While often subject to strong winds, midsummer in Orkney finds the sun above the horizon for more than 18 hours of the day. Comprising more than 70 islands, of which 18 are inhabited, Orkney is famed for its archaeological sites such as the Ring of Brodgar (a magnificent stone circle), the Neolithic chambered tomb of Maes Howe (c. 3000 BC) and the finest Stone Age village in Europe, Skara Brae. Well-preserved evidence of later eras includes Bronze Age barrows, Pictish brochs, Viking settlements, Papae churches and Stewart Castles.
Colonised by the Vikings in the 9th century as a base from which to launch assaults on Ireland’s monasteries, the natural beauty, folklore and unhurried pace of life on the ‘Isles of the Whale’ is seductive.
Most of the walking is along grassy swards high above the sea with occasional descents to wide, sweeping beaches.
We take a cliff-top walk on Hoy, the wildest and highest of the islands, overlooking the famous sea-stack, the Old Man of Hoy. And, from the site of Thorfinn the Mighty's palace at Birsay we walk to Marwick Head where the Kitchener Memorial stands above the ocean. Weather permitting we may walk the dramatic west coast of Westray to the lonely lighthouse of Noup Head and visit the ruin of Noltland Castle, built in 1560.
Orkney hosts an incredible array of birdlife, which includes puffins, short-eared owls and hen harriers. The abundance of seascapes affords us the chance to see seals, porpoises, dolphins and even whales, whilst on land we may spot the Orkney vole or a mountain hare.
Tip: The 4 June departure would combine very well with our exciting holiday to Shetland starting on 10 June. It is also possible to prolong your stay in Kirkwall should you wish to spend more time on Orkney, to go shopping and sightseeing in Stromness for example. Please contact our office for details.
Walking Grade
The emphasis is on a leisurely pace with time to observe and interpret the area, its history and wildlife. We usually spend 5 to 6 hours walking up to 8 - 10 miles (12 -16 km). Gradients are generally easy and much of the walking is on paths, although these can be rough in places. Basic fitness required.
Accommodation
The West End Hotel is a three-star, family-run hotel. Dating from 1824, the building became Orkney's first hospital in 1845 and remained so for 81 years before being converted into a hotel. It has since undergone complete refurbishment and offers comfortable en suite rooms.
Notes:
Dates: July 8, August 12
08 July 2006 - 14 July 2006
12 August 2006 - 18 August 2006
Start: Stromness, Saturday 21:00
Finish: Stromness, Friday 09:00
Cost: £615
Price Includes: 6 nights in Hotel based on Bed & Breakfast, 5 dinners, 5 days guided walking.
Single Room Supplement: £70
Travel
Further flight and sailing information will be provided on booking or on request.
Also see tour packages in:
Hiking and walking outfitters
Europe
Scotland
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