Cycling The Scottish Orkney Isles Tour

Description

Visiting The Scottish Orkney Isles offers an unforgettable journey through 5000 years of history, packed into a dramatic and stunning landscape. Located just six miles off the north coast of Scotland, this archipelago of about 70 islands balances ancient neolithic marvels, Norse heritage and profound wartime legacies.

The heart of Neolithic Orkney is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The central western region of the main island (Mainland) contains one of Europe's most significant prehistoric landscapes and includes places such as Skara Brae Prehistoric Village,  this remarkably preserved Stone Age settlement reveals intact stone-built homes, beds, and cupboards that were buried by sand for millennia. Also The Ring of Brogdar, a massive, eerie circle of 27 remaining monoliths standing beautifully between two saltwater lochs and the Standing Stones of Stenness, four gigantic upright stones standing up to six metres high, representing one of the oldest henge sites in Britain as well as other important sites to visit. All of the aforementioned sites are included in the cycling tour and admission too.

The two primary settlements on the Mainland Orkney provide an interesting contrast; Stromness and the capital Kirkwall and we visit both as part of the cycling tour. Stromness: a picturesque stone seaport with a narrow winding flagstone main street. It serves as a central hub for scuba diving in Scapa Flow, a massive natural harbourthat contains scuttled warships for the German High Seas Fleet from WW1. In contrast, Kirkwall: the vibrant capital, at its heart stands the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, built out of red and yellow sandstone by the Vikings in 1137. You can explore the ruins of the Earl's and Bishop's Palaces or stop by local pubs like The Reel for traditional Orcadian fiddle music. Kirkwall has shops, attractions and much more besides to do and see and you will have the opportunity to explore the very best this city has to offer as part of your trip as we stay in Kirkwall for two nights (see itinerary for more details).

There is much more to explore on Orkney including past War time history. We will be visiting The Italian Chapel, located on Lamb Holm, this beautiful ornate Catholic chapel was constructed out of scrap material by Italian prisoners of war in the 1940s and is one of the most visited places on the Islands. We will also be cycling over the Churchill Barriers, a concrete causeway built to protect Scapa Flow that now physically link the Mainland to the southern islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay. We visit The Italian Chapel and experience the Churchill Barriers as part of our trip and explore both Islands as part of the tour. 

There is so much included in this Cycling The Scottish Orkney Islands Tour.

This fully guided and supported cycling tour resides in East and West Mainland and on Burray and covers the very best Orkney has to offer including the main historic sites, Kirkwall and some of the Islands. All of the guided rides on the tour are mainly on quiet country roads and lanes and will cover approximately 211 miles, and the scenery and sites are spectacular. The routes chosen are not without their challenges and the islands are well known for the odd steep climb and descent, but some sections offer an easier gradient, with far reaching views over open Orcadian countryside (see Itinerary). Also included in this special tour is a professionally guided tour of Kirkwall and Scapa Flow operated by OrkneyInga Tours (included in the price) 

Accommodation for this trip is based in three different locations: On East Mainland for 3 nights at The Merikster Hotel; next 2 nights at The Sands Hotel Burray and finally 2 nights at a good quality bed and breakfast in Kirkwall, based on a half board basis, sharing a twin or double-ensuite room or for sole-occupancy. There is a sole occupancy supplement on this holiday (see pricing section). 

Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to enjoy and you need to make sure you read the Itinerary.

Included in the holiday price is a return transfer from Inverness to Scrabster for cyclist, bag and bike and you must make sure you book the transfer as part of your booking as there are limited places available. Otherwise you can fly to Orkney and we can arrange for a return transfer from the airport to the hotel at an extra cost.

Highlights

• Opportunity to visit the historic St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
• Opportunity to visit a variety of neolithic sites including Skara Brae Prehistoric Village,  the Ring of Brogdar and Standing Stones of Stenness
• Explore war time places such as The Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow and experience The Churchill Barriers
• Stay in good quality accommodation on a half board basis
• The chance to visit a variety of quaint island villages 
• Explore the small islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay
• Experience wild Scottish Orcadian landscapes, seascapes and an abundance of wildlife 
• Enjoy a professional guided tour of Kirkwall and Scapa Flow

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 8 day cycling tour staying and visiting a variety of places on Orkney. Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 - Monday 9th August 2027

Arrival in Mainland, Orkney
If you are taking the transfer from Inverness, you will meet at Inverness railway station for the transfer via minibus and bike trailer. Everyone on this trip is booked on to the ferry as a cyclist and you can only take your bike and baggage with you. on board the ferry. If you have driven to Scrabster, you will need to park your car in the Northlink car park. You will need to check for car parking charges. The ferry sailing takes one and a half hours. On arrival in Stromness, your bags will be transferred to your accommodation on East Mainland. The group will cycle from the port to the accommodation. If you are flying to Orkney, a transfer can be arranged tot ake you from Kirkwall Airport to the accommodation in East Mainland.

