Travel Answers

I'm planning a short break to Orkney (Kirkwall) at the beginning of January. I've heard next year is meant to be one of the best years for the Northern Lights. What are my chances of seeing them at Kirkwall? Do they appear often over the Orkney Islands? Any info would be great, thank you

Hi everyone, It would be very helpful if someone had any idea about Taxi fares in the Orkney's. I know there are buses, but they don't seem to operate at all on Sundays. To be more specific I'd be glad if I could get an opinion about estimated fares between: Kirkwall Airport - Kirkwall city centre Kirkwall - Houton. Many thanks!

Hello, We are planning a trip to Orkney islands in July. We wish to stay in Kirkwall for a week or so and explore the mainland/islands from here. Sadly, neither of us has a driver's licence so we wish to use the Public bus/boat traffic to get close to the historical sights. We would also like to walk and explore the coast line from the East Mainland. Have you any advise or suggestion what bus route to use if we want to get away from city centre and get close to the Coast line? We also worry a bit about loose dogs. Is it a common practice that farmers use dogs to watch the sheeps? I'd appreciate any tip/advice. Thank you!

I'm just beginning to plan a trip to Scotland and have decided on visiting Orkney. We will be there end of May beginning of June and would really like to catch some traditional music. I see there is a Folk Festival at this time which would be great to visit but seems that good B&B accommodation in Stromness is difficult because of the festival. I wonder how easy it is to travel around the island ( we will have a car) and if it would be practical to stay in Kirkwall and still be able to get to a concert in Stromness. Any other info or advice would be welcome. Thanks

I 'm thinking about to travel to Orkney mainland and the isle of stronsay on march. Even though, it isn't the tourist season. I want to take a few days out. To enjoy and discover the nature. A bed and breakfast place, evening meal and grocery shop would be enough... How are the wheater conditions on march ? What do you think about to cycle on the island ?

Hi, I know the buses exist but I can't find a site which gives me a timetable. Even on Stagecoach or First I need a final destination and I don't know it. I just need to know where the buses from Kirwall go to and then I can plan my holiday. We are going in about a week's time.

My wife and I will be visiting Orkney for the first time in early September for several days. Will much of the bird life have moved south by then? Will it still be worth seeking the bird colonies while we are there, or should we concentrate on the historical sites?

Hello. Could you advise any boat trip from mainland Orkney to see seals birds maybe whales. Thank you.

Hello, After three times spending my holiday on the isle of Hoy in Summertime, I now want to stay at Hoy in wintertime. I am very fond of bad weather(gales)! Can anyone tell me if February is a good month to have this type of weather? I come by plane and will rent a car. Regards, Bregtje

Hi there, a question for any residents of Orkney...... Generally, what is the weather like in June? I will be there for a week in late June and want to pack as light as possible, so I was thinking of leaving the warm jumper and raincoat at home, it is summer after all! Am I being a bit too optimistic? Does the temperature every reach 30+? Thanks for your help!

Hi, given that we have a few days to visit the Orkney is it possible to visit the main touristic sites by city bus (not organized tour buses) ? The reason for this question is that we will be traveling with a 10 months-old baby and since we won't have a baby car seat we cannot really travel by car or organized tour (as they don't take infant without car seat). Thank you ! :o) Hugo

Hi, I was just wondering if it is easier to get from Inverness to Orkney via Scrabster or John O'Groats? I have no vehicle so will be getting around by train, bus and ferry. I see the ferries from Scrabster go to Stromness and the JOG ferries go to Kirkwall, which is the best base for traveling around the islands, boat and bus? Thanks for any help:-)

I will be calling in at the follwing places whilst on a cruise in July 07. Any tips, please, as to what to do for a few hours just to get a "feel" for the area -very little walking required! Kirkwall, Orkneys; Torshavn, Faroes; Reyjavic,Iceland; Narsasuaq,Greenland; Nuuk,Greenland, Nanortalik,Greenland; Cobh,Ireland. Local buses would be fine.

looking for self catering for my father and i. and my 8 yrold dog. lookin for something by the sea in either kirkwall or stromness. self catering, near a decent pub, maybe a bookies as well!!!!!! any reccomendatioins appreciated, richard.

Is it possible to see Skara Brae, Skaill House, Maaes Howe and some of the other neolithic sites in one day without being rushed? And what is the best mode of transportation to these sites from Stromness? Thanks! ~Deb

My wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland for a month in January (I know its not a great time) The only thing that is set in concrete about our trip is to go to see the Rangers play on New Years eve! But I have always been interested in the Orkneys Is it a really bad place to visit in winter? We live in northern Australia and it’s our fist trip overseas Any help/tips/advise would be great

We quite fancy trying this restaurant in St Margaret Hope. We'll be staying in Kirkwall and won't have our own transport. Can anyone help with public transport options, or advise how much a taxi may cost each way? Thanks in advance Dave

I have a friend who is planning a special trip for his Mum to the Orkney islands. They would ideally like to see the Northern Lights whilst they are there. When is it best to visit ? and whereabouts is it best to stay ? Hope you can help Slainte

Kia ora This looks like a very empty forum, which is good in that it suggests Orkney is not too crowded, bad in that it suggests there is nobody here, and I will get no response. But, being the eternal optimist, I will continue. I am tentatively planning 4 weeks in Orkney and the north of Scotland around September. I wonder if anyone who has been in Orkney can: 1. recommend any budget acommodation in different areas 2. tell me if there are any horse trekking businesses