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  • Simplyhike sale – save up to 60%

    Simplyhike sale – save up to 60%

    Huge range of tents now on sale in the Simplyhike sale department including lightweight tents, festival tents, pop ups tents and family tents all at super low sale prices.

    The Vango Drummond tent now on sale at Simplyhike
    The Vango Drummond tent now on sale at Simplyhike

    Grab a tent in our sale at bargain prices, great range of branded tents, end of line tents and overstock from well know names, such as; Easycamp, Vango, Robens and Coleman tents.

    Bargains are also available in other departments of the Simplyhike store, including; rucksacks, walking boots, camping equipment and sleeping bags.

    So get yourselves kitted out for your Orkney camping holiday with great deals from Simplyhike.

    Visit the Simplyhike website for more information.

  • Wild Camping in Orkney

    Wild Camping in Orkney

    Wild camping in Orkney is allowed, just as it is anywhere in Scotland but is is important to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access code.

    If you really want to find your inner explorer and wild side, there is nothing quite like camping in the wild.  As part of Scotland’s access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land.

    Wild camping in Orkney is a great way to experience the remote areas and may be the only option on some of the smaller Orkney islands.

    Ensure that when you wild camp in Orkney, you do so responsibly and follow the guidelines laid out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

    It is important that you leave the area as you found it.

    Wild campers should apply the good practice ‘leave-no-trace’ guidelines as detailed on Scotland’s Outdoor Access website.

    •     Avoid overcrowding by moving on to another location
    •     Carry a trowel to bury toilet waste and urinate well away from water courses
    •     Use a stove or leave no trace of any camp fire. Never cut down or damage trees
    •     Take away your rubbish and consider picking up other litter as well
    •     If in doubt, ask the landowner. Their advice might help you find a better camping spot.

    If you are not quite ready to go wild camping in Orkney, you can find a number of campsites and hostels around the islands with great facilities.

    More Info

    Outdoor Access Scotland website – Know the code before you go.  Everything you need to know before you go wild camping in Orkney.

  • Orkney Boat Hire

    Orkney Boat Hire

    Orkney boat hire will in most cases involve hiring or chartering a skippered vessel.  We have detailed some of the boat hire companies in Orkney that we know of.

    If you offer boat hire services on Orkney and would like a free listing on this page, please contact us.

    Sail Orkney

    Sail Orkney operates from its base at Kirkwall Marina offering Bareboat and Skippered Charters
    B D Kynoch Ltd, T/A Sail Orkney, Casa Nuestra, Blackhill Road, St Ola, Orkney, KW15 1FP.
    Tel/Fax: +44(0)1856878216      Mobile: +44(0)7786964087
    Email: brian@sailorkney.co.uk

    Groats Charters

    Capable of cruising at 16 knots, the boat is skippered by her owner, Harvey Groat, a Shapinsay resident with over 20 years experience in Orkney waters. Harvey is a member of the National Federation of Chartered Skippers.
    Tel/Fax: 01856 711254 or 07884 470600

    The Merkister Hotel

    Merkister is probably best known for its fishing. The resident ghillie can organise anything from the hire of a boat, tuition for the novice angler, right up to your own personal fishing agenda.
    Merkister Hotel, Harray Loch, Harray, Orkney, KW17 2LF
    Tel: 01856 771366

    SeaOrkney

    Charter the Nicky Tam, an MCA coded, 8 metre Jeanneau fast cruiser to take you to and from islands.  Admire the breathtaking scenery and wildlife including birds and seals.
    Tel: 07808 811819.

  • Shows & Festivals

    Orkney plays host to many events and festivals throughout the year with opportunities to enjoy traditional, jazz, country and classical music.

    Oat fields of Orkney
    Oat fields of Orkney

    The St. Magnus Festival is Orkney’s midsummer celebration of the arts, often featuring international artists, theatre, poetry and exhibitions.

    Orkney has a very strong farming community and this is reflected in the many agricultural shows that take place in the first and second weeks of August.

    This culminates with the County Show which is the biggest event in the Orcadian agricultural calendar.

    You can find details of the major events and shows via our Spirit of Orkney sister site.

  • Orkney Car Hire

    Orkney Car Hire

    If you need to hire a car for your Orkney holiday, we have compiled details of local car and van hire companies to choose from.

