orkney day trips from thurso

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Day Tours from Thurso - Orkney Islands Forum

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Day Tours from Thurso

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I will be part of a group of 10 travelling through Scotland in May, 2017. We will be staying 2 nights in Thurso and wondering which Orkney Day Tour to choose. There is one leaving from Scrabster, (Wildabout Orkney), and one leaving from John O Groats. The one leaving from Scrabster is considerably more expensive, but is much closer to Thurso. Would appreciate advice.

They are both much and such the same. They will take in the same sights the island has to offer. The crossing from John O Groats is on a much smaller passanger only boat, but is also quicker. The outing from Scrabster will take you over on the Hamnavoe. Regardless you will be picked up by coach on the other side.

Can I ask why Orkney? Do you have plans to explore the Thurso area more?

Is there any particular reason you are staying 2 nights in Thurso? Why not stay in Scrabster or John O'Groats. Also, when we were there in May most of the people we spoke to had done the tour from John O and all said it was a great day out. Cheers

Personally I'd head for the boat less likely to be cancelled due to bumpy seas. Thurso makes a handy touring base for a couple of nights and Orkney is stunning!

Totally agree with 'Purple C' - Orkney is stunning and deserves more than one day. We had 5 days and that still wasn't enough

If it works out with your large group to have more time in Orkney there is a whole lot to see there. I'd think more than there is in Thurso, but I didn't get over that way. We did two nights in Kirkwall and could have done more.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Orkney Islands Hotels and Places to Stay

John O’Groats Ferry

Gateway to the orkney islands.

John O’Groats is the gateway to the Orkney Islands. With a crossing that’s only 40 minutes, you’ll soon be enjoying these spectacular  islands – voted the second best islands in the UK by TripAdvisor, 2014.

Or try a day tour, and see a wealth of wildlife – from seabirds to marine mammals.

For more information, visit John O’Groats Ferries or use the links below.

Step on board and explore more details at the John O'Groats Ferries Facebook

Wildlife Cruises

Orkney day tours.

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Ferry Scrabster to Orkney – Tips + Photos of cliffs and Old Man of Hoy

Last updated on November 24, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

The Northern Isles of Scotland are wild and rich in Nordic history. On the Ferry to Orkney, you are already rewarded with views of magnificent cliffs and of the Old Man of Hoy, one of the most famous sea stacks in Scotland.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

• Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
• Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
• Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
• Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel

PLANNING TIPS – Ferry to Orkney

Ferry to orkney.

• The ferry from mainland only goes to Mainland Orkney, you have to take other ferries from the main island to reach the other Orkney islands
• The ferry to Orkney leaves from Scrabster (near Thurso) and arrives at Stromness (South West of Mainland Orkney).

• The ferry is operated by NorthLink Ferries – 3 times a day during weekdays of Peak season and otherwise twice a day – find out their schedule here .
• Scrabster is a 3-hour drive from Inverness and once on the island Stromness is a 30-min drive from Kirkwall
• The ferry ride from Scrabster to Stromness takes 1h30 on water but 2h30 with boarding and arrival.
• If you take the ferry to Orkney at 6:30am you can board the evening before between 9:30pm and 11:30pm if you book a cabin ( Hamnavoe B&B offer )
• You can do a day trip to Orkney by taking the 6:30am in and the 7PM return ferries. It will leave you 9 hours on the island – or you can stay overnight, or longer.
• To plan your stay, check out my article about the things to do in Orkney
• Once on Mainland Orkney, the ferries to the Orkney islands such as Hoy or Westray are operated by Orkney Ferries . (Learn more about the various Scottish Islands )

The Ferry Boat to Mainland Orkney

Access to the ferry to Orkney is easy. Even in the fog, there is no difficulty to reach the terminal. Just stay in your car, show your registration at the booth and queue to board.

The facilities inside the NorthLink Ferry to Orkney are quite nice. Not all is always open, but there are shop, bars, restaurant and lounge for those who want to upgrade.

Seats are conformable and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food in the restaurant (considering you are on a boat).

If you want privacy you can also book a cabin.

