Orkney & Shetland Guided Walking with Sightseeing

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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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

spare warm clothing
spare high energy food
head torch and spare batteries
please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
Sit mat   
Waterproof pouch for valuables  
Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
Wallet/purse  
Camera
Walking poles
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    string(92) "With flights - Travelling with the group for Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday"
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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. 
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    string(92) "Without flights - Independent travellers for Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday"
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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. 
By air
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
By ferry
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.
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Ticks
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.
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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.
In the event of a problem
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.
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Travel Insurance
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.
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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
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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.
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