    Orkney Car Hire and Van Rental

    Car hire & van rental offering daily rates and listing fleet information and rates.
    Junction Rd, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands KW15 1JY
    01856 872866

    W.R Tulloch Orkney Car Rental

    Orkney agent for Europcar and Avis, with availability and online booking.
    Castle Garage, Castle St, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1HD
    Tel: 01856 875500 – Fax: 01856 874458
    Email: info@wr-tullock.co.uk

    Drive Orkney Car and Van Hire

    Variious sizes of cars available. Free delivery within the Kirkwall area. Free airport transfers. Free child booster and safety seats.
    Vehicles can be driven both on and off the Orkney Islands. Secure online Reservations. No Extra Driver Charge. Van and Minibus Hire.
    Hatston Ind Estate- Kirkwall- Orkney- KW15 1RE
    Tel- 01856 877551- Fax 01856 870001

    A1 Car Hire Orkney

    A well established car hire and vehicle rental business, having been in the business for more than 18 years. We pride ourselves in our high standards and customer satisfaction.
    Colin Gregg Cars, Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall, Orkney, UK, KW15 1RE
    Telephone: (01856) 870900     Mobile: 07721 870900
    Email: anna@colingreggcars.co.uk

    Stromness Car Hire

    Friendly local service will ensure your Orkney trip will get off to a good start, giving you the freedom to explore our wonderful islands at your own pace.  A variety of quality cars at prices to suit your needs, and you can even book online using our secure booking form to guarantee your car hire availability.
    NORMAN W BRASS, Self Drive Car Hire, Blue Star Garage, North End Road, Stromness, Orkney, KW16 3AG
    Tel: 01856 850850/ Fax: 01856 850985
    Email: info@nwbrass.co.uk

  • Orkney Cycle Hire

    Orkney Cycle Hire

    Orkney is a great place for cycling and includes part of Sustrans’ National Route 1. A long distance cycle route from Dover to Shetland.

    Some of the Orkney hostels and campsites offer cycle hire facilities but this service is also available from specialist Orkney cycle hire providers.

    Orkney Cycle Hire

    Touring hybrid bikes, Mountain Bikes.
    Adult bikes have rear carrier racks, Panier bags available at no extra cost. Free safety helmet available. Special rates for families and groups.
    54 Dundas Street, Stromness, Orkney.  Tel: +44(0)1856 850255.

    Cycle Orkney

    Cycle Orkney has a range of bicycles for hire at attractive rates. Prices include locks and helmets where applicable. All adult bikes have mudguards and racks, Discounted rates are available for rentals of over 3 days or more.  Also available is a tandem for rent and a tag-a-long.
    Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AQ.
    Tel 01856 875777. Fax 01856 876832.
    Email: cycleorkney@btconnect.com

    More info

    Cycling Orkney books and maps

    Sustrans Cycle Route 1

     

  • Cycle Orkney

    Cycle Orkney has a range of bicycles for hire at attractive rates.

    All prices include helmets, locks etc, although we do encourage you to bring your own helmet if possible.

    All adult bikes have mudguards and racks, we also have a small supply of panniers but again we do encourage you to bring your own if  possible. Discounted rates are available for rentals of over a week.

    We can provide suggested routes and route maps. Also available is a tandem for rent and a tag-a-long.

    E.mail: cycleorkney@btconnect.com

  • Travel Around Orkney

    Travel Around Orkney

    Travel around Orkney with a number of coach or taxi companies or visit the outlying islands using the Flybe air or Orkney Ferry services.

    The outer islands of Orkney have an addictive attraction.  Some are inhabited and others are a unique haven for wildlife.

    The southern isles of Burray and South Ronaldsay are linked by the Churchill Barriers and all of the other Orkney islands are easy to get to by air or sea.

    Orkney Ferries operate services from Kirkwall, Stromness, Tingwall and Houton.

    Loganair gives access by air to six of the islands.

    You can even hire or take your own private charter and cruise the islands’ bays.

    Useful information

    Air Travel

    Flybe – Loganair Ltd

    Tel: 01856 872494 or 873457.  E.mail: orkneyres@loganair.co.uk

    Sea Travel

    Orkney Ferries Ltd

    Operating between the mainland and 13 orkney islands
    Tel: 01856 872044.  E.mail: info@orkneyferries.co.uk

    Taxis

    Bob’s Taxis – Kirkwall

    Taxi and 7 seater available. Airport transfers. Tours to local sites of interest. Left luggage facility.  Full disabled access.
    Tel: 01856 876543  Fax: 01856 877558

    Brass’s Taxis – Stromness

    Taxis and private hire, 6-8 seater cars. Airport and ferry transfers. Contract work. Tours. Delivery courier service
    Tel: +44 (0)1856 850 750
    Email: brass_taxis@yahoo.co.uk

    Buses / Coaches

    Stagecoach

    Operate bus services all around the island.  Also coach hire and tours in the summer.
    Tel: 01856 870340 / 871515   e.mail: highland.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com

    Maynes Coaches Ltd

    Luxury coaches to handle the incoming tourist market as well as undertake local hires within the islands.
    Ferry and air port transfers.
    Tel: 01856 831333   Fax: 01542 833572.  E.mail: info@maynes.co.uk

    Disabled Transport

    Orkney Disability Forum & Dial a Bus

    Disabled transport, wheelchairs and shop mobility scooters.
    Tel: 01856 870340/871515.   E.mail: info@odforkney.com

    Tourist Information

    Eday Tourist Association
    Sanday Tourist Association
    Visit Rousay
    Westray & Papa Westray Tourist Association

  • Travelling to Orkney

    Travelling to Orkney

    Travelling to Orkney has never been easier, the Islands are easily accessible by Air and sea.