There is a large viewing platform at the back which is quite empty when it rains but is completely full on a sunny day. You have to fight to see anything…

There are also smaller side outer areas.

The cliffs of the Orkney Isle of Hoy

As you can see on the map above, the ferry to Orkney gets close to the Isle of Hoy. Its North West Head displays steep wild cliffs.

The Isle of Hoy is the second largest in the Orkney archipelago (143 km2 / 55mi2). Some of its sea cliffs reach a height of 350 meters. Hoy is also famous for its abundant birdlife.

Below are photos of the Hoy cliffs:

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The Old Man of Hoy

The most famous location on the Isle of Hoy is the Old Man of Hoy. It is a 137m high sea stack (449ft) on the North West Coast of the island.

You can see it very well and for a long time from the ferry to Orkney.

The Old Man of Hoy is made of red sandstone and was created by erosion sometime around 1750. It is separated from the island by 60 meters (200ft).

It is very popular with climbers and can also be admired from the island. But the best view is from the ferry. Good to see it before it collapses into the sea.

Below are some photos of the Old Man of Hoy from the Scrabster – Stromness ferry to Orkney taken on a foggy day and then on a clear day:

Arrival in Stromness, Orkney

The ferry ride goes very fast with such beauty to see. It is then time to arrive at Mainland Orkney, right in the town of Stromness.

Once in Stromness, it is a quick drive to some magnificent wild cliffs such as Yesnaby or significant historical sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar , the Standing Stones of Stenness …

Want to see more? Here are other amazing things to do on Orkney:

• The fascinating Ring of Brodgar – read article
• The impressive Standing Stones of Stenness – read article
• The pink St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall – read article
• The Earl’s and Bishop palaces – read article
• The Broch of Gurness by the sea – read article
• The ancient village of Skara Brae – read article
• The beautiful Yesnaby Cliffs – read article
• Or enjoy my complete article about the best things to do in Orkney

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my travel guide to help you plan it:

Plan your dream trip in Scotland thanks to my guide

• 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 170+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 170+ original photos to help you choose

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide .

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Orkney Discovery - 3 day tour

Orkney Discovery 3 day / 2 night tour

The captivating Orkney Islands boast ancient treasures and a colourful Viking legacy. On this tour, you will have the chance to visit two of the most famous prehistoric sites - the stone-age village of Skara Brae and the burial chamber of Maeshowe. Learn the naval history of Scapa Flow and see the intricate workmanship of the Italian Chapel. There is so much to discover on this memorable 3-day tour.

Northern Highlands - see the rolling countryside, stunning seascapes and historic fishing villages which hug the coast as we head for the Far North

Italian Chapel - visit this moving legacy from World War II

Skara Brae - step back 5,000 years to explore this prehistoric village  

Kirkwall - enjoy a two-night stay in the bustling capital of the Orkney Islands

Ring of Brodgar - explore the magical stones that make up this impressive circle

Movie locations - Venus Peter, The Silver Darlings and Winter Solstice

Guest house accommodation included

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Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Inverness - Scapa Flow - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

We bid farewell to Inverness and make our way northwards through the Black Isle then over the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths.

Look out for the resident seals when we reach Loch Fleet Nature Reserve .

We continue our drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. This attractive route is known as the North Coast 500 and contains some of Europe's oldest landscapes.

At Gills Bay, we board the ferry for the short crossing of the Pentland Firth to the historic Orkney islands .

On our arrival, it is a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel , where few will fail to be moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoners of war who crafted this place of worship from a humble Nissen hut.

Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both World Wars.

The Viking stronghold of Kirkwall is our home for the next 2 nights.

Overnight: Kirkwall (2 nights)

Day 2 - Exploring the Orkney Islands

Orkney is home to many outstanding historical treasures, including a group of Neolithic monuments that are of such importance that they have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .

Our itinerary starts with a visit to Maeshowe , a magnificent tomb built almost 5,000 years ago. Using massive stones, its construction was indeed a feat of engineering. During your tour, look out for the Viking graffiti, which daters from the 12 th Century.

