Orkney trip

Orkney 49

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sleeptowin Jan 7, 2013 16:28:45

i havent been here for a while, but i thought this would be the best place to ask.

im finally going to go to Orkney for a week long trip.
im looking in to it at the moment, either flying up or driving is fine with me, im coming from Birmingham.

i just wondered what people had done here when they visited. im thinking of staying in a caravan or B&B.

any advice for an orkney first timer?

Vybik Jon Jan 7, 2013 16:44:25

Replying to sleeptowin

Me and Andrew stayed in the Orca Hotel in Stromness, which was reasonably priced, comfortable, had a good breakfast and a cracking chippy opposite.

http://www.orcahotel.com/

AngieLake Jan 8, 2013 00:49:34

Replying to sleeptowin

Hi
I drove up [solo] from south Devon in stages, and spent a week on Orkney in summer 2001. The [working] farm, Netherstove, Sandwick, near Skaill Bay has a website and is still offering accommodation, and Mrs Ann Poke was a friendly landlady. I had the small S/C annexe to the main house, and she had semi-detached S/C bungalows, too. She also does B&B in warmer months.
It was easy to walk to Skail Bay and Skara Brae, and every time I went off to explore Orkney I'd be passing Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.
Lucky you, you'll be able to check out the excavations at the Ness of Brodgar! (Don't miss Barnhouse settlement near Stenness, btw.)
The Italian chapel is a moving place to visit, too.
Have a great time. :-)

CARL Jan 8, 2013 07:26:47

Replying to sleeptowin

There is so much to see it is quite mind boggling.
I would suggest seeing as many of the 'famous' sites as possible plus Banks and if you have the opportunity the Dwarfie Stane on Hoy but this will require the extra cost of a ferry etc (well worth it though!)
You are sure to have a great time whatever you see!

Mustard Jan 8, 2013 14:02:12

Replying to sleeptowin

sleeptowin wrote:

any advice for an orkney first timer?

No, but thanks for inspiring me. This post has given me the kick up the bum that I needed to start planning my first Orkney trip :)

tomatoman Jan 8, 2013 15:01:51

Replying to sleeptowin

If you're taking a car I'd recommend the Pentland Ferries route from Gill's Bay.
My biggest disappointment was House 7, covered and inaccessible, at Skara Brae..........but the site is still very impressive for all that.
As someone else has said, when you're at Stenness, DON'T miss Barnhouse, tucked away behind.....it's a clue to the nature of what is being revealed at Ness of Brodgar just up the road. As for the Ring of Brodgar........stop off there when the crowds are elsewhere, if you can.
2 stunning places to walk are The Brough of Birsay and Hunda Island. The latter is accessible on foot by a causeway off Burray.