    Pentalina
    Pentalina

    Ferry services from Aberdeen, Gill’s Bay, John O’ Groats and Scrabster sail regularly to the island taking passengers by car, motorhome, motorcycle, bicycle and of course on foot.

    One of the shortest crossings from Gill’s Bay to St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay only takes an hour with Pentland Ferries.

    Rail links into Scotland provide an easy alternative for those who wish to leave their vehicles behind.

    By air you can take in stunning views of the islands, with Flybe flights (operated by Loganair) from the major British airports and good inbound links from European and North American destinations.

    CityLink operate buses from the main Scottish bus stations to Aberdeen and Thurso/Scrabster that connect with the NorthLink Ferries service.

    The Orkney Bus provides direct express travel from Inverness through to Kirkwall, (May to September) connecting with the John O’Groat’s Ferries.

    Flybe aircraft
    Flybe aircraft

    The local buses operate a service between Thurso and Gill’s Bay connecting with Pentland Ferries.

    Buses/Coaches

    Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd www.citylink.co.uk 08705 50 50 50

    The Orkney Bus in partnership with John O’Groats Ferries www.jogferry.co.uk (01955) 611 353

    The Orkney Express, (01856) 870555

    By Sea

    John O’Groats Ferries Ltd www.jogferry.co.uk (01955) 611 353

    NorthLink Ferries www.northlinkferries.co.uk 0845 6000 449
    Please note photographic ID is required for travelling with Northlink Ferries.

    Pentland Ferries have 3 to 4 sailings per day depending on season from Gills Bay and St. Margaret’s Hope.
    Pentland Ferries www.pentlandferries.co.uk (01856) 831 226

    By Air

    Flybe operated by Loganair, flights to Kirkwall, www.flybe.com, tel 0871 7002000

    Kirkwall Airport. www.hial.co.uk/kirkwall-airport.html (01856) 886210

    Travel Agents

    Tour operator run many specialist packages. Some of these operators have special interest packages.

    Ridgway Travel & Holiday Centre www.ridgwaytravel.co.uk (01856) 873359
    The Orkney travel specialist.

    Orcadian Wildlife www.orcadianwildlife.co.uk (01856) 831 240
    Orkney birdwatching, wildlife and culture holidays. Self catering also available.

    Orkney Archaeology Tours www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk (01856) 721 450
    Holidays, short breaks and tours led by professional archaeologists and guides.

    Orkney Arts Adventures www.rosecrossing.com (USA 001) 516 978 2260
    Cultural immersion travel. Workshops with the arts and history.

    Orkney Island Holidays www.orkneyislandholidays.com (01856) 711 373
    Guided holidays and tours with island experts.

    Scottish Cycling Holidays www.scotcycle.co.uk (01250) 876100
    Specialists in self-led, group & tailor made tours to all parts of Scotland.

    John Leask & Son www.leaskstravel.co.uk (01595) 693 162
    Discover orkney and Shetland with a specialist family run company.

    Wildabout Orkney Tours www.wildaboutorkney.com (01856) 851 011
    Unique personal guided tours with professional accredited orkney tour guide, Naturalist and Historian.

    McKinlay Kidd www.seescotlanddifferently.co.uk/scottish-island-holidays/45/ (+44) 8707 60 60 27
    We design short breaks, celebration trips and tailormade self drive holidays to Orkney.

    Orkney Marinas www.orkneymarinas.co.uk (01856) 871313
    Secure, affordable, serviced pontoon berthing with a wide range of onshore facilities for visiting boast in 3 marinas at Kirkwall, Stromness and Westray.

    Tour Orkney & Shetland www.tourorkneyshetland.co.uk (01856) 87 6566
    Specialising in quality group tours, guiding services, inclusive holidays and shore excursions.

    Scotsell Holidays & myguide Britain, www.visitislands.co.uk (0141) 5308598
    Scotsell for Specialising in individual self drive holidays throughout Scotland, including Orkney.

     

    More detailed travel information can be found on the official Orkney tourist website www.visitorkney.com