The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle that once comprised of 60 megaliths. Today with 27 stones still standing, some over 5 metres tall, it takes little imagination to visualise the extent of this historic monument.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe. On our visit, see the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present such a remarkable insight into Neolithic life.

The day will finish with a visit to the impressive St Magnus Cathedral , one of Europe’s outstanding architectural achievements and over 800 years old.

Day 3 - Kirkwall - Helmsdale - Inverness

This morning, we have a relaxed start with free time to shop for a last-minute souvenir before heading for the ferry.

It's a 60-minute crossing of the Pentland Firth, and during the journey, we may well pass whirlpools and eddies, depending on the tides and winds. One such whirlpool just north of Stroma is the Swelkie which, according to Viking legend, is caused by a sea witch turning the mill wheels to grind the salt to keep the sea salty.

On our arrival on the mainland, we travel through the fishing villages that hug this storm-swept coastline. These attractive communities are a reminder of the importance of the Herring fishing industry during the 19th Century.

As we travel through Helmsdale , which sits at the mouth of the River Helmsdale, one of the best Salmon fishing rivers in Scotland, you'll hear some of the heart-breaking stories that are connected with the Highland Clearances .

On the outskirts of Golspie, we will stop at magnificent Dunrobin Castle , the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

You'll have the chance to visit the castle to see some of the 189 rooms which house a collection of paintings, silver and furniture. There will also be the opportunity to take a walk in the formal gardens, the venue for the popular falconry display. 

From Golspie, we cross the Dornoch, Cromarty and Moray firths once more and make our way back to Inverness, where our tour ends. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this signature multi-day tour.

For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.

All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.

Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight too.

If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.

You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.

Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.

On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.

A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay. 

What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?

To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:

Italian Chapel Maeshowe Skara Brae Dunrobin Castle

If you click on the links above they will provide you with more information on each attraction including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.

Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.

Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?

Seating on this tour is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be pre-booked.

If you are travelling as part of a group please make sure that all members of the party arrive at the departure point together.

What meals are included ?

A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards.

This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.

Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.

During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner. 

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 2 nights guest house or hotel accommodation
• Location: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands (2) 
• Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)

Tour Essentials

• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
• Ferry to the Orkney Islands
• Live commentary in English
• Services of an experienced driver/guide
• Service charges and taxes
• Admission charges
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide

Departure information

25 Union Street Inverness IV1 1LT

Check-in: 07:45 hrs Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs

Child details

Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.

We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.

Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.  

Price Notes

Book Assured Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information .

Accommodation The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with an en-suite bathroom. 

Luggage Allowance One medium-sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)

Admission Prices In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. 

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code   HEX 00770

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas

Customer Reviews Overall Rating:

We packed a lot into a few days. Some I could have skipped, but I understand that not everyone on a tour has the same enthusiasms. Our driver and guide was seemingly inexhaustible and very good natured. It was a terrific way to see the Orkneys. So glad I went with the tour rather than driving myself. I would highly recommend it.

Cameron was unfailingly cheerful and patient, as well as informative. I enjoyed the tour very much. Another time I would choose accommodation that included a restaurant, or was closer to town. At the end of a very long day with lots of walking, and in the rain, didn't enjoy having to walk ten or fifteen minutes to find a restaurant.

We really enjoyed the tour. The weather was great - what we expected for the time of the year- misty! The tour guides were great and knew their stuff, and were great company. They went out of their way to show us a couple of things that weren't on the itinerary. Enjoyable and great value for money.

6 day tour from £ 1495.00

3 day tour from £ 510.00

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Orkney Islands Tours & Trips

Located just above Scotland 's mainland, the Orkney Islands are a feast for the eye and offer a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Apart from seal colonies and tall cliffs, scattered all over the islands, one can see plenty of sites dating back to the Neolithic era. Kirkwall is the capital city of the archipelago and also the largest settlement.

49 Orkney Islands tour packages with 937 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness

This feedback is on how very much I enjoyed Helen’s touring with us. She is a history expert and so knew an answer to all my questions. But not only: she knew about lots of things and talked about many different things. She’s a good storyteller, she tells everything in exciting way and I can see she loves her Job and she is so much in good mood to keep all our spirits high. Also if we were many single persona we had a good time for Helen made us feel a group. And I wish to make soon another Rabbie tour! Thanks Helen!

