Adventure in !

Orkney Islands

Why Visit?

Adventure in the Orkney Islands: A Dynamic Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kirkwall

Fly into Kirkwall Airport, easily accessible from major UK cities. Start by exploring the historical wonders of Kirkwall, the capital. Visit the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings in 1137. Roam through the narrow streets, popping into local shops for Orkney crafts.

Day 2: Mainland Orkney Adventure

Drive to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin at the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a giant ceremonial circle dating back to 2500-2000 BC. Nearby, explore the Stones of Stenness and the well-preserved Neolithic village, Skara Brae. Get hands-on at the Skara Brae visitor center with interactive displays that bring ancient history to life.

Day 3: Sea Kayaking and Scapa Flow

Join a sea kayaking tour from Stromness to glide around the Scapa Flow, one of Britain’s most historic waterways. Discover submerged shipwrecks from WWI and WWII, visible through the clear waters. Post-kayaking, visit the Stromness Museum to learn about Orkney"s maritime history.

Day 4: Hoy Island Exploration

Take a short ferry from Stromness to Hoy, Orkney"s second-largest island, known for its dramatic cliffs and hills. Hike to the famous Old Man of Hoy, a 449-foot sea stack. This challenging trek offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot puffins and other seabirds.

Day 5: Cycle the West Mainland

Rent a bike and spend the day cycling the quiet roads of the West Mainland. Ride from Stromness to Yesnaby, where you can witness the powerful sea cliffs and the Yesnaby Castle sea stack. End your day with a well-deserved meal at a local pub, trying Orkney’s renowned seafood and whisky.

Departure

Return to Kirkwall for your flight home, filled with memories of the wild, untamed beauty of Orkney that calls out to every adventure lover’s heart.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Scapa Flow

Why Visit?

Embark on an enthralling journey to Scapa Flow, a historic stretch of water nestled in the heart of Scotland"s Orkney Islands, renowned for its wartime relics and underwater adventures. Arriving in Orkney is a breeze; fly into Kirkwall Airport or take a ferry from the Scottish mainland.

Day 1: Dive into History

Begin your adventure in Stromness, a picturesque port town. Here, board a dive boat and plunge into the mysterious depths of Scapa Flow, one of the world"s premier wreck diving sites. This is where the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled at the end of World War I, resulting in an eerie underwater graveyard. Marvel at the colossal battleships and cruisers resting on the ocean floor, now home to an abundance of marine life. Experienced divers can explore the iconic wrecks of SMS Markgraf or SMS Dresden, while beginners can enjoy shallower sites.

Day 2: Sea Kayaking and Wildlife Watching

Rent a kayak and paddle around some of the smaller isles of Scapa Flow. This area is not only a haven for history buffs but also for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocky shores, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of orcas that occasionally roam these waters. Navigate to the uninhabited island of Fara for a picnic lunch with unspoiled views.

Day 3: Onshore Explorations

Spend your final day visiting the Lyness Naval Museum on Hoy Island, accessible via a short ferry ride. The museum, once the nerve center of Scapa Flow"s naval base, offers insightful exhibits on the area"s military significance during both World Wars. Hike up to the nearby hills for panoramic views of the entire bay, providing a perfect closure to your adventurous trip.

Wrap up your visit to Scapa Flow filled with unforgettable memories of diving into history, encountering wildlife, and soaking in spectacular landscapes.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

St. Magnus Cathedral

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling odyssey to the heart of Scotland’s northern mysteries with a visit to the mesmerizing St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the main city on the Orkney Islands. This architectural marvel, known as the "Light of the North," invites adventure lovers not just to admire its historical grandeur but to delve into the Viking heritage that shapes Orkney"s unique culture.

Getting There

Your adventure to Orkney begins with a flight or ferry. Fly directly into Kirkwall Airport from major Scottish cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow. Alternatively, embrace the sea air with NorthLink Ferries from Aberdeen or Scrabster to Stromness, followed by a short 25-minute drive or local bus ride to Kirkwall.

Exploring St. Magnus Cathedral

Constructed from striking red and yellow sandstone, St. Magnus Cathedral stands as a testament to Orkney’s Norse past, founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald. A guided tour will reveal haunting tales of its patron saint, Magnus Erlendsson, and the power struggles of the Viking age. Don"t miss the chance to climb the tower for panoramic views over Kirkwall – a true adventurer"s reward.

Beyond the Cathedral

Step further into the Viking saga with a visit to the nearby Orkney Museum, where artifacts tell deeper stories of the islands" past. For a real taste of adventure, head to the mysterious Neolithic village of Skara Brae or the ancient standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar, both less than an hour"s drive away.

Practical Tips

Dress in layers as Orkney weather can change swiftly. Consider timing your visit around one of Kirkwall’s vibrant festivals like the Orkney Folk Festival in May or St. Magnus International Festival in June for an extra dose of local culture and festivity.

With its blend of history, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, St. Magnus Cathedral is the perfect anchor for an unforgettable Orkney adventure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.