We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Scottish Islands
■ Duration: 7 nights
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Apr-Aug 2027
■ Itineraries available: 2
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 5 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 304kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£2,649
ppInc flights
Members From
£2,619
ppInc flights
Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Moderate walking grade 5
Some walking experience needed. Full day walks which may include some short but steep ascents and descents throughout the day, and varied terrain. Regular stops. Typically, 8-9 miles (13-15km) with around 1,300ft (400m) of ascent.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. In the afternoon we’ll visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice – testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. We’ll also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent.
A superb coastal trail along the spectacular sea cliffs from Yesnaby to the impressive ancient settlement of Skara Brae – a remarkable feat of ancient engineering predates the pyramids of Egypt and even Stonehenge.
9½ miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent.
One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. Today’s walk takes us to the famous sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy and will have bird watchers twitching with excitement at the prospect of spotting arctic and great skuas.
8½ miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent.
Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. It’s the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. We’ll also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms.
2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House.
There’s an opportunity to learn about Shetland’s heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Wildlife watching here is superb. Seabirds flock to this rocky outcrop in their thousands during breeding season and colonies of common and grey seal spend autumn in the waters of the bay.
9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent.
A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland.
7½ miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent.
Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight.
Welcome! On our Fully Escorted departures, your HF Holidays leader will meet you at the airport prior to your flight and will travel with you to your hotel ready to start your holiday.
Please meet your HF Holidays Leader 2 hours 30 minutes before your flight departure Dundee Airport:
Group Meeting Point - Central Check-in-Hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign.
Your HF Holidays Leader will then travel with you to the hotel, helping you settle in and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your holiday.
Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. In the afternoon we’ll visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice – testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. We’ll also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent.
A superb coastal trail along the spectacular sea cliffs from Yesnaby to the impressive ancient settlement of Skara Brae – a remarkable feat of ancient engineering predates the pyramids of Egypt and even Stonehenge.
9½ miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent.
One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. Today’s walk takes us to the famous sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy and will have bird watchers twitching with excitement at the prospect of spotting arctic and great skuas.
8½ miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent.
Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. It’s the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. We’ll also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms.
2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House.
There’s an opportunity to learn about Shetland’s heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Wildlife watching here is superb. Seabirds flock to this rocky outcrop in their thousands during breeding season and colonies of common and grey seal spend autumn in the waters of the bay.
9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent.
A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland.
7½ miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent.
Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight.
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).
Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.
Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.
Transfers from the airport to the Merkister Hotel are available for those who have booked flights with us. Otherwise, please make your own way from the airport to the hotel (a taxi will take approx. 30 mins).
If you're travelling by air, you should book return flights to Kirkwall (Orkney). There are flights available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen, and London. See Logan Air. www.loganair.co.uk
Return ferry travel is available from Scrabster to Stromness or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, and back from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Ferries are operated by North Link Ferries; www.northlinkferries.co.uk The ferry terminal at Aberdeen is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Aberdeen railway station. There are bus and train routes available to Scrabster from Inverness with City Link www.citylink.co.uk. There are also train services from Inverness to Scrabster with connections from Thurso, ran by Citylink & Rapson’s Coaches.
We try to create a relaxed atmosphere on the walk but please listen to safety instructions from your leader.
Keep members of the group in view especially when weather or visibility is poor. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Our leaders consider the safety of the group as a whole and are likely to be more cautious over potential risks such as bad weather.
Orkney and Shetland have pristine natural landscapes; peace and tranquillity; wide open spaces and lots of fresh air - you will island hop from the quaint crofting communities of Orkney to the Scandanavian style fjords and voes of Shetland. Orkney is 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness and separated from Scotland by the Pentland Firth. Shetland is 50 miles north east of Orkney.
Orkney is the name given to a group of 70 islands, the largest being ‘Mainland’, home to the majority of the Orcadian population, and the centre for your stay on the island. Life on these islands is sustained by a mixture of farming, fishing and tourism. Islanders themselves highlight the contrast between the two archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland by describing each other as: “Farmers who fish” – the Orcadians and.... “Fishermen who farm” – the Shetlanders. This illustrates ideally the contrast between the locals themselves, and the landscapes in which they live. The natural landscapes here determine all life on the islands.
On Orkney you will have the opportunity to discover a treasure trove of history at the many heritage sites on Mainland. Your walks take you to explore the standing stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, the UNESCO site of Skara Brae, and the exceptional Maes Howe.
From Orkney, your flight from Kirkwall will take you to Shetland, an island archipelago much more Nordic than Scottish. A barren but stunningly beautiful, ice-carved landscape, greets you, offering a plethora of wildlife watching opportunities. Your walks on Shetland traverse the windswept shores of the main island, from Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve in the south, to the brazenly beautiful peninsula of Eshaness and the ancient rocks of Muckle Roe.
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).
Packed lunches
Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.
Dietary requirements
Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.
Luggage transfers
When you change from one hotel to another, we will arrange for your luggage to be transferred for you. This is included in the cost of your holiday. Please remember that other people will need to move your suitcase so please pack thoughtfully. Your flight baggage allowance will be detailed on your holiday despatch documents, received 4-6 weeks prior to the start date, and if you can limit your luggage to one bag, rucksack or suitcase that would be very helpful. Make sure your bags are clearly labelled with your name and “HF Holidays”.
This holiday begins in Orkney. For those who have booked our “with flight” option, you will fly from Glasgow (2023 dates), Edinburgh (2024 dates) airport to Kirkwall airport (Orkney), from where you will be transferred to the Merkister Hotel.
The flight between Orkney and Shetland on Day 5 is included in your holiday price and our Shetland coach company will pick you up at Sumburgh Airport.
All passengers aged 16 and over are required to provide photographic ID at the check-in desk and at the departure gate.
Holiday Finish: Your holiday ends in Shetland. If you have booked our “with flight” option, we will take you back to Sumburgh airport, for your return flight to Glasgow (2023 dates), Edinburgh (2024 dates).
On occasion luggage can be delayed. It's always best to pack essentials in your hand luggage just in case.
If you are travelling independently, we look forward to welcoming you at the Merkister Hotel. A taxi transfer from the airport will take approximately 25 minutes.
If you're travelling by air, you should book an outward flight to Kirkwall (Orkney), and a return flight from Sumburgh (Shetland). There are flights available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Manchester. See Logan Air
Ferry travel is available from Scrabster to Stromness or from Aberdeen to Kirkwall, and back from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Ferries are operated by North Link Ferries; www.northlinkferries.co.uk. The ferry terminal at Aberdeen is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Aberdeen railway station.
There are bus and train routes available to Scrabster from Inverness with City Link www.citylink.co.uk. There are also train services from Inverness to Scrabster with connections from Thurso, ran by Citylink & Rapson’s Coaches.
On your departure day a taxi transfer from the Busta House Hotel to Sumburgh airport will take approximately 58 mins.
Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.
Essentials
Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip
Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm
Waterproof overtrousers
Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket
Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces
Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer
Rucksack with a waterproof liner
Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre
Flask for hot drinks
Sunscreen
UV-protective sunglasses
Spare high-energy food
Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March
Passport (if applicable)
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
Recommended
Several base layers, with long or short sleeves
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool
Sit mat
Waterproof pouch for valuables
Rubbish bags
Wallet or purse
Camera
Walking poles
Sun hat
Gaiters
Mobile Phones
Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)
Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.
Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.
Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.
If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.
All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).
Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.
If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance and any other personal insurance relevant to you and the holiday. It is particularly important with the possibility of flight changes and cancellations due to the challenging weather conditions that can occur on the islands and might impact your onward travel arrangements.
Suggested Reading and Mpas
Your leader will carry all the necessary maps and guides. For you own interest you may consider looking at the following:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orkney
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland
Landranger 1: 50,000 Maps: 3, 4, 6 and 7
Please be aware that apart from the ATMs at Kirkwall and Sumburgh airports, that charge a withdrawal fee, there are no ATM machines located anywhere on our itinerary. Both hotels accept payment by card.
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: XAU07-LDW11
Dates & availability
Orkney & Shetland Guided Walking with Sightseeing
Non-members
£2,649
£2,369
ppMembers
£2,619
£2,339
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£2,669
£2,369
ppMembers
£2,639
£2,339
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£2,669
£2,389
ppMembers
£2,639
£2,359
pp
We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.
Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.
Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests
We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.
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