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)

The tour around Scotland exceeded all expectations. The Tour Director kept us entertained with the history, myths and songs of the region as we were driven through the beautiful countryside. Highlights were the Edinburgh Tattoo and the Isle of Skye - such a beautiful experience.

5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Jim our driver made our tour the best we could ever wish for, he was very informative and answered any questions we had. I can highly recommend .

Orkney & The Far North

Perfect tour,guide.accomodation,meals.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days

I had 2 issues: 1- the tour states that 4nights accomodation were included, however when I got to the last night of accomodation at Lochview Guest House, the manager made me pay £120. She would not provide a receipt since she said that would go to Rabbies Tour group. I will need £120 reimbursement. 2- my emails stated that the operator was “on the go” but my tour operator was actually Rabbies. This made it confusing when I was waiting for the bus initially.

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander (13 Days)

Excellent tour and guide.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Country Roads of Scotland (Small Groups, 9 Days)

• Sightseeing

Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities (13 Days)

Scottish Highlands & Islands

Guide Margerie and Driver Allister excellent. The tour occasionally strenuous; bus rides whole day. Bus quite confortable; Wi-Fi appreciated. Expected more meals included. Big Tour group - 44 Pax - a bit too many for my taste. When I inquired I was told max will be 35.....for me more acceptable. Hotel's fine except Isle of Skye: "Dunollie"- I had a claustrophobic room; no idea where to put my suitcase. After all the add. single room supplement is not little. Itinerary very interesting.

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days

Scottish Highland Fling

Very much liked the places we went but would be better in a longer tour, became difficult to enjoy the trip at that pace. Guide was mostly knowledgeable but personally I would have preferred a quieter presentation. Definitely could do without the political diatribes.....

Scotland's North Coast & Islands

Scenic Scotia

• Ocean Cruise

Vikings of the North Sea

What people love about orkney islands tours.

Seana, faced with having to tell us the Orkney Tour was cancelled while in progress, managed our disappointment, sorted things out for the 2 wishing to leave, and then proceeded to guide us on an incredible 3 day replacement North Coast 500 (538!) tour, backwards :) She was passionate and impressive with her intimate and widespread knowledge and love for every inch of the tour, places, geography, history, tales, music - and magical with it's delivery throughout the tour. Professional yet fun, delightful smiling eyes, expert driver! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and would travel with Seana again and again :) Thank you Seana!

We had a fantastic and thorough tour experience of Country Roads of Scotland with our Tour Director Greg Colgin. He gave us a holiday to always look back on with very fond memories. In nine days on the road we saw more and did more than expected. The Optional Experiences amped up the energy required but thank good goodness we bought in. Greg has a strong knowledge of Scotland's history, other points of interest and proudly talked about the stunning countryside. We appreciated hearing about Scotland's music artists and movie and book titles we might find later. Greg has a nice manner, is very energized and engages easily with others. Les our coach driver was very responsible behind the wheel and the coach vehicle was extremely comfortable. Would do it again!

• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Orkneyinseln Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Îles Orcades
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Islas Orcadas
• Nederlands: Orkney-eilanden Rondreizen

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Orkney Tours

Tailor-made orkney tours, our google reviews , ‘the perfect orkney tour’.

Orkney’s Ancient Echoes:

The neolithic tour.

Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Orkney. Our Neolithic Tour offers a curated experience, unveiling the mysteries and stories of a bygone era. As you traverse the iconic landscapes, you’ll encounter remnants of a civilization that once thrived on these shores, leaving behind awe-inspiring structures that stand as a testament to their ingenuity and spirit.

Orkney’s Norse Legacy: The Viking Tour

Step into the world of the Norsemen and uncover the Viking heritage that has left an indelible mark on Orkney’s cultural and historical landscape. Our Viking Tour offers a captivating journey through time, retracing the steps of the seafaring warriors and settlers who once called these islands home. As you explore, you’ll encounter tales of conquest, settlement, and integration, revealing how the Vikings have shaped Orkney’s identity.

