Rates Note:

Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1 – Arrival in Orkney Islands
Our journey to the Orkney Islands follows the north-east coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth. Our accommodation is situated nearby the major archaeological sites which add to the intrigue of these islands. (D)

Day 2 – Rousay and the Mid Howe Broch
We drive to the Eynhallow Sound and take a local ferry to the island of Rousay. We enjoy two short walks here – the Westness Walk to the Mid Howe broch and a superb moorland walk around Faraclett Head. (8 km, 4 hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 3 – The Gloup and Mull Head
The walk starts at The Gloup, a partially collapsed sea cave from where we head north along the coast to Mull Head. Before returning to Kirkwall we visit the Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts converted into a place of worship by prisoners of war. (9 km, 4 hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 4 – The Old Man of Hoy. Scapa Flow & Rackwick Bay
A short drive along the edge of Scapa Flow takes us to Houton where we catch the ferry to the island of Hoy. Here we walk to the famous Old Man of Hoy and some of Britain’s highest seacliffs before returning to Rackwick Bay. (10 km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Coastal Walk and visit to the Ring of Brodgar
We follow a coastal path from Stromness to The Ness before heading west for the Sand of Warebeth. Afterwards we may visit the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maes Howe. (12 km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Brough Head to Marwick Head, Scara Brae
From Brough Head, a superb walk follows the coast south to Marwick Head - one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Isles. Afterwards we visit the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850 after a storm cleared away the sand dunes that were covering it. (12 km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Return to Inverness
After breakfast, we will return to the mainland and Inverness, via the rugged coastal scenery of the Northern tip of Scotland. (B, L)

PLEASE NOTE - The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the guide having regard to weather conditions and other factors.

Important - Trip Grading
This itinerary is graded as ‘Easy’. Our "Easy" walking holidays involve straightforward hiking, following generally good trails with no major ascents. You will, however, be out walking for around 5 hours each day so you will need a reasonable level of fitness. The walks will be conducted at a leisurely pace in order to allow more time for photography, nature study and looking historical features. The underfoot terrain will usually be on paths or hill trails. However, these trails may still be muddy, or a bit rough in places, so you will need good hill-walking boots.
The daily walks will mainly be glen and coastal hikes, with some ascents of low level hills, up to around 1,500 feet / 450m high - on the islands, these hills are superb viewpoints. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:
Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascent,
with rough ground in places? When did you last do this?

Group Size
Group size is limited to 8 as we believe this makes it easier for our guides to offer personal attention and wildlife-viewing possibilities are also enhanced.
Our groups vary widely in terms of age and walking experience and this diversity always adds to the holiday experience. We welcome anyone from the complete beginner to seasoned expert - all that is needed is a reasonable degree of fitness, plenty of enthusiasm and an appreciation of the fantastic scenery on offer!

Guides
Our Guides are some of the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share.

The following lists are designed to help your preparation and packing for your trip. The list is not exhaustive and, given the range of personal references, does not include all clothing that you will be required for general use, evening wear etc.
Recommended Personal Equipment
Having suitable equipment and clothing will help make your trip even more enjoyable, especially if the weather is less than perfect at any time. 
We recommend the following clothing and personal items for our Wilderness Walking holidays:
- Fully waterproof jacket such as ME Kongur Jacket*
- Waterproof trousers such as ME GTX Pant
- Leg Gaiters such as ME Glacier Gaiter
- Waterproof hill-walking boots with good ankle support, such as Scarpa ZG 65 GTX
- Small "day" rucksack (25-35 litre) such as the ME Dru
- Rucksack liner/large plastic bag for keeping items dry
- Fleece jacket such as ME Velocity Jacket
- Lightweight Trousers such as ME Approach Zip-Off Pant
- Shorts (or bring ‘zip-off’ trousers)
- Base layers such as ME Momentum T-shirt
- Warm hat & Gloves
- Thick Socks such as those by Thorlo
- Water bottle and /or Thermos flask
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Comfortable clothes for evening wear
- Personal washkit (towels are supplied)
- Any personal medicines

Optional extras:
- Camera (plus spare film / memory card and batteries)
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Ordnance Survey maps 13, 14 & 23

Group Equipment 
We will provide all necessary group equipment including first aid kit and group shelter.

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following is a list of recommended items. Although most of these items are generally available along the route, it is always more convenient to have a ready supply. This is particularly relevant to any specialist medication.
- Antiseptic cream
- Plasters, bandages, adhesive tape, zinc oxide tape
- Scissors, tweezers and safety pins
- Anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. Ibuprofen
- Analgesics e.g. Aspirin
- Anti-diaorrheal drugs: e.g. Imodium
- Antihistamines
- Re-Hydration salts or solution e.g. Dioralyte
- Throat lozenges & Dextrose glucose tablets
- Water purification tablets
- Insect Repellent
- Contact lenses and glasses (if appropriate)
We recognise that sometimes it is difficult to decide exactly what to bring and what will be most suitable. We are, of course, pleased to advise based on our experience so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries at all.

Heralded by the Rough Guide as the “best accommodation on the whole of Orkney”, Woodwick House is a warm, welcoming and comfortable historic Country House overlooking the island of Gairsay. Close to the major historic sites, bird reserves and beaches, Woodwick is set in twelve acres of woodland.
Local artists display their work in the dining area and the restaurant is particularly renowned for local produce and seafoods, organic where possible. Naturally, any special dietary requirements can be catered for and the restaurant is fully licensed offering a selection of Orkney malts and ales.

Single room supplement
We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. However you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. It may be possible to book a single room, provided one is available. Please request this at the time of booking and we will let you know if one is available. For this trip, a supplement of £175 is charged if a single room is required - please see booking form terms and conditions.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements