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Practical Tips & Hacks

Practical Tips & Hacks

Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland

Money-Saving Strategies

Consider various options to save funds during your visit.

Discount Cards and Passes

  • Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass: For visits to multiple paid HES sites (Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Earl's Palace, Bishop's Palace), this pass offers a way to save money on individual tickets.
  • National Trust for Scotland Membership: If you hold membership, check for reciprocal access to Historic Environment Scotland sites.
  • Free Attractions: Many sites like the Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and St Magnus Cathedral provide historical richness without an entry fee.
  • Dining Deals: Look for early bird menus or lunch specials; these often present good value meals.

Transportation Savings

  • Carpool: Groups traveling together reduce individual costs by sharing a rental car.
  • Public Bus: Use bus services, like the route between Kirkwall and Stromness. A Stagecoach DayRider pass is a choice for multiple bus journeys.
  • Book Ferries and Car Rental in Advance: This approach often secures better rates and makes certain your reservation, especially during busy seasons.
  • Accommodation Alternatives: Self-catering accommodations with kitchens allow for meal preparation, which lowers expenses compared to eating out for every meal. Hostels are the most budget-friendly sleeping options.

Optimizing Visits

  • Skip-the-Line: For Maeshowe, pre-book your guided tour slot. This avoids lengthy waits or disappointment, as tours can sell out, specifically in peak season.
  • Skara Brae: Pre-book tickets online for quicker entry.
  • Best Times for Attractions: Visit popular sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). This avoids periods when tour buses arrive.
  • Express Transportation: While Orkney lacks express trains, selecting flights over ferries (for time constraints) or the quicker Pentland Ferries route (Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope) shortens travel duration.

Routing and Booking

  • Efficient Routing: Group attractions geographically. For example, explore all West Mainland sites (Skara Brae, Brodgar, Stenness, Maeshowe) on a single day.
  • Pre-Booking: Critical for car rental, popular accommodation, Maeshowe tours, and inter-island ferries, especially with a vehicle or during high season. Last-minute bookings risk no availability.
  • Kirkwall Exploration: Dedicate a separate day to Kirkwall's attractions.

Time-Saving Tips

Plan ahead to maximize your exploration time in Orkney.

Solo Travelers

  • Orkney feels very safe for individuals traveling alone. Hostels make good places to meet others.
  • Pubs in Kirkwall and Stromness maintain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Family Trips

  • Many archaeological sites present open spaces for children to run and explore.
  • The Italian Chapel is an unique, engaging narrative.
  • Beaches are ideal for finding shells and examining rock pools.
  • The Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall features a pool and soft play zones. Consider self-catering lodging for mealtime and bedtime flexibility.

Group Logistics

  • For groups, book accommodation and transport (especially car rental or ferry crossings for multiple vehicles) well beforehand.
  • Consider a local tour bus hire for larger groups to simplify travel and navigation.

Accessibility

  • Research the accessibility of specific attractions prior to your trip.
  • For those with mobility considerations, a rental car comes highly recommended for flexibility.
  • Contact individual venues or tour operators to discuss particular access needs.

Local Insights

Benefit from common visitor experiences and local customs to enrich your journey.

Common Tourist Oversights

  • Underestimating the weather: Pack layers and waterproofs, even in summer. Weather changes quickly.
  • Not booking in advance: This specifically applies to car rental and popular accommodation during peak season. Orkney's infrastructure is modest compared to mainland Scotland.
  • Only staying in Kirkwall: Visit Stromness and at least one outer island (like Hoy or Rousay) when time permits. Each presents an unique viewpoint.
  • Ignoring the wind: It stays a constant factor; arrange outdoor activities with this in mind. A calm day appears rare.

Customs to Note

  • Single-track roads: Use passing places often. Yield to oncoming traffic, especially larger vehicles. A quick wave of gratitude is customary.
  • Orcadian pace: Life generally moves slower. Do not expect things to occur at a frantic pace. Embrace the relaxed island rhythm.
  • Checking ferry times/cancellations: Weather can bring disruptions, especially in winter. Check operator websites frequently for updates.
  • Phrases that make locals pleased: Using a few Orcadian words, like 'peerie' (small) or 'oy' (an exclamation, similar to 'oh'), or showing true interest in local heritage and traditions, always makes locals pleased.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your Orkney experience to your travel style.

Solo Travelers

  • Orkney feels very safe for individuals traveling alone. Hostels make good places to meet others.
  • Pubs in Kirkwall and Stromness maintain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Family Trips

  • Many archaeological sites present open spaces for children to run and explore.
  • The Italian Chapel is an unique, engaging narrative.
  • Beaches are ideal for finding shells and examining rock pools.
  • The Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall features a pool and soft play zones. Consider self-catering lodging for mealtime and bedtime flexibility.

Group Logistics

  • For groups, book accommodation and transport (especially car rental or ferry crossings for multiple vehicles) well beforehand.
  • Consider a local tour bus hire for larger groups to simplify travel and navigation.

Accessibility

  • Research the accessibility of specific attractions prior to your trip.
  • For those with mobility considerations, a rental car comes highly recommended for flexibility.
  • Contact individual venues or tour operators to discuss particular access needs.

Visitor Information Points

For current updates and local advice, visit the official Orkney visitor information points in Kirkwall and Stromness.

Resources & References

These online tools aid in planning and navigating your Orkney adventure.

Social Media

Search for official Orkney tourism accounts on Instagram and Facebook for visual inspiration, updates, and local advice.

Podcasts

Search for podcasts about Orkney history, archaeology, or folklore (e.g., 'Orkneyology' by Ragnhild Ljosland). These contribute context before or during your journey.

Digital Content

Look for documentaries on Orkney's archaeology or the history of Scapa Flow.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Stagecoach Bus App: For bus timetables and real-time updates on services in Orkney.
  • BBC Weather / Met Office: For accurate local weather forecasts. This is important for planning outdoor activities and knowing what to wear.
  • Orkney Ferries / NorthLink Ferries / Pentland Ferries apps: For real-time ferry schedules, service updates, and information on any cancellations due to weather.
  • Historic Scotland App: Information on Historic Environment Scotland properties, including opening times and events.
  • Google Maps / Apple Maps: Download offline maps of Orkney; use these for navigation when mobile signal is patchy.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Explore More Online

Search for podcasts about Orkney history, archaeology, or folklore (e.g., 'Orkneyology' by Ragnhild Ljosland). These contribute context before or during your journey.

Emergency & Medical Information

Know Where To Find Assistance

Emergency Contacts

  • 999: For immediate emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard). This number is free from any phone.
  • 111: NHS 24 for non-emergency medical advice.

Medical Care

  • The main hospital is Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall.
  • Local GP practices are available in Kirkwall and Stromness for non-emergency medical needs.

Documents & Safety

  • Embassy information: Check your country's government website for its embassy or consulate in the UK (most are in London or Edinburgh). Keep these details handy.
  • Lost documents: Contact your embassy or consulate at once if you lose your passport or other travel papers. Report lost passports to local police.
  • Natural disaster protocols: In cases of severe weather or other emergencies, follow local advice from emergency services, the Orkney Islands Council, and ferry/airport operators.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  • Bradt Guide: Orkney: A comprehensive and in-depth guide specifically for Orkney. Amazon Link
  • Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 463: Orkney - West Mainland: And OS Explorer Map 464: Orkney - East Mainland: These detailed maps are a good tool for walking, cycling, and general navigation, particularly in rural areas. West Mainland Link East Mainland Link
  • Collins Pocket Guide to Scottish Birds: If you hold an interest in birdwatching. Amazon Link

Books about Orkney

  • History/Archaeology: "Orkney: A Historical Guide" by Caroline Wickham-Jones, "The Ness of Brodgar" by Nick Card.
  • Fiction/Memoir: "The Outrun" by Amy Liptrot (non-fiction memoir set in Orkney), "Magnus" by George Mackay Brown (classic Orkney literature).
  • Local Publications: Pick up local newspapers like "The Orcadian" upon arrival for current events, news, and community notices.

Continue Your Orkney Journey

Visual Media

  • Documentaries and films about the destination: Look for documentaries on Orkney's archaeology (e.g., films about Skara Brae or the Ness of Brodgar excavations) or the history of Scapa Flow.
  • Music and art to experience before or during the trip: Listen to traditional Scottish or Orcadian folk music. Explore local art galleries during your visit.

Online Communities & Language

  • Online communities and forums for travelers: Online forums, like Reddit's r/Scotland or specific Orkney Facebook groups, offer local insights and a place to ask questions.
  • Language learning resources: While not a requirement, exploring the Norse roots of Orkney's place names or learning a few words of Scottish Gaelic (though Orcadian is not Gaelic-speaking) deepens your region's cultural understanding.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

  1. Bradt Guide: Orkney: A comprehensive and in-depth guide specifically for Orkney.
  2. Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 463: Orkney - West Mainland and OS Explorer Map 464: Orkney - East Mainland: These detailed maps are a good tool for walking, cycling, and general navigation, notably in rural areas.
  3. Collins Pocket Guide to Scottish Birds: If you hold an interest in birdwatching.

Books about Orkney

  1. History/Archaeology: "Orkney: A Historical Guide" by Caroline Wickham-Jones, "The Ness of Brodgar" by Nick Card.
  2. Fiction/Memoir: "The Outrun" by Amy Liptrot (non-fiction memoir set in Orkney), "Magnus" by George Mackay Brown (classic Orkney literature).
  3. Local Publications: Pick up local newspapers like "The Orcadian" upon arrival for current events, news, and community notices.

Explore More Online

Social Media

Search for official Orkney tourism accounts on Instagram and Facebook for visual inspiration, updates, and local advice.

Podcasts

Search for podcasts about Orkney history, archaeology, or folklore (e.g., 'Orkneyology' by Ragnhild Ljosland). These contribute context before or during your journey.

Digital Content

Look for documentaries on Orkney's archaeology or the history of Scapa Flow.

Emergency Contact Reminder

For serious incidents, immediately dial 999. Keep your embassy or consulate contact details readily available.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Important Bookings & Research

Bookings and Research

  • Required Advance Bookings:

    These bookings include flights, ferries (especially with a car), accommodation, car rental, Maeshowe tour, and any specialized trips (diving, specific wildlife).

  • Pre-Trip Research:

    Read a comprehensive guidebook on Orkney. Explore Orkney.com for current information.

  • Local Familiarization:

    Familiarize yourself with Orkney's weather patterns and single-track road etiquette.

  • Home Preparation:

    Arrange for pet care if needed. Hold or redirect mail. Notify a trusted contact of your itinerary. Secure your home (lock windows, tell neighbors).

Essential Preparations

Planning Timeline

A structured approach to your planning ensures a smoother journey. Actions at various stages before your trip.

Required Bookings

These bookings include flights, ferries (especially with a car), accommodation, car rental, Maeshowe tour, and any specialized trips (diving, specific wildlife).

Home Preparations

Arrange for pet care if needed. Hold or redirect mail. Notify a trusted contact of your itinerary. Secure your home (lock windows, tell neighbors).

Planning Timeline

-6 Months Before

  • Visa Check: Research UK visa requirements and apply as needed. Allow ample time for processing.
  • Book Major Travel: Secure major flights and ferries (especially if bringing a car or traveling in high season).
  • Secure Accommodation: Book your accommodation early, notably specific B&Bs or self-catering options, as they fill up quickly.
  • Car Rental: Research and book car rental if you plan to drive.

Month Before

  • Detailed Itinerary: Plan your detailed itinerary, including day trips and activities. Book any specific tours (e.g., Maeshowe, dive trips).
  • Passport Check: Verify your passport validity for your entire stay. Create digital and physical copies.
  • Vaccinations: Confirm routine vaccinations are current. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations.
  • Bank Notification: Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid transaction issues abroad. Capital One Travel is a consideration for travel rewards.

Week Before Departure

Packing and Digital Prep

  • Pack Smart: Pack climate-appropriate clothing (layers and waterproofs are wise) and all crucial items from your packing list. Eagle Creek offers travel organization products.
  • Digital Prep: Download offline maps and helpful apps (ferry apps, weather apps). Fully charge all electronics, cameras, and power banks. NordVPN offers a VPN service for travelers.

Reminders

  • Currency: Convert some currency to Pound Sterling (GBP) or make certain you have access to ATMs upon arrival.
  • Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads is a travel insurance provider.

Effective Planning

A structured approach to your planning provides a smoother journey.

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