Orkney

Tour Code: GBR25

A 7-day tour to enjoy the history and natural history of the Orkney Islands.

£1,895

Land Only
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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary 21 Tour Reports
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Highlights

  • Look for Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl & Red-throated Diver
  • Enjoy remote moorlands & their wildlife
  • Stone circles & ancient settlements on Orkney Mainland
  • Spectacular seabird cliffs at Noup Head on Westray
  • Grey & Common Seals, Otter & Orkney Vole all possible
  • Rare plant specialities
  • Led by a Naturetrek naturalist
  • 6-night stay in a comfortable Kirkwall hotel

Summary

On this single-centre holiday we will seek out the varied wildlife and sample the ancient history of this fascinating group of islands, which are just a short hop from the Scottish mainland but retain their own identity. Based in the island capital, Kirkwall, we will make daily excursions on the Orkney Mainland and on one day will take a ferry trip to the northern isle of Westray. We will enjoy both the island’s renowned antiquities, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and its spectacular wildlife - from the huge seabird colonies of Noup Head on Westray to the moorland specialities such as Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl; and there’s also a possibility of encountering Otters and the endemic Orkney Vole. We will not ignore the island’s flora as we seek out specialities such as the extremely localised Scottish Primrose and Oyster Plant.

As well as taking time to enjoy some of Orkney's famous Neolithic antiquities such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe, we will be focusing on its wildlife from our base in Kirkwall on 'Mainland' (the largest island). The islands' special seabirds include Fulmar, Shag, Great and Arctic Skuas, Arctic Tern, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Kittiwake and Puffin. We will also be hoping to see raptors such as Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and Short-eared Owl. We'll enjoy the drumming of Snipe, and northern specialities such as Rock Dove, Twite and Raven. Other highlights may include Grey and Common Seals, the endemic Orkney Vole and the Scottish Primrose.

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Arrive Kirkwall
Day
2
Westray
Days
3 - 6
Orkney Mainland
Day
7
Depart Kirkwall

What's Included?

Food

Half-board (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). Lunches are extra (usually a packed lunch or a stop in a café).

Accommodation

The Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall

Reviews

JB, Natural History Society of Northumbria, Oct 2025

Despite very cold and windy weather, we had a wonderful time. We saw over 80 bird species and saw stunning cliffs full of nesting birds, beautiful beaches and the famous Scottish Primrose. Our guide was extremely knowledgable not just about wildlife but also the historical aspects of the Orkneys. This was the perfect first trip for us after lockdown. Naturetrek were extremely helpful with any queries, and assisted us with our travel arrangements to the Orkneys. All the information provided about the tour was very detailed and clear. The trip offered very good value for money. They acknowledged the feedback we provided following the trip.

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L.W., Dumfries and Galloway, June 25, Jul 2025

I had a wonderful time exploring the flora and fauna of Orkney, to be found among the archaeological gems of Scara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness. I was absolutely delighted to find the wee Scottish primrose in bloom and also to enjoy watching the Great Yellow Bumblebee busy feeding on the nectar of the beautiful geraniums. A joy for all the senses! Naturetrek is an exceptionally good tour operator. Knowledgeable and highly experienced guides go the extra mile to ensure all group members enjoy a super trip.

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M.C, Cumbria, May25, Jun 2025

Our guide Mick was calm, informative chatty and knowledgeable, he did everything to ensure we maximised opportunities for sightings. A really good mix of locations, wildlife (birding) and history.

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Dates & Prices

2027

Land Only

£1,895

Tour Leader
Mick Durham
Mick Durham
Mick trained as an English and Outdoor Education teacher and spent much of his working life teaching a range of activities such as mountaineering and climbing, canoeing, orienteering and camping in a local authority centre in North Wales.
Read more about Mick

2028

Land Only

£1,995

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

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