Date/Time
Date(s) - 24/05/2025 - 31/05/2025
All Day
Our ‘traditional’ Orkney Wildlife and Culture tours have been running successfully for over 21 years, and include the best of Orkney’s wildlife and history. We visit the 3 islands of Hoy (possible eagles, Scapa Flow Museum and the Old Man); South Ronaldsay (nesting Little Terns and Hoxa Head for possible Orca); and Westray (Gannets, and everyone’s favourite, Puffins!). Many RSPB Reserves are visited both on the Orkney Mainland and the islands. We also spend a couple of days on the Orkney Mainland, and you will have one day to yourselves, perhaps to explore Kirkwall or take local walks from your comfortable family-run 4* hotel (www.thesandshotel.co.uk) Sites of archaeological interest visited include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae see (http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/) and of course the unique Italian Chapel.
In late May you can expect to see up to 90 or so species of birds, including lots of breeding waders, now rare in the UK, such as curlew, lapwing and snipe which will be in their breeding grounds. Our Orkney speciality, the Hen Harrier, will be seen hopefully at close quarters, perhaps passing food to its mate. All kinds of rare migrants may also turn up during the month of May, but, an element of luck is needed…
On the clifftops the Sea Pinks (Thrift) and Spring Squill will now be in flower, beautiful pinks and blues. Out to sea or else on Scapa Flow you may encounter cetaceans – including Orca – but, once more, an element of luck and a good sea state is required for finding and observing these whales and dolphins.
Tour size is restricted to 5 total so that you are guaranteed lots of individual attention. Transport is by means of our 7 seater electric vehicle and everyone will have a window seat. Each week is different and depends partly on the weather and partly on chance: we wouldn’t have it any other way! Please click on the title to book. Cost £1,995 per person.