Orkney’s Echoes of War: The Wartime Tour

Orkney, with its strategic location, has been a silent witness to many pivotal moments in wartime history. Our Wartime Tour offers a poignant journey through these echoes of the past, revealing the stories, sacrifices, and resilience of the people who lived through these turbulent times. As you traverse the islands, you’ll encounter remnants of wartime Orkney, from the Churchill Barriers to the touching Italian Chapel, each site a testament to human spirit and ingenuity.

Orkney’s Coastal Chronicles: The Cruise Day Tour

Orkney, a tapestry of history and natural beauty, beckons travellers from all corners of the world. For those arriving on the shores of Orkney via cruise, our Cruise Day Tour promises a whirlwind journey through time and landscape. With the limited hours a cruise stopover provides, we’ve meticulously crafted a tour that encapsulates the essence of Orkney, ensuring you leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Orkney’s Culinary Journey: Food & Drink Tours

Orkney’s green revolution: renewable energy tour.

Dive deep into Orkney’s commitment to a sustainable future with our bespoke Renewable Energy Tour. This curated journey, spanning either a day or an entire week, offers an insightful exploration of the island’s significant renewable energy landmarks. Travel in style and with a clear conscience in our all-electric, eco-friendly Mercedes Evito.

We’re accredited by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, so you’re in for an enlightening experience that showcases Orkney’s pioneering efforts in the realm of renewable energy.

More about our tours

Our luxury Mercedes tour vehicle seats eight passengers. It is fully electric, so not only is it comfortable, it is quiet and environmentally friendly. It is fully licensed, has lots of luggage space and phone charging facilities.

As all our tours are tailor made, prices are on request. All prices are for the vehicle and guide, and include pick-ups and drop-offs for up to eight passengers. Lunches and entrance fees are extra. We use online payment methods and can accept payment from any credit card, PayPal, bank transfer and payment by phone.

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THE BEST Day Trips from Thurso

Day trips from thurso.

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Half-Day Trip in Orkney

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Around Caithness

Day trip to orkney.

The Orkney Islands are a popular tourist attraction, and rightly so. Not only is it a beautiful island filled with friendly locals and interesting activities, it continues to be a historic marvel. The Orkney Islands are most famous for its Italian Chapel built during World War 2 by Italian POWs, who were sent to Camp 60 in 1942 on Orkney to build Churchill Barriers to block access to Scapa Flow. With limited materials it was built by having to Nissen huts put end to end, and the interior was most notably painted by a prisoner from Moena, Domenico Chiocchetti, who stayed behind after the prisoners were made free to leave to finish the job. Another famous attraction is Skara Brae , which is a stone built Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill. It is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, and was occupied around 3180 BCE - 2500 BCE. Due to its continued excellent preservation it has become known as the Scottish Pompeii.

Day trips to Orkney are made available on the  John O'Groats and  Scrabster ferry .

There are plenty of opportunities to see Caithness wildlife, but most popular is the wildlife cruise across the Pentland Firth . When you set off from Gills Bay, you will see the Stroma and Swona islands where common and grey seals can be seen lazing on the shore, and if you look carefully enough then you will be able to catch glimpses of the now famous feral cattle. Depending on the time of year, while passing across the Pentland Firth, a variety of sea life can be found. Most commonly are the porpoises, orca, dolphins, whales, and on the rare occasion during the summer there have even been sights of basking sharks. For bird watches, this gives you the chance to see close up bird colonies of a variety of birds including puffins, fulmars, great skua, guillemots, gannets, razor bills, and many others.

More locally it is common for otters to be seen swimming lazily in the rivers of both Thurso and Wick, however if you take a drive through the countryside then more types of birds can be found and deer are very common in areas with trees.

