Advice please on Orkney

[Doon frae Troon]

We are going to Orkney for our May holiday this year.
I would appreciate any advice on travel and accommodation from someone who has visited.
We plan an historic day tour and probably a wildlife one as well.
Traveling from Ayrshire [but no flying involved]
Thanks.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I have relatives up in Orkney and my mum and some cousins I keep in close touch with went up for a wedding there this summer. I'll see if I can get some local knowledge for you. One of my cousins and her hubby did a wildlife/historical few days up there as they had never been before - and she will have made sure her trip was well researched and planned. They stayed in local hotels as well rather than with relatives.

 

[lobthewedge]

I know its a while ago, but the wife and I had a great holiday on Orkney back in 2006.

Skara Brae and Maes Howe are the big two that you have to go and see, but try and pay a visit to the Tomb of the Eagles at Isbister as well. If you want some great photos, visit the Ring of Brodgar at sunset, fantastic location and very atmospheric.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Thanks guys, did you fly or go by ferry from Aberdeen or Scrabster?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

When I went (back in the late 70s) I got the ferry from Scrabster (relatives thereaboots too ) - as did my mum and cousins this time. I think it is the way to go as the ferry goes close to Hoy and you get fantastic views of the 1000ft high cliffs and The Old Man. My mum is in Glasgow and the cousin I'll check with lives outside Portsmouth. I think my cousin may have flown to Inverness and then drove as I have an aunt (and more cousins) who live there (yes I DO have relatives all over Scotland). Not sure on travel though.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

We are thinking of going to Scrabster. Overnight at Inverness.

 

[Sponge1980]

Hello,

I live there so feel free to send me a pm with any questions you have and I'll try and help you out. I agree on the suggestion of going via Scrabster. The crossing is only 90mins and as already mentioned you will get to see the old man of Hoy. The ferry from Aberdeen leaves at 5pm but takes 6 hours so you'll only be getting in about 11pm.

As far as tours go there are plenty of tour companies doing tours on both the historical and wildlife side of things.

Are you taking your golf clubs?

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Many thanks Sponge.
I will sent you a PM when I work out a rough plan of action.

 

[Bigfoot]

I'm visiting Orkney for a few days during our holiday in July 2014. Which of the courses is the one to play on the main island?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Both Stromness and Kirkwall are great courses - lovely views all round the course. Think they are the only two on the main island

 

[Sponge1980]

I'm visiting Orkney for a few days during our holiday in July 2014. Which of the courses is the one to play on the main island?

Hi Bigfoot,

I've sent you a pm, hopefully it'll help. Any other questions feel free to pm and I'll help if I can.

 

[Sponge1980]

forgot to mention in the pm if you're in the Caithness area they have some cracking courses too.