Orkney Explorer Walking Adventure Multi-day tour

Day 1 - Transfer day to Orkney with a short scenic walk

After airport/station/Inverness city pickups we make our way towards the Pentland Ferries in Gill`s Bay.

Enroute we have plenty of option to slow down and relax with a beach, walk or just a break before heading for the ferry to South Ronaldsay.

We choose a short walk dependant on the weather and pick up times in Inverness for the group.

Walk details: Depending on weather and timing

Day 2 – South Ronaldsay & visit of the Tomb of the Eagles

Known as the Barrier Isles, Burray and South Ranaldsay lay just off the southeast of the Orkney Mainland

Today we visit the breathtakingly Tomb of the Eagles before we explore the Eastside South Ronaldsay from Newark Bay to Ham Geo.

If time allows we end the day at a stunning beach close to St.Margaret’s Hope.

Walk details: 9 km/ 6.5 miles | approx. 3 hours | Ascent 200 m/650 ft | Descent 200 m/650 ft

Day 3 – West-Side walk and Orkney Farm Visit

Today`s outing takes us to the incredible west side of South Ronaldsay overlooking the famous Scapa Flow.

After lunch, Marlene will take you under her wings for the afternoon and show you the inside outs of a Local Orkney Farm.

Walk details: 8 km/ 5 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | Ascent 100 m/330 ft | Descent 100 m/330 ft

Day 4 – Italian Chapel, Scapa Distillery and Deerness Peninsula

We start the day with a visit to the Italian Chapel. The story behind it is remarkable and one not to miss.

Our today’s walk is at the Deerness Peninsula with startling clifftop paths, the ‘Gloup’ and is diverse and exhilarating as anywhere in Orkney.

After exploring this quiet part of Orkney we make our way to Scapa Bay and the adjacent distillery Scapa for a wonderful whisky tasting.

Walk details: 10 km/ 6.5 miles | approx. 3.5 – 4 hours | Ascent 150 m/ 500 ft | Descent 150 m/ 500 ft

Day 5 – Exploring the dramatic west coast of Orkney

Orkney’s signature walk, we exploring the western coast of the Mainland. Beginning just outside Stromness we head north and with each step it gets increasingly more dramtic.

The highlights are the fractured cliffs of Yesnaby before dropping down to Skara Brae.

The views from Ward Hill over Skara Brae is an oddly timeless one.

After a visit of the 5000 years old village we transfer not far to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stennes.

Walk details: 13 km/ 8 miles | approx. 4 – 4.5 hours | Ascent 150 m/ 500 ft | Descent 150 m/ 500 ft

Day 6 – Free Day

This day is entirely up to you what you want to experience.

You may want to explore the village centre of Stromness or Kirkwall with its small shops, or you want to explore more of the history of Orkney.

Another option is to have a day trip to some of the many further islands all around Orkney Mainland.

Your guide will help you to decide and if possible will be offering transfer if needed.

Day 7 – Walk to the Old Man of Hoy

This morning we head out to Hoy, an island unlike anywhere else in Orkney. Hoy is the wildest and most rugged of all Orkney`s islands. His interior is as close to wilderness as you can find in the UK.

The rugged sea stack Old Man of Hoy and magnificent St. John`s Head is our main focus for our day out.

Walk details: 12.5 km/ 8 miles | approx. 4.5 hours | Ascent 400 m/1300 ft | Descent 400 m/1300 ft

Day 8 – Midhowe Broch & Chambered Cairn on Rousay

Today´s island Rousay rises abruptly from the sea into distinctively conical hills. Even the journey to the island is famous.

Eynshallow Sound has tidal races known locally as ‘roosts’ with speeds of up to 9 knots.

Our walk takes us into the heart of the so-called – ‘most important archaeological mile in Scotland’. Every important element of Orkney’s timeline is squeezed into this stretch of coast.

Depending on the ferry timetable, weather and desire we finish either the road loop or walk to the highest point of the island before returning back to the mainland and accommodation.

Walk details: 4 km/ 2.5 miles | approx. 2 hours (including visits) | Ascent 100 m/330 ft | Descent 100 m/330 ft

Optional Walk: 5 km/ 3 miles | approx. 2 hours  | Ascent 200 m/660 ft | Descent 200 m/660 ft

Day 9 – West Coast Explorer Part Two

If we haven`t managed by now to visit the magnificent Skara Brae today is the day.

After delving into 5000 years of history we start our walk right from the beach behind the neolithic village. This is the second part of the west coast walk and finishing at Birsay.

Our late afternoon we use to visit the Broch of Gurness and if time allows Kirkwall.

Walk details: 12 km/ 7.5 miles | approx. 6 hours | Ascent 330 m/1080 ft | Descent 330 m/1080 ft

Day 10 – Ferry and Transfer back to Inverness

Today is the transfer day to Inverness airport/train station or your accommodation in Inverness.

We take either the ferry from Stromness or St. Margaret`s Hope depending on timings.

If time allows, we visit some historic sites along the way on the Scottish Mainland.

Then it’s time to say our goodbyes after what is sure to be a memorable Orkney Explorer Walking Trip!