Castles and History

From Thurso you can visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey . Dating back to the 16th Century, it is one of the region's most popular tourist attractions and remains to be a striking architectural achievement and a fascinating day out. There is also the 13th Century  Dunrobin Castle at Golspie, where viewings of the castle and gardens make for a fun day out for all the family. It has become most popular for its daily demonstrations of birds of prey where a range of native and exotic animals can be found in an enjoyable show. If you would rather spend the day staying locally then the local museum,  Caithness Horizons , allows you to relive history in an interesting exhibit, and also has a gallery and cafe available to relax in. Lesser known but just as interesting is Mary Ann Calder's cottage out by Dunnet Head. Dating back to the 19th Century the cottage is located on a croft. Often mistaken as a museum, the croft has all its originally documents, furniture, artifacts and fittings, making this more of an authentic social document, which gives an excellent insight into the way people lived and the way crofts worked in the 19th Century.

Day trips across the North

Wick, Tongue and Dunnet Head are all very easy days trips, with Helmsdale being a beautiful drive through gold prospecting country to see history and art brought to life at ' Timespan '. If you have not driven up to the hotel or would rather not take the car then there is plenty of public transport made available so getting to where you want to go will be easy going.

The Coast and Day Trips

From Thurso there is easy access to tours through Durness  to Cape Wrath and across to Ullapool on the west coast, or to Dornoch Firth on the east coast. They are all easy going day trips whether you want to drive or take public transport. Not only will you be able to enjoy the experience of visiting these places but the scenery on the road makes the journeys all worthwhile.

Surfing, Golfing, Fishing

Caithness is known best for our wide range of outdoor activities. In particular Thurso is famous for our excellent swells, perfect for going surfing. Surfers from all over the world surf in Thurso, perhaps what they enjoy is the sparsely populated area meaning there is a chance of surfing on their own or even with a few seals. In Thurso we also have the Pentland Canoe Club, which enjoys most forms of paddling due to the Caithness environment. Also available are chances for going diving and exploring the popular scenic and wreck sites, or perhaps white water rafting is more your style, where you will take a tour in the Pentland Firth and enjoy a scenic route and ride through standing waves and waterfalls. Lesser known in Caithness are the opportunities to go climbing. Areas made available in the north are at Latheronwheel, Mid Clyth, Sarclet, Occumster, and Noss.

Perhaps more widely known in Caithness is fishing. Fishing digs deep into our heritage in Caithness and continues to be one of the most pastimes available. There are a wide range of fishing areas waiting to be explored. For more on fishing visit Wick's local fishing shop, Hugo Ross .

If golfing is what you prefer then there are also many different courses to make the most of, all of which are thoroughly enjoyed by both tourists and the locals.

For something different but lots of fun for all the family Wick offers you the chance to go on an exciting adventure around the seacoast. You will be taken out on their Geo Explorer to give you the opportunity to visit a vast array of ruined castles and learn about their dark histories, to see birds and marine animals up close, explore caves, visit Whaligoe steps, and other superb activities.

And if that isn't enough then the Geopark offers the chance to explore Scotland's three and a half billion years journey through time. Here you can discover old rocks and classic hills like Suilven and Stac Pollaidh. In amongst the wildest places, take a chance to breathe it all in. Bag a munro by scaling Ben Hope and take in the magnificent view across the Kyle of Tongue and far west to Lochinver.

There is also an excellent chance that you will come across the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon brightens up our dark skies beautifully. To view this gorgeous sight, these videos were taken in Caithness.

Riverside · Wick Caithness · KW1 4NL +44 (0)1955 603344

Main Street · Castletown Near Thurso · KW14 8TP +44 (0)1847 821656

Princes Street · Thurso Caithness · KW14 7AA +44 (0)1847 893202

My Itchy Travel Feet

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Day Trip to the Orkney Islands

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Is a day trip to the Orkney Islands on your to do list? I’m attracted to the off-the-beaten-path travel destination, although I’ve yet to visit.

My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander from ByLanderSea , recently explored Scotland . She’s here to share her experience on an Orkney day trip.

Slow travel allows for unplanned adventures and that is what Judy, my travel buddy and I found on a Scotland road trip . When we reached Inverness , we signed up for a 14-hour day-trip to the remote Orkney Islands, knowing we’d likely never get another chance.

