Viking Heritage, Ancient Clans, and Rugged Glens
Scotland’s Orkney Islands and Wild North Coast
Overview
In Scotland's far north, we've linked the archæological and natural treasures of the Orkneys with the wild trails and rich history of the uncrowded North Coast. In the Orkneys, we hike right into the UNESCO-listed Ring of Brodgar, an enormous circle of standing stones, and below cliffs that shelter sites from Neolithic and Viking times. On the North Coast, our trails bring us to rugged bluffs where the mysterious Picts once fended off the Romans, to the heather-clad hills of a highland estate, and we'll visit clan castles (we even meet an earl!). Along the way, we'll taste the famed whiskies and settle into the scene with a few pub nights.
Arrive: Kirkwall, Scotland
Depart: Inverness, Scotland
Highlights
- Hike the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Orkneys and stunning North Coast
- Explore the breathtaking Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, two of Europe's Neolithic treasures
- Visit the Queen Mother's Castle of Mey
- Meet an Orkadian boat builder, a falconer, a storyteller, and an earl
- Enjoy local pub nights, fresh-caught seafood, and private tastings of fine single-malt whiskies
Itinerary
Walking among the standing stones of the hypnotic Ring of Brodgar, we can imagine the power of ancient ceremonies that took place here in the third millennium BCE. We'll stretch our legs along some of Britain's most spectacular sea cliffs, taste the distinctive local whiskies, and explore the intact, 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae. It's fascinating to contemplate that long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving place. Ferrying to Rousay Island for a coastal walk, we picnic at panoramic Saviskaill Bay, and on the island of Hoy, our hike showcases the Old Man of Hoy sea stacks, 450 feet high and a mecca for rock climbers.
Ferrying to the North Coast of mainland Scotland, our coast hikes give us an opportunity to look for seabirds and dolphins, and learn about the Picts, the enigmatic, tattooed people who lived here during the Iron Age. Some of our hikes bring us to the haunting sites of the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, including the moors of the Croick Estate and the ancient refuge of Croick Church, whose windows are etched with graffiti dating to 1845, the time of the Clearances. The 16th century Castle of Mey, beloved by the Queen Mother, is on our journey, as are private tastings of award-winning whiskies, and we have a private tour of a historic castle, home to an ancient clan from the local area. Depart Day 9 via Inverness.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. We have daily hikes of 2-6 miles, mostly on level coastal trails, and one more strenuous hill hike to Fyrish Hill with 958 feet of elevation gain. You can expect to be hiking for 2-4 hours per day for 7 of the 8 days. Conditions and the group's level of fitness affect travel and hiking times, which can vary, sometimes dramatically, from the anticipated times.
Paths and trails in Scotland can be very rough in places, with rocky uneven terrain, and many of the hikes may be wet underfoot. As is common in Scotland, we may even hike off-trail where the terrain allows. Hiking boots with ankle support are necessary and hiking poles are highly recommended. We'll always include time to explore historic and cultural sites and for wildlife spotting.
Summer or not, Scotland is famous for changeable weather. Count on everything from cold rain, persistent fog, and mist, to brilliant warm, sunny weather. These conditions give the mountains great atmosphere and can add to the overall experience. They also mean that good raingear is a must. Bring a fully waterproof jacket and waterproof overpants as well as waterproofed hiking boots with lug soles for traction. Waterproof ponchos are NOT recommended for hiking in Scotland due to the wind.
The ferry crossing from Orkney to the mainland takes just over an hour; participants should bring medication if they suffer from motion- or sea-sickness.
Client Testimonials
"Best Wilderness trip we’ve ever taken. Excellent hikes and cultural activities. The highlights were the many Neolithic sites that we visited along with other cultural and historic sites and activities."
Rob C.
Arlington, VA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.