Orkney Adventure - June 1st – 10th 2008
The Orkney Islands, although north of the Scottish mainland have a gentle beauty of their own. The scenery is amazingly diverse; from fertile valleys to windswept moorland, from spectacular cliffs to sandy beaches, as the sea is always within a short distance of travel. The abundance of ancient monuments which date back thousands of years has left a strong blueprint on the land, and there is much to explore. June is a beautiful time to journey here - inspirational in all its spring colours, and great for wildlife including dolphins, otters and grey seals, and puffins and other sea birds that choose this for their breeding grounds. And, at the end of the journey if you so wish, an optional visit to Rosslyn Chapel is offered.
June 1st - Meet at Edinburgh Airport and make our way northwards, exploring the Neolithic site of the Clava Cairns en route to Inverness. Check in to our B&B and then enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a lovely restaurant in Inverness.
June 2nd – Travel north to Thurso, stopping en route on our way north to the ferry to visit a few important sites in the Caithness region - The Hill o’ Many Stanes, around 200 small stones arranged in 22 apparently parallel rows and The Grey Cairns of Camster (2 restored Neolithic chambered cairns). B&B in Thurso.
June 3rd - Take the ferry to the Magical Orkney Isles and make our way to our small hotel, Woodwick House, which prides itself with idyllic surroundings on 12 acres of grounds, with bay and bluebell woodland, and will be ideal to spend a relaxing afternoon after our travels.
June 4th - Visit the impressive Ring of Brodgar –originally 60 stones in a vast circle between the Stenness and Harray Lochs, 27 of which remain standing. Close by are the Standing Stones of Stenness, Onston chambered cairn, Barnhouse Village, the tomb of Maeshowe and, in Sandwick, the incredibly well preserved village of Skara Brae on the shore at Skaill.
June 5th – Drive to St Margaret’s Hope to visit the many local galleries and craft workshops in the area, on the way stopping by the Italian Chapel, built by Italian POWs during construction of the Churchill barriers in WW2. Whilst on South Ronaldsay visit the Tomb of the Eagles, a 3000 year old stalled chamber tomb, named after the eagles claws found among the burials.
June 6th – Take a boat trip to see other islands, especially Rousay, where we will visit Midhowe Broch and stalled cairn, and Taversoe Tuick chambered tomb. Have a relaxing evening in the company of a local story teller.
Click to enlarge images above
June 7th – Visit the Fairie Knowe, a chambered tomb in a stunning location. On to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where we can explore this ancient town, including the impressive St Magnus Cathedral, founded in the 12th Century. Pick up picnic supplies and head east to the Mull Head Reserve, home to thousands of sea birds on its 300 acres of heath and grasslands and where there remain ruins of Norse chapel and village. We’ll find a sheltered beach to enjoy our picnic lunch before walking on the spectacular cliffs.
June 8th – Say goodbye to the Orkneys stopping in Stromness to visit a few of the local craft shops en route to the ferry. Back on the mainland, travel south through Caithness paying a visit to the Loch Stemster standing stones, a U-shaped arrangement of 36 standing stones en route to Inverness.
Click to enlarge images above
June 9th – Take a trip to Findhorn to have a look around the site where the Caddy’s had their astonishing experiences many years ago. Spend the night at a B&B in Inverness, where we spend our last night together and enjoy a “Farewell Dinner”.
June 10th - Goodbye to Scotland and back to Edinburgh Airport. An optional trip (50 GBP extra) is offered to Rosslyn Chapel.
Price - £1945* which includes:
- Pick up and set down at Edinburgh Airport
- All accommodation and breakfasts, plus 2 dinners
- All land transportation and ferry fares
- All entry fees
- Explorations of a myriad Neolithic and heritage sites in inspirational settings
- Optional visit to Rosslyn Chapel
A deposit of £250 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
Thank you SOOOO much for such a memorable time. I think the "small" group of us really made it all the more special. The trip was full of wonder-filled moments!
Elizabeth, Hudson, NH
"Denni saved us time, energy and money - and showed us places we'd never have found on our own. She is personable, knowledgeable, conscientious, and fun. We had a great time together."
Ruth and Bob, Los Altos, CA