The Orkney’s, an archipelago of 70 small islands in the North Sea, off the northeastern coast of Scotland, have a mysterious appeal.

Table of Contents

Day Trip to the Orkney Islands begins

Up before dawn, we boarded a bus for the four-hour drive to John O’Groats, the furthest point from Land’s End in the southwest of England. While the ride is long, the spectacular scenery more than makes up for the inconvenience of sitting. I’d have made many stops if making the trip by car.

Mandatory photos of the John O’Groats mile marker were all we saw of the city before grabbing some lunch. The group then caught the ferry for a 40-minute crossing of the Pentland Firth, one that proved to be a wild and rough ride. Onto mini buses, we skirted to Kirkwall , the capital and largest city of the Orkneys.

Boomer Travel Tip

Book your Orkney Island day trip here .

Exploring Kirkwall in Orkney

The most historic site remains St Magnus Cathedral, begun in the 12th century. A self-tour of the interior followed photographs of the Romanesque exterior. Interesting, but nothing extraordinary. Many went shopping for little souvenirs.

My most vivid memories of Kirkland will remain the story about the annual Ba’ (ball) game. The ancient game of mob ball, played only in Kirkwall, involves two free-for-alls, on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

According to an article from Outside Magazine: Hundreds of Kirkwall’s men (no limit on team size), north-siders (“Uppies”) versus south-siders (“Doonies”), meet head-on and rampage through the streets trying to keep possession of a three-pound, handcrafted leather ball—the ba’—modeled after a human head.

With no clock or referee, the game starts at one o’clock, and often rages into the night, mindless of any nasties, like blizzards, gales, waves. The Doonies have to dunk the ba’ in the harbor to win, while the Uppies have to touch the ba’ to a wall called the Long Corner on the far side of town.

Otherwise, anything goes: The players can kick, punch, head-butt, smash out windows, break down doors, run through houses, or advance the ball by stuffing it down the sewer and fishing it out a few blocks away (all time-tested tactics, by the way). Life on a remote island must make the event the talk of the year.

Our time in Kirkwall up, the group bussed across the Churchill Barriers. Unknown to me before this, I listened intently as our guide explained their construction at Scapa Flow, a naval base and harbor.

Learning about the Churchill Barriers

In October 1939 during WWII), a German U-boat slipped undetected into Scapa Flow. The Germans launched a torpedo attack on the battleship HMS Royal Oak anchored there. Within minutes the massive ship sank, killing 833 crew members.

The U47 slipped away undetected and the terrible loss prompted a call for more naval protection. In March 1940, Winston Churchill approved the building of four causeways to link the south isles to Mainland Orkney, thus blocking further access from the sea.

Our next stop involved the builders of those barriers, some prisoners of war who also constructed the unlikely Italian Chapel from Quonset huts. I’d never heard this story either. My goodness, quirky Orkney was full of surprises!

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Visiting the Nissen hut church

Italian prisoners of war were brought to Orkney in 1942 and housed on the island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers. The camp’s Catholic priest suggested a place of worship was needed.

With limited supplies, the men joined two Nissen huts end-to-end and covered the corrugated interior with plasterboard. An altar and altar rail came from concrete left over from work on the barriers.

The workers created a concrete facade, concealing the shape of the hut and making the building look like a church. Corned-beef tins served as light holders. The baptismal font finagled from the inside of a car exhaust covered in a layer of concrete.

Building restoration in the 1960s and repair again in the 1990s make the place an inviting stop, with the little Italian Church a delightful wonder.

Discovering Skara Brae, a prehistoric Neolithic settlement

Already happy to have come, my main reason for visiting the Orkney’s lay ahead—investigation of the archeological finds at Skara Brae, a prehistoric Neolithic settlement. The perfectly preserved remains lay hidden under sand dunes for about 4,000 years and were not discovered until a tumultuous winter storm hit in 1850.

The stone dwellings and furniture date back 5,000 years, so long ago I find it difficult to grasp. The residents built this settlement around 3,100 BC, before the Pyramids or Stonehenge. I found the unexpectedly complete village utterly amazing.