Day 2 - Tuesday 10th August 2027

Ride to Skara Brae Village, Birsay Tea Rooms, Ring of Brogdar and Stenness Standing Stones (38miles/61km, ascent 1814 feet/553m)

After breakfast, we will assemble outside the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 (see grading system) steady. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is approximately 38 miles with a coffee and lunch stop and you will ride on some fantastic country roads and lanes and enjoy spectacular scenery. Today’s highlights include prehistoric Skara Brae Village (admission to site included), The Ring of Brogdar, a massive stone circle with 27 standing stones and The Standing Stones of Stenness; four gigantic upright standing stones standing up to six metres high, representing one of the oldest henge sites in Britain. It's defintely a day to remember and we will spend time at each of the important historical sites as part of our bike ride.

On day 2, after we get back after our ride, we will enjoy an evening meal in the hotel's restaurant and the opportunity to relax and reflect on a special day cycling on Orkney.

Day 3 - Wednesday 11th August 2027

Ride to Tingwall, the Mistral Tea Rooms and Countryside Explorer (28miles/45km, ascent 1513ft/461m)

After breakfast, we will assemble outside accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 (see grading system) steady. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is about 28 miles and includes a lunch stop as part of our ride. We set off from our accommodation and enjoy fantastic countryside views and lanscapes as we cycle on mainly very quiet roads and lanes to Tingwall and The Mistral Tea Rooms in Evie. After lunch at the tea rooms, we cycle back via lovely country lanes to Dounby and our hotel in East Mainland with breathtaking scenery and wide open views over Orkney countryside.

On day 3, after we get back after our ride, we will enjoy an evening meal in the hotel restaurant and have the opportunity to relax in the bar and enjoy a drink in the bar overlooking the loch.

Day 4 - Thursday 12th August 2027

Transfer and ride to Burray via Scapa Flow, Kirkwall, The Italian Chapel and The Churchill Barriers (37 miles/59km, ascent1990 feet/606m)

It's time to leave East Mainland for the next stage of our tour and our stay on Burray Island and South Ronaldsay. Bags will be transfered from our hotel in East Mainland to our new accommodation in Burray Village and the group will cycle the route and enjoy some fantastic cycling and scenery.

After breakfast, we will assemble outside accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 (see grading system) steady. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is about 37 miles and includes a toilet and  lunch stop as part of our ride at Sheila Fleets well known cafe in Tankerness. We set off from our accommodation and enjoy fantastic countryside views and seascapes as we cycle overlooking Scapa Flow, a large naturally sheltered stretch of water, measuring 15 miles by about 8 miles, it served as the Royal Navy's chief naval base during both World Wars. It's famous for the 1919 scuttling of the German fleet and is a global wreck diving site. As part of the tour (Saturday) you will be taken on a tour of Scapa Flow as well as other places such as St Magnus Cathedral and other important landmarks. We will also cycle the outskirts of Kirkwall, past the airport, The Italian Chapel (we actually visit Saturday) and you will have the opportunity to experience the famous Churchill Barriers before arriving at our next location and stay, Burray village and Island.

On day 4, after we arrive at our accommodation and have checked in, we will enjoy an evening meal in the hotel restaurant and have the opportunity to relax in the bar.

Day 5 - Friday 13th August 2027

Ride and tour of Burray, South Ronaldsay & Tomb of the Eagles (31 miles/49km, ascent 2092 feet/638m)

After breakfast, we will assemble outside the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is a circular route on Burray and South Ronaldsay, with spectacular views, landscapes and seascapes and a special visit to Tomb of the Eagles (admission included) in the very south of the Island. Perched above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the community-owned Isbister Chambered Cairn—better known today as the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’—is one of Orkney’s top archaeological sites. Discovered by chance by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, the Stone Age tomb revealed an amazing collection of bones and artefacts, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Late Lunch will be in St Margarets Hope.

In the evening, on day 5, we will enjoy an evening meal in the hotel's restaurant and have the opportunity to enjoy a well earned drink in the bar and reflect on our experience cycling on South Ronaldsay.

