Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary

Your journey starts in the Orcadian capital of Kirkwall. Immerse yourself in the island's fascinating history on a visit to its many historic sites including St Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent red sandstone building that dominates the skyline for miles around.

Nearby you'll find the remains of Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. In spite of its architectural splendour, the Earl's Palace was actually the setting of one of the most infamous periods in Orkney's past when it was the stronghold of the despotic Stewart Earls. The ruined Bishop's Palace dates from the 12th century and is the site where Norwegian King Haakon the Old died following his defeat at the Battle of Largs in 1263.

Follow the road north to the rugged coast at Yesnaby. Here you can gaze out at the remarkable rock formation of Yesnaby Castle, a two-legged sea stack popular with climbers. Bring along binoculars and see how many different kinds of bird species you can spot while enjoying a revitalising coastal walk.

Yesnaby is also one of the few places where the rare and delicate flowering plant primula Scotica - more commonly known as Scottish primrose - grows. Visit in the summer when the clifftops are dotted with these vivid magenta flowers.

Time for one more stop before the day is over, and boy, it's a spectacular one! Visit Skara Brae, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in the world. Older than the Egyptian pyramids, the Neolithic settlement is located on the Bay of Skaill. Uncovered by a sandstorm in 1850, it offers an unparalleled insight into how life was lived by Orkney's earliest inhabitants between 3200 and 2200 BC.

Once you've arrived in Hoy, you can drive to Rackwick Bay where you'll be met by some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Orkney has to offer. Enjoy a bracing walk to the Old Man of Hoy, a dramatic sea stack which is the tallest in Britain and considered one of the most challenging ascents in the UK by climbers.

For detailed information about this walk, please visit the Walk Highlands website.

Head further south through Burray and South Ronaldsay to reach the Tomb of the Eagles. The fascinating site is a Neolithic chambered tomb which was first discovered by a local farmer. Subsequent archaeological excavations have uncovered human skeletons alongside the bones and remains of white-tailed sea eagles and Stone Age artefacts.

You can get inside the tomb by crawling through the narrow entrance. Once inside, the interior is surprisingly large, the distance from the floor to the roof measuring 3 m in height, with skylights providing illumination.

Lerwick is a network of narrow lanes that lead out from the shop-lined Commercial Street. Victoria Pier is a hub of activity during the summer months with sailing races and regattas regularly taking place in the harbour, while the town centre hosts street markets and live concerts throughout the year.

As well as a fantastic choice of cafés and shops, Lerwick boasts a number of must-see attractions including the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives which offers entry free of charge and brings to life the story of Shetland and its people.

In the three-storey Boat Hall, admire beautiful vessels suspended from the ceiling. These have been crafted by locals using skills and techniques passed down through the centuries from their Viking forefathers. Once you've worked up an appetite, pop to Hay's Dock Café Restaurant. It serves simple yet delicious dishes prepared using the finest Shetland produce. Yum!