Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland
Layering is the foremost clothing strategy for Orkney. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers, and top with waterproof and windproof outer layers. A good quality Waterproof jacket and Waterproof trousers shield one from rain and the strong winds.
Summer (June-August): Lighter base layers. Include warm layers and waterproofs. Winter (November-March): Pack a heavy Winter coat, thermal underwear, and complete waterproofs. Cultural dress code: Orkney lacks specific cultural dress code beyond general modesty.
Necessary for exploring archaeological sites, coastal paths, and walking trails, which often feature muddy or uneven terrain. They offer ankle support and keep feet dry. Find on Amazon
Pack a pair of comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking around towns like Kirkwall and Stromness. These too could be water-resistant. See options on Amazon
For extensive exploration of very wet or muddy areas. For general tourism, good hiking boots often suffice. Consider travel bags for these items.
Keep your important documents organized and accessible. They facilitate a smooth trip.
The UK uses Type G plug sockets (three rectangular pins). Voltage is 230V, frequency 50Hz. A Travel adapter is necessary. Your mobile phone should work if unlocked and GSM-compatible. For cheaper calls and data, consider a local UK SIM card from EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three. Airalo offers eSIMs for convenient data access.
For capturing Orkney's landscapes and wildlife, a weather-sealed camera stands highly recommended due to potential rain and winds. A Wide-angle lens is perfect for vast scenes, a Telephoto lens valuable for distant subjects. B&H Photo offers equipment.
Google Maps or Apple Maps aid navigation. Obtain offline maps for areas with patchy mobile signal, especially on outer islands.
BBC Weather or Met Office app give accurate local forecasts. Download apps for Orkney Ferries, NorthLink Ferries, and Pentland Ferries for real-time updates.
Use cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Small external hard drive to back up photos and data regularly.
A well-stocked personal health kit readies one for minor issues and brings peace of mind.
Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging. Pack a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note, notably when traveling internationally. This sidesteps customs issues. Generally not necessary to purify water. Tap water throughout Orkney is safe to drink.
For hiking: quality hiking boots, full waterproofs, appropriate layers, a Small backpack for water and snacks, and a map or GPS device.
Birdwatching: Binoculars aid seabird viewing. A field guide to Scottish birds can elevate your experience. Photography: Camera gear (as per 3.3) plus a Lens cleaning kit.
If diving the famous wrecks: pack personal dive gear (mask, fins, Wetsuit/Drysuit, computer). Dive centers lease larger items like tanks and weights. Leasing tanks and weights locally is more convenient due to flight weight restrictions.
Remember these smaller, yet valuable, items for a more comfortable and secure trip.
Reduce waste and explore more with these handy additions to your packing list.
High-quality outdoor gear might show limited selection or be pricier locally.
If you rely on specialty medications, confirm you pack enough for your trip.
Specific baby formulas, diapers, or unique toys might be scarce outside Kirkwall.
Special pet food or accessories might be hard to find; pack enough for your pet.
Always roll your clothes when packing. This saves space and may reduce wrinkles.
Utilize packing cubes for organization and compression, making it easier to find items and fit more in your luggage.
