Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ORKNEY ISLANDS
There's a magic to the Orkney Islands that you begin to feel as soon as the Scottish main-
land slips astern. Only a few short miles of ocean separate Stromness from Scrabster, but
the Pentland Firth is one of Europe's most dangerous waterways, a graveyard of ships that
adds an extra mystique to these islands shimmering in the sea mists.
An archipelago of mostly flat, green-topped islands stripped bare of trees by Atlantic
gales and ringed with red sandstone cliffs, its heritage dates back to the Vikings whose in-
fluence is still strong today. Famed for its ancient standing stones and prehistoric villages,
for sublime sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery, it's a region whose ports tell of
lives shared with the blessings and rough moods of the sea, and a destination where seekers
can find melancholy wrecks of warships and the salty clamour of remote seabird colonies.
Tours
Orkney Island Holidays
(
01856-711373;
www.orkneyislandholidays.com
)
Based on Shapinsay, with guided tours
of archaeological sites, birdwatching and wildlife trips, and excursions to other islands.
One-week, all-inclusive packages cost £1095.
GUIDED TOURS
Orkney Archaeology Tours
(
01856-721450;
www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk
)
Runs private half- (£160 for up to
four) and full-day (£240) tours with an archaeologist guide.
GUIDED TOURS
Wildabout Orkney
(
01856-877737;
www.wildaboutorkney.com
)
Operates tours covering Orkney's history,
ecology, folklore and wildlife. Day trips operate year-round and cost £49, with pick-ups in
Stromness and Kirkwall.
GUIDED TOURS
BUS TOUR
John O'Groats Ferries
(
01955-611353;
www.jogferry.co.uk
; May-Sep)
If you're in a hurry, this operator runs
a one-day tour of the main sites for £52, including the ferry from John O'Groats. You can
do the whole thing as a long day trip from Inverness.
