Visiting the Orkneys
We hope to take our Burstner 680G up to the Orkneys next June. Travelling from Cheltenham we’d welcome advice on best routes/ferries and details of recommended sites to use when we get there. Thanks
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We went from Scrabster to Stromness last time we visited - albeit with a caravan not motorhome.
What to see - well depends on your interests but Maeshowe, Skarabrae, Ness of Brodgar all pretty much essential. If you research the Orkney tourist sites they will give you loads of ideas.
Biggest downside is that some sites get crowded because of the cruise boats, so if you turn up same time as them, give them half an hour and they will be on their way.
Plenty of birdwatching sites as well.
As to route - depends how quickly you want to get there. From Gtr Manchester we went M6, M74 and across to Falkirk and then North. Falkirk wheel is really interesting if you haven't visited.
Hope you enjoy your visit - we had a great time - just so much to see & do. But if you get bad weather ...........!!!!
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We've used both ferry crossings. Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope and Scrabster to Stromness.
The former is a bit shorter and docks further south making it a bit simpler to travel north but you have to reverse onto the ferry. The NorthLink crossing from Scrabster uses a much better ship and you drive on in the usual manner. It takes about 20 mins longer than the Pentland Ferry. Both mainland ferry ports are close to the Dunnet Bay Club site.
There are, I think, 3 CLs on Orkney. We used Poole Farm near St Margaret’s Hope and it was fine as per its description. We also used the two Council sites at Stromness and Kirkwall. Both were good. There aren’t a great number of sites to choose from and I’d suggest booking, especially on the council sites.
Don’t miss the Italian Chapel or the Ring of Brodgar but why not do as we did and continue from Kirkwall to Shetland by overnight ferry? It’s well worth the effort.
Here are a few links to websites which might be of use for Orkney. I can do similar for Shetland if required. Enjoy the trip.
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk
https://www.pentlandferries.co.uk
http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/index.php
https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/results.asp?region=Scotland&county=Orkney+Islands
http://orkneycaravanpark.co.uk
https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/point-of-ness-campsite.htm
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We would get up to northern Scotland from South Somerset via M5, M6 M74 and A9, using two or three overnight stops. We've used different ones but north Cumbria, the Cairngorm area and finally Caithness would be ok. Overnight at Dunnet and catch the ferry (pre-booked) from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope. Drive on to Kirkwall or Stromness (with anything in between.) Depends on the type of sites you like, the two biggest ones are at Stromness and Kirkwall, both are handy for walkable local facilities. They are both council run and you would need to book in advance. I would say the Pickaquoy site at Kirkwall is probably the best if you are a first time visitor. Kirkwall has a lot to offer and is also close to other island ferries. It's also central for the forays out to attractions. My list would include Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Broch of Gurness, the Viking island off Birsay (tidal access). Kirkwall Cathedral. Also the Italian Chapel which you pass after leaving the Gills Bay ferry. There's lots to see, good wildlife and plenty of quiet spaces too, life at a slower pace comes to mind.
As said beware cruise ship days as some places get crowded.
If you go via Scrabster you'll see the "Old man of Hoy."
Other than that, nice long days in the summer months, empty beaches, friendly people...have a good time!
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These are photos from previous Orkney visits. A view from our Stromness pitch (you can see the Northlink ferry arriving.) There's also a view of the Pickaquoy site in Kirkwall which I think is easiest for first timers on Orkney...oops it wasn't it was Stonehaven so I've Deleted User it. There's a photo taken from Birsay looking towards the tidal island where the shells of Viking houses are still visible. Another of the archaeology to be found on Orkney at the Broch of Gurness. And finally the slightly awkward approach to Gills Bay ferry but if you you're not keen there's help at hand!
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Is that an older ferry, Brue, or perhaps just a former livery?
The MV Hamnavoe can just be seen docked here in Stromness this year and there's Point of Ness site from the ferry - the reverse of yours. The last pic was taken just outside the Pickaquoy site at Kirkwall on a beautiful evening.
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Well there you go, Brue, MV Hamnavoe is in Stromness at this very moment.
We've used the larger Hjaltland and Hrossey on the Shetland routes.
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That’s certainly an alternative route, RJLJ. We prefer to keep ferry journeys as short as we can but an Aberdeen departure could save a lot of driving.
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Yes, I know Hamnavoe doesn’t sail to Shetland but I decided to spare your blushes. 😊
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Im going to visit the Orkneys in the near future TW you are very knowledgeable about it, could I pick your brains at some point please. I do like depth of knowledge👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Of course you can, Rocky. I’ll be happy to share😊.
Incidentally, something I only found out by visiting, is that it’s Orkney without the 's' unless you want to upset the locals. 🙁
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