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Day 6 - Saturday 14th August 2027

Transfer and ride to The Italian Chapel & Kirkwall (15 miles/24km, ascent 906 feet/276m) and afternoon guided tour of Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral and Scapa Flow with OrkneyInga Tours

After breakfast, we will assemble outside the hotel and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the transfer ride from Burray village to Kirkwall and the next stage of our tour. The ride, which is relatively short, will include a visit to The Italian Chapel (admission included) . The Italian Chapel, located on Lamb Holm, is a beautiful ornate Catholic chapel constructed out of scrap material by Italian prisoners of war in the 1940s and is one of the most visited places on the Islands.

After our visit to The Italian Chapel we will cycle onto our final accommodation on our tour in Kirkwall, vibrant capital of Orkney. Bags will be transfered by minibus. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Kirkwall, Scapa Flow and St Magnus Cathedral is included in your trip.

In the evening, we will enjoy an evening meal, in a local hotel, located near to our accommodation.

Day 7 - Sunday 15th August 2027

Day off or Optional Ride to Sheila Fleets Cafe and Deerness Distillery (34 miles/54km, ascent 1891 feet/576m)

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a day off and explore vibrant Kirkwall or after breakfast, we will assemble in the main square in Bowmore near to the accommodation, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 (see grading system) steady. Our very last day’s ride is scenic and breathtaking at the same time. We ride from our accommodation to Sheila Fleets cafe for an early morning coffee and then onto Deerness Distillery for a lovely lunch. The route is mainly on very quiet country lanes and roads with vey little traffic.

In the evening, a farewell meal has been booked at a local hotel next to our accommodation and you will have the opportunity of a farewell drink with the rest of the group - a great way of sharing stories and relfecting on our experiences cycling on Orkney!

Day 8 - Monday 16th August 2027

Final day and departure, ride from Kirkwall to Stromness and return to the Mainland (19 miles/31km, ascent 1184 feet/361m)

After breakfast, everyone will need to cycle to Stomness for the return ferry back to Scrabster and home. All bags will be transferred by minbus. The ferry leaves in the morning and journey is about one a half hours. Finish either Scrabster or Inverness railway station.

Accommodation

We have three accommodations booked on the Orkney cycling tour. The main accommodations for our trip is The Merkister Hotel on East Mainland (https://merkister.com/) and The Sands Hotel, Burray (https://thesandshotel.co.uk/), on the waterfront on a half board basis. The properties have a number of double or twin rooms, and singles all en-suite. Sole occupancy supplement applies. In Kirkwall, we have two good quality bed and breakfasts or hotels; Avalon House ( https://www.avalon-house.co.uk/), The Royal Oak (https://royaloakguesthouse.co.uk/) or Lynnfield Hotel (https://lynnfield.co.uk/), also on a half board basis.

The Cycling

Each individual ride is graded and detailed in the itinerary description. The rides on this cycling trip have been graded between 2 (easygoing) to 4 (challenging).

This trip is suitable for most bike types except mountain bikes. 

Group Size: 8-10 people.

Dates & Prices

9-16 August 2027, Price £2295. Sole occupancy supplement £300. 

There is a return transfer included in the price of your cycling holiday from Inverness Railway station to Scrabster (Northlink Ferry Terminal). If you do not wish to catch the transfer, there is an option to meet in Orkney or be transfered from the airport to hotel (ask for details).

The price stated is per person, on a half board basis.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation (shared twin/double en-suite rooms or for sole occupancy) on a half board basos in a variety of selected accommodations as part of the tour
• Services of a first aid trained ride leader and guide.  Please note, we will use the services of a bike mechanic at Cycle Orkney for the duration of our stay and there is a tsupport van if needed
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• Baggage transfer service throughout the tour
• GPX files emailed in advance of all the rides on this holiday
• Return transfer if booked from Inverness to Scrabster
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representative for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions) 
• Return ferry for cyclists, bags and bikes
  

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets 
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff            

Bike Hire

Bike hire can be arranged in advance with Cycle Orkney and they have a choice of e-bikes and hybrid bikes for hire.

Ask one of our team about arranging for bike hire at the time of booking as this is a special request. On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.

Return Transfer

A return transfer from Inverness railway station to Scrabster for the Northlink Ferry to Stromness is included in the price but you must book your transfer place as part of your booking as limited capacity is available. The transfer service is available to carry cyclist, bag and bike only.

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