Scenes of Orkney

by coach & on foot

This experience is ideal for guests who wish to see and learn about this incredible area predominantly from the comfort of a coach. You will enjoy a scenic circular drive around part of Mainland – the largest island of the Orkney archipelago.

Departing from Kirkwall, you will head towards the former naval base at Scapa Flow, where you will hear the dramatic wartime stories that make this one of the best-known stretches of water in the world. Because of its strategic and sheltered position, Vikings anchored their longships at Scapa Flow more than a thousand years ago, and it was also the chief naval base during the First and Second World Wars. Most famously, the German fleet of 74 ships was interned here in November 1918 and then 52 were scuttled in 1919 to prevent them falling into British hands and being used against Germany.

You will then head inland towards the heart of Neolithic Orkney, which was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Here you will make a photo stop at the imposing Standing Stones of Stenness, the remains of one of the earliest stone circles in Britain.

Your next stop will be to visit the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic henge and stone circle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its 27 remaining standing stones. The Ring dates from between 2500 to 2000BC and was originally 104m (341ft) wide and contained 60 megaliths, thought to be used as a religious shrine for ceremonial rituals.

Your journey continues to Stromness, located on the shore of Hamnavoe, an inlet of Scapa Flow, and the main ferry port on Orkney. You will find old stone houses huddled along its sheltered harbour, with a tumbling network of flagstone streets, lanes, piers and slipways. Here you will enjoy some free time to explore the quaint alleyways and absorb the atmosphere of this 18th century settlement.

Next, you will head to the Bay of Skaill for a photo stop to enjoy the dramatic views of the rugged coastline, shaped by the pounding, rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. At one end of the bay is the Hole o’Rowe – a naturally worn hole in the headland through which the sea explodes on wild and windy days.

A further stop will be made at Birsay Bay for photos. From here you will see the wild and spectacular 91m (300ft) high cliffs at Marwick Head, home to thousands of seabirds.

Completing your circular journey, the return drive to Kirkwall will take you via Eynhallow Sound and the small hamlet of Evie.