If you visit the UNESCO site , first watch a video and tour the small museum. Then, meander through a circular-shaped replica house before strolling around the interconnected remains. The little gnome-like dwellings in the turf, with beds set into the walls, are sure to impress.

Stopping to see an Orkney Island manor house

Most of my group also went inside the nearby manor home of the owner who discovered the find. Skaill House, originally built in 1620 by Bishop Graham, underwent additions by successive Lairds over the centuries.

Now, after careful restoration work, the house looks very much like it did in the 1950s. Highlights include Captain Cook’s dinner service, Neolithic and iron age finds, paintings by famous Orkney artist Stanley Cursiter, the Bishop’s original bed, among the many other items of interest collected by the twelve Lairds of Skaill.

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Standing at the Ring of Brodgar

We departed for the Ring of Brodgar, also part of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site. It is one of the finest stone circles in the world, dating back from 2,500 to 2,000 BC.

While not fully understood, its possible uses include an astronomical observatory, religious shrine or for rituals. The stone ring measures 340 feet wide, and originally contained sixty megaliths; today only twenty-seven of these stones remain.

Visiting the Stones of Stenness

We went on to another Stone-Age ceremonial center called The Stones of Stenness . Although mid-August, the drizzle and windy UNESCO World Heritage site chilled everyone to the bone. A quick walk around left me too cold to appreciate its marvel.

We warmed up on the mini bus as it headed back to the dock to complete our tour of the Orkney’s and return to John O’Groats. This ferry ride ranks as one of the roughest of my life, waves crashing with a force that reminded me of those in the film, The Perfect Storm .  (Okay, I’m exaggerating but was glad I’d taken Bonine for seasickness ahead of time.)

Back aboard the big bus, we stopped to pick up pre-ordered food and continued back along the coast. The scenery at this time of day was utterly magnificent, but my out the window photography attempts failed. I settled back and simply took it all in, increasing my love for Scottish landscape.

By the time we arrived back to Inverness, night had fallen. In retrospect, I’d make the long day trip again although bus time consumes a lot of the adventure.

I’d highly recommend the outing to those that have an interest in archeology or history and have a full day. The scenic landscape in the Northern Highlands is downright spectacular and the Orkney’s desolate, eccentric and otherworldly enough to demand a visit.

A luxury cruise in Scotland provides an Orkney Island experience without the long bus ride.

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Orkney Day Trips

Orkney islands day tour.

Please note that Together Travel does not operate the Orkney Tours. To book the tour please visit the official  John O'Groats ferries website here . For more information on these trips, we've created a handy guide to the  John O'Groats ferries here .

Enjoy a full day tour of Orkney Islands from John O'Groats, every Day 1 May to 30 September (can vary), departs 8.45 am & returns 7 pm (June - August) and 5.30 pm (July & September). 

The ferries depart from the harbour next to what was once the John O'Groats hotel . This fantastic full day tour will allow you to explore the fantastic highlights of Orkney. Visit Skara Brae (stoneage village), Scapa Flow, Stromness, Kirkwall, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and the Italian Chapel. The ferry crossing from John O’Groats is just 40 minutes across the famous Pentland Firth, where you will have the opportunity to spot the spectacular marine wildlife such as seals, whales and sea birds. Upon arrival, your coach will be waiting at Burwick ready to drive you across the Churchill Barriers and along the northern coast of Scapa Flow. You’ll have time to explore Stromness, one of Britain’s most picturesque towns. Wander the winding main street, visit the museum and The Pier Arts Centre.

Then it’s onto the Neolithic village of Skara Brae*, discovered just 100 years ago having been buried under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, for thousands of years. Our route then takes us onto a narrow tongue of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness with a photo stop at the mystical Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.

You’ll then enjoy a 2 hour stop at Kirkwall, the capital city of Orkney. See the St Magnus Cathedral and the Tankerness House Museum & Gardens. Browse the unique stores and look out for woollens, jewellery, fudges, cheeses and Bere Bannocks. On return to Burwick you’ll stop at the beautifully decorated Italian Chapel.

Available at:

• John O'Groats