coastline passing magnificent sea stacks. You may find the rare Scottish primrose though more obvious wildlife takes the form of seals hauled out onto the rocks. If the distance involved is too long you may stop walking at Yesnaby 3 miles south of Skara Brae and retrace your steps back to Skara Brae. You will be able to book a taxi to take you back to Stromness.

Overnight: Stromness

Day 4: Walk from Stenness to the Ring of Brodgar - 6.2 miles

A morning transfer takes to the village of Stenness, your starting point for a walk to the Ring of Brogdar, the largest stone circle in Britain. At the start of the walk you will see the huge 5000 year old Stenness Standing Stones before walking out along the causeway between Loch of Harry and Loch of Stenness. The Ring of Brodgar is beautifully situated between the lochs and at more than 100m across is an impressive site to behold. The walk returns by the same route allowing you to enjoy the many water birds that visit. A transfer from Stenness will take you to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney

Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 5: Guided Tour of the Island of Westray

An early start is the order of the day with a morning ferry from Kirkwall to the Island of Westray. On the crossing you may well be rewarded with sightings of porpoise and seals along with the ubiquitous fishing gulls and terns. Upon arrival you will collected for a guided tour of the island taking in the history and heritage. Noup head is a real highlight with its huge seabird colonies that include auks, fulmar, shag and skuas. The ferry returns you to Kirkwall for your final night on Orkney.

The tour is operated by local resident experts who will take you around the island to experience the sights, sounds and solitude of this 'Queen of the Orkney Isles'

Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 6: Onward Travel

After breakfast the trip is complete though should you have the time it is recommended that you explore the delights of this delightful port with it’s rich Viking history.

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