Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Memorial

© Spiritual Orkney

Kirkwall, Orkney

Kirkwall Town and 'Witchy' Walk

A walking tour of Kirkwall enables us to see all the nooks and crannies of this wonderful old town at a leisurely pace - with a focus on this historic witchcraft trials.

Kirkwall is the capital city and royal burgh of Orkney, founded by Viking traders about 1050 AD, it is the most northerly city in the British Isles.

Learn about the earliest Viking settlement of Kirkjuvagr 'the chuch by the bay', see where the original Norse harbour extended to, and how much of the modern town is built on land reclaimed from the sea

See the sites of the earliest church and the Norse Ting (parliament)

Hear stories of the navy's press gang and see where they operated

Tour St Magnus Cathedral - the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles and very much the jewel in Orkney's crown - hear the story of the martyrdom of Orkney's patron saint and see the dungeon where medieval witches were held

See the site of Henry Sinclair's castle and learn about the Stewart rebellion which led to its destruction

Tour the ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces (entrance charge applies)*

Learn about the wealthy Merchant Lairds of the seventeenth century and see where they lived

Hear about Kirkwall's Ba game and see where it is played

Be amazed by the 'Big Tree' - winner of 'Scotland's Tree of the Year' in 2017 - and find out why it still survives

Be shown around Tankerness House and the Orkney Museum

Discover the Grootie House in the gardens of Tankerness House ...

Then we will start to tell tales of historical witchcraft, torture, spells, charms and gruesome executions.

Orkney has always been notorious for its witches, some were even quite famous, and a couple of hundred years ago, these islands were a hotbed of allegations and accusations ...

We were actively involved with the project which installed a memorial to the historic victims of Orkney's witchcraft trials at Gallow'Ha (Kirkwall) in 2019.

To recognise this, we have added this fascinating walking tour which starts from St Magnus Cathedral - where many of the trials were held and the accused imprisoned - along Victoria Street, and finally a walk up Clay Loan - the same route the condemned may have taken - to Gallow'Ha, where we will be able to view the memorial.

This whole tour takes approximately 3-4 hours and our fee is based on our half-day rates.

A walking tour enables us to see all the nooks and crannies of this wonderful old town at a leisurely pace. You will need to be able to walk for about 1 mile / 1.5 kms. Dress according to the weather and your comfort. Walking boots are preferably, but not essential, as some of the pavements are uneven. There are public toilets on this tour; bring your own snacks and drinks ... or try a delicious Orkney ice-cream on your way through town!   

OPTIONS

On your instructions we can add tasting sessions of traditional Orkney food and drink, or visits to local distilleries (gin or whisky), or perhaps include a delicious Orkney lunch, for which additional charges will apply.

Price on Request

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Book now

Contact details

Spiritual Orkney

Craigielea
Harray
Orkney
Scotland
KW17 2JU
View tour provider details

Key facilities

  • Parking
  • Pets Welcome

Tour information

Starting

  • Orkney

Length

½ Day

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Archaeology
  • Castles
  • City
  • Food and drink
  • Ghosts and Supernatural
  • History
  • Photography
  • Religious Pilgrimage
  • Walking

Tour Stops

Spiritual Orkney

Tour company information

Spiritual Orkney

Orkney is a magical, sacred and spiritual place ... along with Iona, Newgrange, Stonehenge, Glastonbury and many other sites, Orkney is acknowledged as one of the world's 'thin places': a place where the veil between this world and the others is particularly permeable. Orkney calls and tugs the souls of so many people, making it the perfect place for pilgrimage. At Spiritual Orkney, we offer guided 'tours with more' ... specialising in prehistoric archaeology, Norse history, and Orkney's folklore, we would love to help you to make the most of your visit.

Social Channels

Visit Spiritual Orkney

Opening times

All year, all day.

Other tours from this company

VisitNess of Brodgar excavations and environs
Ness of Brodgar excavations and environs

Ness of Brodgar excavations and environs

Departs: Orkney

We offer walking tours of the Ness of Brodgar which set this extremely important...

Key facilities

  • Parking
  • Pets Welcome

Length:

1/2 day(s)

Price from:

On request

Visit Website

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter