June 19 - 27 Thu - Fri
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: MV Hjaltland 1 night, Shetland 3 nights, Orkney 4 nights
Walking: Easy to Moderate
Description :
These island systems have their main historic links with Norway, Lerwick being the same distance from Aberdeen as from Bergen. Climate is mild owing to Gulf Stream influence - Kirkwall gardens feature mature fuchsia hedges and even palms.
Shetland is characterised by deep sea-inlets, rugged heathery hills and spectacular coastal cliff-scenery, and has the densest Otter population in Europe. Noss hosts one of the North Atlantic's largest sea-bird colonies, Fetlar is renowned for its nesting Red-necked Phalaropes and Mousa has the only intact example of a Pictish broch.
Orkney, the gentler island group, presents soft coastal panoramas and fertile pastures alive with bird-sound. A rural richness coupled with an archaeological heritage unrivalled anywhere in Europe gives Orkney a unique charm.
Historic sites span 6000 years, ranging from well-preserved neolithic dwellings and burial chambers, through settlements of the Viking era, to defensive elements of the last century.
Gently rolling pastoral-landscapes, subtle sea panoramas, littoral smells, seabird sounds and summer nights without real darkness, have collectively lured visitors - past and present - to this peaceful archipelago. With the exceptions of Hoy and Rousay the islands lie low on the horizon, South Ronaldsay being just six miles from Mainland Scotland.
Itinerary
Day 1 Thu...09.00 Rendezvous:
From Inverness we follow the Moray Firth, stopping en route to view Back-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Osprey. At Aberdeen we board the 17:00 Northlink ferry (14 hours) to Shetland, enjoying sea watching that produces a complete range of seabirds plus cetaceans.
Day 2 - 4 Fri - Sun:
From Lerwick we head to Sumburgh seeing Puffins by their nest burrows, while Twite, Rock Pipit and Shetland Wren flit about stone walls. Looking towards Fair Isle the sea is scanned for whales and dolphins. A cultural stop is made at nearby Jarlshof archaeological site. Bays here often hold a Great Northern Diver or Long-tailed Duck, with tidal inlets good for waders. In cover migrant passerines are looked for - Crossbill, Hawfinch, Bee-eater and Rose-coloured Starling previously seen.
A freshwater loch supports nesting Whooper Swans, moorlands broken by peat diggings often produce Golden Plover and Merlin. Spectacular seascapes feature natural arches, stacks and needles.
A late night excursion (leaving around 22:30) to the island of Mousa takes place, to see the monumental Pictish broch (2000 year old fortified tower) where we await the arrival of Storm Petrels.
A cruise round the bird cliffs of Noss is a top tour feature. The sheer numbers of seabirds are staggering - exceeding Shetland's 24,000 human inhabitants! Red-necked Phalarope and Whimbrel are top birds during an excursion to Fetlar.
Day 5 Mon:
Following a final full day on Mainland Shetland we board the 18:00 ferry for Orkney. An excellent meal in the ship's restaurant is followed by on deck sea watching, where good views of Storm Petrels and cetaceans may be expected. From Kirkwall (22:30) we drive directly to our hotel by Loch of Harray.
Days 6 - 8 Tue - Thu:
Orkney's principal antiquities - Maeshowe, the Ring of Brogar and Skara Brae - are visited, with excursions to moorlands where Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are seen.
Yesnaby reveals the other face of Orkney, where sandstone cliffs have been battered by violent winter-seas. Short turf is habitat of the rare Scottish Primrose.In the Southern Isles we stop at the inspiring Italian Chapel built by Italian prisoners of war, and look for Oyster Plant on the shore.
A trip to Hoy (highest island in Orkney) crosses Scapa Flow, where Harbour Porpoise and Killer Whale have previously shown. We visit Rackwick and South Walls to see the Martello Tower of Longhope Bay, built around 1814.
Day 9 Fri:
From Stromness we take the 11:00 ferry (1 hour 30 mins.) to Scrabster. The southward journey takes us through the 'flow country' of Caithness via Melvich and Strath Halladale.
The tour terminates late afternoon on arrival at Inverness, with transfers provided to transport terminals or accommodation.
Cost: £1170...includes:
eight evening meals, seven nights b&b in twin rooms en suite; one night in a ‘superior’ two-berth or single cabin; packed lunches; all excursions (including ferries); transfers to and from transport terminals; guidance.
Excludes:
Mousa boat trip (c. £8); Noss boat cruise (c. £20); entrance to historic sites; breakfasts days 2 & 9.