Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday
Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. In a land that’s been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, stunning scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe.
What you’ll love
- Hopping between Orkney & Shetland
- Exploring the best of both islands on foot
- The wild and windswept natural landscapes
- Spotting wildlife on these relatively untouched islands
- Visiting some of the best prehistoric archaeological sites in Europe
- Sharing the experience with a group of like-minded walkers
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- Entrance to Skara Brae, Maes Howe, and Jarlshof archaeological sites
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Luggage transfers
- Flights from Edinburgh to Kirkwall returning from Sumburgh, including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
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.
The Merkister Hotel - Orkney
We’ve had a long love affair with Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It’s just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
The Merkister Hotel - Orkney
We’ve had a long love affair with Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It’s just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
The Merkister Hotel - Orkney
We’ve had a long love affair with Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It’s just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
The Merkister Hotel - Orkney
We’ve had a long love affair with Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It’s just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
Busta House, Shetland - Orkney & Shetland
In the Shetlands, it’s all about Busta House. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetland’s remote beauty. This 16th century laird’s manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
Busta House, Shetland - Orkney & Shetland
In the Shetlands, it’s all about Busta House. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetland’s remote beauty. This 16th century laird’s manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
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.
Busta House, Shetland - Orkney & Shetland
In the Shetlands, it’s all about Busta House. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetland’s remote beauty. This 16th century laird’s manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight.
The Merkister Hotel - Orkney
We’ve had a long love affair with Orkney’s family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. It’s just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Busta House, Shetland - Orkney & Shetland
In the Shetlands, it’s all about Busta House. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetland’s remote beauty. This 16th century laird’s manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Essential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
04 May - 11 May 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Flight from Edinburgh Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
29 Jun - 06 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Flight from Edinburgh Airport Single from £2,499 Double from £2,499 pp |
from £2,499 pp |
from £2,499 |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
|
17 Aug - 24 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Flight from Edinburgh Airport Single from £2,701 Double from £2,379 pp |
from £2,379 pp |
from £2,701 |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
|
07 Sep - 14 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Flight from Edinburgh Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £2,499 pp |
from £2,499 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
04 May - 11 May 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
29 Jun - 06 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Single from £2,119 Double from £2,119 pp |
from £2,119 pp |
from £2,119 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
17 Aug - 24 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping Single from £2,441 Double from £2,119 pp |
from £2,119 pp |
from £2,441 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
07 Sep - 14 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Island Hopping
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £2,119 pp |
from £2,119 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes flights to Kirkwall returning from Sumburgh, hold baggage and airport transfers
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
304Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
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