Far North Line to Orkney

This holiday starts from Inverness, accessible by air from the south of England or by rail from Edinburgh, Glasgow and other points south. You will join the afternoon departure on the Far North Line – the most northerly railway line in the UK. The route crosses the Moray Firth then makes a wide sweep inland at Dornoch, passing through Lairg and Rogart before returning to the coast. Watch for the distinctive towers of Dunrobin Castle, before the railway turns inland once more, and crosses the “flow country” of Sutherland. After passing Altnabreac, one of the remotest stations in Britain, you will reach the coast one again at Thurso.

Your Guest House in Thurso

This is a welcoming guest house, owned by a local lady who is passionate about the area. The decor is a blend of old and contemporary style and modern facilities. The house is convenient for the town centre and local hostelries, whilst one of the best seafood restaurants in the country is a coastal walk or short taxi ride away.

Today you will join our local driver-guide, who will bring you on a fascinating trip to explore this corner of Scotland. Your guide will be happy to discuss options with you, from the stunning landscapes of Dunnet Head, John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head, the historic grandeur of Castle of Mey, or pay a visit to Dunnet Distillers – gin fans should look out for the Rock Rose, a personal favourite.

You will make a stop for lunch, though this and entrance fees are not included.

This morning cross by ferry to Orkney, and then travel by taxi transfer to Kirkwall, your base for the next two days.

Orkney has so much to offer, from world class archaeology to breathtaking scenery. We will provide you with plenty of recommendations to ensure you can make the most of your time on this fascinating archipelago.

The main island (Mainland) hosts a plethora of major prehistoric sites, including the breathtaking Standing Stones of Stenness – some up to six metres high. The nearby Neolithic Ring of Brodgar is particularly magical in the evening light – and gained contemporary notoriety when Billy Connolly danced naked through the stones on his “World Tour of Scotland”! Archaeological excavations continue to take place nearby at the Ness of Brodgar. Still remarkably intact, the 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae offer a real insight into prehistoric village life, complete with sideboards and bed recesses.  For more local insights, take a look at the Viking runes at the magificent tomb at Maeshowe which prove that graffiti isn’t a 20th century invention!

For those interested in more recent history, the evocative Scapa Flow contains the melancholy relics of two World Wars. On its banks, you will find the beautifully ornate and incredibly moving Italian Chapel, which was constructed by interned Italian Prisoners of War.

Wildlife flourishes here. Birdwatching is popular and there are plenty of fabulous seal-watching spots – and if you are lucky minke whales, dolphins, porpoise and occasionally the odd Orca whale are seen playing in the island waters. On dry ground you will be tempted by the deliciously fresh food, from seaweed-reared lamb to Scrabster squid.

A network of ferries connects Orkney mainland to many of its other islands, including Hoy (Orkney’s second largest island), Rousay and Shapinsay. Additionally, you could visit Westray and Papa Westray. Situated slightly further afieled, these two islands are best accessed by plane – if you choose to do so, you will experience the shortest scheduled flight in the world when travelling between the two islands.

Your Hotel on Orkney

Your base will be a comfortable family-run hotel on the outskirts of Kirkwall.  A destination for locals as well as visitors, the restaurant prides itself on serving the best local produce. And it would be amiss not to drop in and see the neighbours – the world famous Highland Park distillery is just next door.

This morning you will join a small group tour. During the tour you will journey through Orkney’s rich archaeological landscape, home of the some of the Neolithic period’s greatest architectural wonders.

A day to explore the town at your own pace, perhaps taking a short ferry to the island of Shapinsay or using local transport to visit more of the area. Kirkwall is a welcoming town, featuring unique shops which boast local crafts including fabulous silver jewellery and highly covetable knitwear. We will provide full recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

Today you will journey south via ferry and a return trip on the meandering Far North Line back to Inverness. Here you will stay in a centrally located  guest house for your final night.

You will have time for a stroll by the River Ness or Caledonian Canal, soaking up the atmosphere of the Highland Capital.

Let us know if you would like to add-on a boat trip on Loch Ness or trip to the Culloden battlefield before you head home. We are also happy to advise regarding onward connections by air or rail.