Summer on Orkney

— Wildlife, Birds & History

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Highlights

Taking time to really enjoy Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls
Searching for eagles on Hoy
Looking for Risso’s Dolphins and Minke Whales in Scapa Flow
Exploring some of the most fascinating archaeological remains in the UK
Enjoying a stunning botanical array including the delightful Scotch Primula
Seabirds galore including a Gannetry and Puffins
A visit to North Ronaldsay bird observatory
The incredible diversity that the archipelago has in landscapes, seascapes and wildlife
Led by expert naturalist and birder Calum Urquhart

Scotch Primrose in flower on the short coastal turf

Overview

Orkney is a remarkable archipelago. It has the highest standard of living of anywhere in the UK and is a fascinating mix of productive arable land, moorland and marshes liberally scattered with some of the most remarkable history in the UK. It is also home a superb array of wildlife. The coast dominates. From sheltered sandy bays to towering sea cliffs and stacks, the islands have it all. On this tour we will contrast the grandeur of Hoy with the gentle coasts of Westray and Scapa Flow, and will endeavour to give you as complete a picture of Orkney and its wildlife as possible.

The mountainous nature of Hoy creates habitat for both Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Merlin, Hen Harrier, and Great Skuas. On the west of the island the Old Man O Hoy stands proud from the cliffs in spectacular style. Although not as mountainous the fascinating and rarely visited island of Rousay is also hilly and blanketed in moorland and wet grassland. Here we expect to have brilliant encounters with both Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier here as well as enjoy some of the archaeological sites. Places such as Westray and the Ronaldsays have vibrant meadows ablaze with flowers and home to Skylarks, breeding waders and Great Yellow Bumblebees. Along the coast we will search for the delightful Scotch Primula as well as the rare Oysterplant. Rockpools around here can be teaming with life including Nudibranchs, Bloody Henry Starfish and a variety of anemones.

Flights and weather-permitting we hope to get to North Ronaldsay to see the bird observatory and enjoy exploring the island. On Westray seabirds will be a focus with visits to the Gannetry and the auk colonies and there’s even a chance of species like Corncrake out here. Scapa Flow is the huge sheltered bay protected by a multitude of islands and made famous during the First World War. Now it is a haven for marine wildlife including Harbour Porpoise, Risso’s Dolphin and Minke Whale and from time to time Basking Sharks can also be found here. Eider and Long-tailed Ducks also take advantage of the calm conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Meet in Inverness early afternoon and travel north to Caithness stopping to explore sites such as Loch Fleet on the way. We will cross the famous Pentland Firth and arrive on Orkney where we will spend the next seven nights based out of Kirkwall.

Day 2:

Today we take the short ferry hop over to Rousay. A hilly island dominated by thick heather and damp grassland. Here we will look for Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier both of which have good populations on the island. The island is also home to some fascinating archaeological remains including Taversöe Tuick, an unusual two-storied cairn, and Midhowe stalled cairn and Broch. We will depart Rousay in the afternoon and finish the day on the mainland near Birsay looking for Puffin and Black Guillemot, Red-breasted Merganser and Divers.

Day 3:

The island of Westray offers us a completely different feel to both Rousay and Hoy being lower and sandier. We will take the ferry from Kirkwall wending our way between the islands to Rapness before exploring by vehicle across the island. The Gannetry at Noup Head is a magnificent experience and at the opposite end of the island the Castle o’Burrian is home to Puffins whilst Twite feed along the cliff-tops. The beaches may hold Sanderling and Turnstone and with luck Corncrake will be calling from the irises. The waters around the island and during the ferry journey offer a good chance to encounter cetaceans.

Day 4:

Mainland has a rich mix of moorland, farmland and marshes and these are excellent for birds. Local RSPB reserves offer hides overlooking areas that are great for Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls and the marshes are home to breeding Whooper Swans, Black-tailed Godwits and a plethora of other waders and wildfowl. The seacliffs of Marwick are impressive in their own right but also home to a fantastic seabird city and we will also look for Scotch Primula amongst Spring Squill and Thrift in the short coastal turf.

Day 5:

The island of North Ronaldsay is the northernmost of the Orkneys and the site of a Bird observatory. Weather and flight permitting we will visit the island from Kirkwall and spend the day exploring this site and seeing the Bird Observatory in action.

Day 6:

At the opposite end of the archipelago is South Ronaldsay. The island itself is connected by a series of causeways from mainland and this provides excellent viewing into Scapa Flow where we may pick up Great Northern Divers, both seals, cetaceans and seaduck. Little Terns breed in small numbers here as well. The southern tip of South Ronaldsay is an excellent vantage point to scan the Pentland Firth and at this time of year Orca can occasionally be encountered.

Day 7:

The dramatic island of Hoy will be our focus today. The ferry will take us past Cava and Flotta where we expect to see rafts of Eider and potentially even late-staying Long-tailed Ducks. Hoy is the most mountainous of the islands and home to Golden and White-tailed Eagles (though both are rare) as well as Great Skuas, Merlin, Hen Harrier and some stunning coastal scenery. The sheltered bays along the east coast often hold Great Northern Divers and Harbour Porpoises are a possibility.

Day 8:

After breakfast we will commence our journey south first crossing the Pentland by ferry and then south to Inverness where the tour will conclude mid-afternoon.

The daily itinerary is indicative and will be adjusted based on best available ferry times and weather.

Gallery

The Great Skua, or Bonxie, surrounded by Cotton Grass

Sanderling flock together to feed on the sandy beaches

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Beachcombing is always a popular activity on our tours

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Brough of Birsay causeway - perfect for rock pooling

Who we Support on this Tour

Bumblebee Conservation
RSPB

Trees for Life

Dates and Prices

            Set Departure Dates
            Cost
            Availability
       
            Sat 7th June to Sat 14th June 2025
            £2750*
            Spaces Available