Orkneys and Shetland

[FERRET]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip to The Orkney and Shetland Isles next year.
I know that there are members on here that live in these locations and have visited many times.
A few questions if I may to try and help me plan, I will be looking at spending 7 - 10 days visiting the islands ill be self contained in a campervan.
Is it best to travel to the orkneys first then onto Shetland or vice versa? What are the reasons for this?
What is the best time of year to visit, regardig weather / midges?
Many thanks in advance.

 

[Bem]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip to The Orkney and Shetland Isles next year.
I know that there are members on here that live in these locations and have visited many times.
A few questions if I may to try and help me plan, I will be looking at spending 7 - 10 days visiting the islands ill be self contained in a campervan.
Is it best to travel to the orkneys first then onto Shetland or vice versa? What are the reasons for this?
What is the best time of year to visit, regardig weather / midges?
Many thanks in advance.

Are you having a senior moment here in your planning??
"Is it best to travel to the scillies first then onto Shetland or vice versa? What are the reasons for this?"
Ah, I see the edit.........

 

[FERRET]

Are you having a senior moment here in your planning??
"Is it best to travel to the scillies first then onto Shetland or vice versa? What are the reasons for this?"
Ah, I see the edit.........

Yes, definitely a senior moment, lol

 

[Mr Derek]

If you plan on visiting Skara Brae https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/prices-times/ book in advance. Tickets sell out as numbers are limited. I managed that and a visit to Twatt before covid kicked in and I didn't leave my bed until the day of the return ferry. Hey, ho, I'll just have to go back.

 

[Hildasay]

I would say Orkney first, then Shetland - the reason being that Shetland scenery is so much more dramatic. Look at the ferry times too - it might suit you better to have a departure in the middle of the night rather than an arrival. Book as early as you can - the ferry to Shetland gets very busy. Best time is probably May/June, not the warmest months but lots of daylight and midges are rarely a problem. Do look at the respective harbour websites nearer the time to find out when the big cruise ships are in and plan accordingly to avoid crowds at popular spots.
If you are into archaeology, there is a lot more to see in Orkney and Orkney is generally better geared up for tourists, being so much more accessible from the mainland. If it's nature and scenery you are interested in, Shetland has more to offer (in my view anyway - I'm not at all biased ).

 

[Udders]

If you plan on visiting Skara Brae https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/prices-times/ book in advance. Tickets sell out as numbers are limited. I managed that and a visit to Twatt before covid kicked in and I didn't leave my bed until the day of the return ferry. Hey, ho, I'll just have to go back.

When I went to Skara Brae I was the only person there apart from the fantastic elderly lady guide. We spent absolutely ages talking about the place and the world in general.
It was late in the day, blowing a gale and was a bit drizzly so everyone else was hiding inside the information centre.
It’s an amazing place and it will be a shame to lose it to the sea if the erosion carries on like it is.

 

[FERRET]

I would say Orkney first, then Shetland - the reason being that Shetland scenery is so much more dramatic. Look at the ferry times too - it might suit you better to have a departure in the middle of the night rather than an arrival. Book as early as you can - the ferry to Shetland gets very busy. Best time is probably May/June, not the warmest months but lots of daylight and midges are rarely a problem. Do look at the respective harbour websites nearer the time to find out when the big cruise ships are in and plan accordingly to avoid crowds at popular spots.
If you are into archaeology, there is a lot more to see in Orkney and Orkney is generally better geared up for tourists, being so much more accessible from the mainland. If it's nature and scenery you are interested in, Shetland has more to offer (in my view anyway - I'm not at all biased ).

Thanks, interested in military history but do appreciate archeology and nature.

 

[Posh Pete]

Thanks, interested in military history but do appreciate archeology and nature.

On your way up, pop into the kirkyard in Rosemarkie in the Black Isle. A wee wander around it will be of interest.

 

[Northern jock]

What Hildasay said, also, when on the Orkney islands try and visit some other islands.

For example, flying is about £20 so you could fly to North Ronaldsay and spend some time there or take a ferry to Sanday with your van and either wild camp or stay in the good campsite. You can also park by the Kettletoft old pier and pub, toilets there, few drinks and your bed is at hand.

On Orkney mainland there are many good things to see, search online and see which ones attract you. The campsite in Kirkwall is fine, the one in Stromness is also good but does get booked up.

 

[FERRET]

Thanks all, keep it coming

 

[Hildasay]

For Shetland military history: www.shetland.org/listings/the-cabin-museum for WW stuff. Scalloway and the Scalloway Museum for the Shetland Bus. Have a read of "The Shetland Bus" by David Howarth if you haven't already done so.
In Orkney, the Scapa Flow museum at Lyness on Hoy - there used to be a boat trip (many years ago, don't know if something similar is still on offer) that would take you round Scapa Flow and do some wreck dives with a ROV and have a stop at Lyness.

 

[bigtwin]

Lots of good advice but, before you get there, make sure that you understand that there is only one Orkney (no need to pluralise it).

Anyone ever been to the Channels?