The Orkney Isles

Day 1 – Welcome to Orkney

Meet your Wilderness guide at Inverness Railway Station this morning and transfer up the eastern coast of northern Scotland. The roads up here are slender and quiet, the views stretching large and long across the fields to the glittering sea beyond. Arrive in Scrabster and catch the ferry across the Pentland Firth to Stromness on Orkney. As you chug across the water, look out for the Old Man of Hoy and the spectacular sea cliffs. Once ashore, a short drive will take you to your lovely country-house hotel, where they’ll be time for a short ride to explore the coast, before dinner and a good night’s sleep. (L, D)

Ride details: 12.5 km/8 miles | 146 m/480 ft elevation gain

Day 2 – Shapinsay and Kirkwall

After a relaxed breakfast this morning, head out on your bikes to catch the ferry from Kirkwall to the fertile green isle of Shapinsay. From the tiny harbour village of Balfour, enjoy a circular ride around the island. Along the way, stop to visit Burroughston Broch (one of the best preserved brochs in Orkney) and Mill Dam RSPB reserve, which is home to curlew, redshank, shovelers and wigeons. After a picnic lunch, take the ferry back to mainland Orkney and spend some time exploring Kirkwall. Enjoy a free evening tonight, relaxing at your hotel or dining out in one of the town’s lovely restaurants. (B, L)

Ride details: 24 km/15 miles | 200 m/660 ft elevation gain

Day 3 – Neolithic Orkney

Learn more about Orkney’s fascinating history today as you enjoy a beautiful ride that visits some of the island’s most treasured archaeological sites. Explore the mysterious Ring of Brodgar (Scotland’s largest Neolithic stone circle), the Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn. Chat with your knowledgeable guide about the ancient nature of the island’s topography, learning about a landscape where the remnants of the past press so firmly on the present. Return to your cosy hotel this evening and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 42 km/26 miles | 325 m/1,066 ft elevation gain

Day 4 – Exploring the Isle of Rousay

As the morning haar recedes across the waves, transfer to Tingwall and catch the ferry to Rousay. Once ashore, set out to cycle around the island. Following a ribbon of tarmac that encircles its outer bounds, you can make the ride as challenging or relaxing as you wish (the joys of an e-bike). The wild and relatively untouched landscape is home to a wealth of archaeological riches, including ancient burial sites that date back thousands of years. After a lovely day exploring this unique island, head back on the ferry and enjoy a free evening. (B, L)

Ride details: 22 km/13.5 miles | 337 m/1,105 ft elevation gain

Day 5 – Skara Brae and Stromness

After breakfast, hop in with your guide and transfer north to Birsay. Visit a unique tidal island and roam the ruins of Earl’s Palace. Afterwards, cycle south to the Stone Age village of Skara Brae. This Neolithic semi-subterranean settlement was uncovered by a winter storm in 1850 and provides a remarkable picture of what life would have been like over 5000 years ago. Continue riding down the west coast and arrive in Stromness. Have nosy around town and visit the museum. This evening, relax in good company as you enjoy your last evening on the salt-soaked shores of this beautiful island. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 25 km/15.5 miles | 265 m/870 ft elevation gain

Day 6 – Lamb Holm and Depart

Pack up this morning and transfer to catch the ferry back over to mainland Scotland. En route, visit a charming Italian Chapel located on the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm. Once on the ferry, sit back and enjoy the views across the white-flecked waves. A scenic drive back to Inverness allows many interesting places to stop and stretch your legs, such as a remarkable natural harbour and Carn Liath Broch. Arrive at Inverness Railway Station at 5:00pm this afternoon, bidding farewell to your guide before beginning your homeward journey. (B, L)