How long does it take to drive around the Orkney Islands?
about 45 minutes
Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t have to worry about getting to and from either of the “cities” because they are only 20 minutes away from each other. (Plus it only takes about 45 minutes to drive around the entire Orkney mainland).
Can you do a day trip to Orkney?
Orkney Islands Day Tour This fantastic full day tour will allow you to explore the fantastic highlights of Orkney. Visit Skara Brae (stoneage village), Scapa Flow, Stromness, Kirkwall, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and the Italian Chapel.
Where can I see whales in Orkney?
For the best whale watching, locals recommend Cantick Head on the island of Hoy, Noup Head on the island of Westray and North Hill on the island of Papa Westray. For your best chance of spotting whales and dolphins, book a land-based wildlife and archaeology tour from local guides at Orcadian Wildlife.
Is it worth going to Orkney?
The Orkney Islands are certainly worth visiting however if you only have 7 or 8 days to spend in Scotland it may be difficult to work them into your itinerary as you probably wish to see some other parts of the country.
Do I need a car on Orkney?
How to get around the Orkney Islands. I would 100% recommend hiring a car to travel around the Orkney Islands. Taxis are available but you really need your own wheels to see this beautiful island properly.
Do you need a car to visit Orkney?
Most people arrive in Orkney with their own vehicle and it can be hugely beneficial when it comes to ticking off all the sites on your island itinerary. And, if you’re planning some island hopping, Orkney Ferries will get you where you need to go, with 13 communities accessible from four ports on the Orkney mainland.
Can you see dolphins in Orkney?
Orkney is one of the best places to see whales & dolphins in the UK, and over the past 18 seasons we have recorded 12 species. Some are commoner than others, and as a result are easier to observe.
Are there otters in Orkney Islands?
Otters? The Brig O’ Waithe (pictured above) is one of the few places where otters are regularly seen in Orkney. The Brig O’ Waithe is a sea inlet about two miles outside Stromness on the Stromness to Kirkwall road.
How many days do you need in Orkney Islands?
To do Orkney any kind of justice I would suggest at least three days. I like the Pentland crossing and catching to 0930 ferry over and the last ferry back.
How many days do you need to see Orkney?
Of course we’d always recommend staying at least a week or two to explore Orkney and to visit one of the out-lying isles and get a real flavour of the islands. However, sometimes one or two days is you have to play with.
Do you get midges on Orkney?
Orkney tends to see midges in the countryside and not in the towns. We also had a problem with midges last year on Hoy and Rousay too. They are all Islands though. I have never been bothered with them in Kirkwall or Stromness.