Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in !

Orkney Islands

Why Visit?

Discovering Orkney: A Wheelchair-Friendly Tour

Day 1: Arrival at Kirkwall

Fly into Kirkwall Airport or take the ferry from mainland Scotland. Stay at one of Kirkwall’s accessible hotels, such as the Ayre Hotel, offering rooms designed for mobility and comfort. Begin your exploration in the heart of Kirkwall by visiting the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, featuring accessible entrances. Dine at Helgi’s, which offers step-free access and a view of the harbor.

Day 2: Historical Heart of Orkney

Venture to the heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start at Skara Brae, a well-preserved prehistoric village with a visitor center that has ramped access and a tactile model of the site. Next, head to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, both featuring paved paths around these mystic stones, making them easily navigable.

Day 3: Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers

Drive or take an accessible taxi to the Italian Chapel, an exquisite symbol of hope built by Italian POWs during WWII. The chapel is accessible, with ramps leading to the entrance. Nearby, explore the Churchill Barriers, linking the Orkney Islands, easily viewable from your vehicle and providing stunning photographic opportunities.

Day 4: Orkney Museum and Shopping

Return to Kirkwall for a visit to the Orkney Museum, where history is made accessible through ramped entrances and tactile exhibits. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring local shops like Judith Glue’s, offering accessible entry to purchase authentic Orkney crafts. Enjoy a final dinner at The Foveran Restaurant, known for its local cuisine and accessible facilities.

Day 5: Departure

Reflect on the rich history and vibrant culture experienced as you prepare for departure. Orkney’s blend of ancient mystery and modern accessibility ensures a memorable and hassle-free journey for all.

Tip: Always check ahead with attractions for the latest in accessibility options and to arrange any necessary accommodations. Happy travels!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Scapa Flow

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable wheelchair-accessible journey to the heart of Orkney"s naval history at Scapa Flow. This sheltered harbour has played a pivotal role from both World Wars and offers a fascinating insight into maritime warfare.

Getting There and Around

Your adventure begins by flying into Kirkwall Airport or by ferry from mainland Scotland to Orkney. Rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Orkney Car Hire for comfortable travel across the islands. Well-paved roads and reserved parking spots make it convenient to explore the rich heritage of Scapa Flow.

Day 1: Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum, Lyness

Start at the recently refurbished Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum located in Lyness on the island of Hoy. Accessible parking and ramps ensure easy accessibility. Delve into exhibits that showcase artefacts from the German Fleet interned during WWI. The museum"s layout is spacious, ideal for mobility scooters. Interactive displays and video presentations bring the naval stories to life, ensuring an immersive experience.

Interesting Fact: The museum is situated at the former naval base which played a crucial role during the World Wars, particularly as a base for the British Fleet.

Day 2: Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel

Travel east from Kirkwall to the Churchill Barriers. These causeways, constructed during WWII, now serve as road links between various islands but were originally built to prevent submarine attacks. Each barrier is a poignant reminder of the past, easily viewed from your vehicle.

Continue to the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, an exquisite symbol of hope and peace crafted by Italian POWs. The chapel is accessible, with dedicated parking and ramped access. Inside, marvel at the beautiful frescoes and the handcrafted altar.

Interesting Fact: The Italian Chapel was built using limited materials, including scrap metal and leftover paint, showcasing the prisoners" resilience and creativity.

This tour not only offers a glimpse into Orkney’s war-time past but does so with the utmost consideration for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable and enlightening experience for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

St. Magnus Cathedral

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Kirkwall, Orkney, where the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral stands as a beacon of Norse history and architectural grandeur. This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures everyone can experience the beauty and mystery of this historic site.

Starting Point: Kirkwall Travel Center

Begin your adventure at the Kirkwall Travel Center, where you can easily rent a wheelchair or a mobile scooter. From here, the cathedral is just a gentle, accessible 5-minute roll away along the Broad Street, lined with charming shops and cafes that are mostly accessible.

St. Magnus Cathedral

As you approach, the red and yellow sandstone of St. Magnus Cathedral, also known as the "Light in the North," dominates the skyline. Built in 1137, the cathedral is one of the best-preserved medieval churches in Scotland. Access the main entrance via a ramp on the western side. Inside, wide aisles and plenty of space around the pews make navigation easy. Don"t miss the beautifully crafted stained glass windows and the peaceful chapel, both highlighting the cathedral’s Viking heritage and Christian legacy.

Inside Tour

Take advantage of the guided tours available for visitors with disabilities, which delve into the cathedral’s fascinating history, including its founder Earl Rognvald, who dedicated it to his uncle St. Magnus. The tours are informative and take into consideration the needs of those with limited mobility, ensuring no one misses out.

Post-Tour Exploration

After exploring the cathedral, head to the nearby Orkney Museum in Tankerness House Gardens. It’s a short, wheelchair-friendly route. The museum offers ground floor access and a plethora of artifacts that tell the rich saga of Orkney’s past, from prehistoric times to the present.

Rest and Refresh

Conclude your tour by enjoying some local cuisine at one of the accessible cafes along Albert Street, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral. Savor traditional Orkney fudge or a hearty meal, perfect for reflecting on the day"s discoveries.

This tour of St. Magnus Cathedral and its surroundings offers a seamless and enriching experience for those with mobility considerations, ensuring every traveler can delve into the profound historical and cultural tapestry of Orkney.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.