Top Orkney hotels
Sponsored Links
W. R. Tullock Car Rental was a professional, polite and helpful car rental agent. The car was good quality and drove well, it was a fair price in comparison to other hire companies I used in the Scottish Isles and they have a service direct from the airport which is Very handy. You can just drop the keys off at the airport too if you are leaving out of business hours.I would recommend them.
These are your option for travel around Orkney:1) Orkney consists of something like 67 islands, about a dozen of which you would like to explore. Regular ferries connect the largest island "Mainland" with these. Some of the southern islands are connected to Mainland by roads over causeways and two of the northern islands can also be reached by a delightful 8 seater, fly by the seat of your pants, airplane (flies from Kirkwall airport, on Mainland).2) On the islands you need transport to get about. Going on foot is ok for small distances, like on Hoy or Papa Westray islands, or on special coastal walks but for the most part, walking isn't good for getting places. There are few footpaths or sidewalks so it is common to walk on the road - and you have to, the grass verge will twist your ankle - but it isn't fun with fast cars rushing by - and to be honest it is a bit boring! save the...
From north Scotland there are 3 ferry services making the short crossing of the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands.It is not cheap - consider leaving your car. Details below (Prices 2004/5). Pentland Ferries:Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hopehttp://www.pentlandferries.com/Adult - £11 Car - £25 John O'Groats Ferry:1st May - 30th september, passenger ferry - no cars! Connects with a bus at Burwick to take you to Kirkwall.http://www.jogferry.co.uk/Burwick Day/Period Return £26 Kirkwall Day/Period Return £28 Burwick Single £16 Northlink Ferries Scrabster to Stromnesshttp://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/Adult Single 12.00 - 14.00 Car (<6m) 38.00 - 43.00 Bicycle FREE Prices vary according to season - see websites for detailed prices.Note: Prices are Single Fares - so if taking a car across, you must pay both ways, plus pay for every person.In summary, JOG Ferry is small and sails summer only. It...
This is one of the best ways to get around Orkney and see places "off the beaten track" where other tours and public transport never goes.The tours are for up to 6 people, and supply local food, music and stories, plus demonstrating stone age skills like primitive fire lighting, stone tool making and plant use.This picture is me, in front of the Stones of Stenness, 5000 year old megaliths (well they are much older but have been standing upright like this for that long, since our ancestors put them there! How? Ask me!)Tours also go to the smaller islands, or include walks, depending upon guests wishes. A very professional, caring and friendly service. Have a look at the website.
Catching the 6am ferry from Gills Bay (the vehicle ferry - not the John O' Groats passenger ferry) to St Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay (joined to Orkney Mainland by road) ... not only is this the cheaper ferry crossing for cars but it is the quicker and more old fashioned.You get wonderful glimpses of the coastline and seals basking, before arriving.Take the early ferry to get excellent light in the morning for photographs. A good Youth Hostel on the mainland of Scotland enables you to do this easily with no hassle.
Ever wondered how the huge megaliths (big stones) were moved, 5000 years ago?Resources:Only a few people - no slaves.No metals.Lots of stone, some timber and plants.Ummm .....Do this:Use stone and wood wedges to split desired block off from bedrock. Utilise natures power in "freeze-thaw" (water expansion).Take a strong timber pole (about as big as your hands, round) and use it as a lever.Now all you need is some beach pebbles, stone blocks, seaweed and cordage made from plant fibres.Manpower needed, 2-3 people.Alternatively:You can do it as the academics assume, and the public think unquestioningly ... Get a whole tribe of people and drag them away from their daily farming, fishing, cooking and crafts. Chop down numerous uniform logs for rollers (timber like this doesn't grow on Orkney, so you'll need to beachcomb). Wrap strong fibre cordage around the megalith and pull like crazy with...
The biggest (and most expensive) way into Orkney is from Scrabster (by Thurso, on the Scottish mainland) to Stromness (Orkney Mainland).The service is now operated by Northlink Ferries and is only really worth it for two reasons:1) The View of the Cliffs of Hoy (and The Old Man of Hoy)2) Stromness Harbour and HamnavoeThere are two other Ferry options to reach Orkney from the north of Scotland - the John O' Groats passenger ferry (no cars) and the Pentland Ferries service from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope. Both are cheaper, but still quite costly.Ferries also run from Aberdeen and other Islands, during summer (details to follow)
The first time I went to the islands, I took the train to Inverness, stayed overnight and then caught the 'Orkney Bus'. This leaves twice a day from Inverness bus station and drives you up the north-east coast of Scotland to John o'Groats.(fantastic scenery all the way). You have time to explore the tiny harbour area before boarding the passenger ferry (included in ticket price) to cross the Pentland Firth, keeping an eye open for birds and seals of course. On landing in South Ronaldsay, you get on the bus to Kirkwall (about 45 minutes, also included in ticket price). Kirkwall TI office stays open until the bus arrives, to sort out accommodation if necessary. It's a lovely way to approach the islands for the first time......you get a real sense of their remoteness and of their difference to mainland Scotland.
I love walking, but when I stay on Mainland I always save up and hire a car. There are buses, but there is so much to see and so little time............... I use James Peace's firm in Kirkwall (they pick me up from the airport too) and have nothing but praise for their friendly and helpful service. They didn't even laugh when I couldn't find reverse on the brand new Cleo they gave me!Mainland would be good for cycling too, as the roads are quiet and well-maintained. Tourist Information in Kirkwall could help with cycle hire.
From Tingwall on Orkney mainland you can take a boat to the island of Rousey. On Rousay it's hard to get around. I think there are a few taxi-busses around that show you around on the island. That's what we did at least but my university had organized is so I can't tell you any details.
Smithfield Hotel Mainland Island
2 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Orkney attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Orkney sightseeing.
Q: I'm just beginning to plan a trip to Scotland and have decided on visiting Orkney. We will be there end of May beginning of June...
A: If you have a car then it will be extremely easy to travel around the islands...Mainland is linked by the Churchill barriers to Lamb Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsey....
Read 6 Replies
Sponsored Links
