Orkneys and the far North of Scotland

[smaiwa]

We're intending to visit the far North of the Scottish mainland over the Whitsun break. Is it possible to visit Orkney in a day or do we need an overnight stay? Is a car essential? Any must sees or tips for the islands and the north mainland greatly appreciated.

[originalbiglymavis]

Oooo Skara brae. I've​ been wanting to go there for years!

[Notlostjustexploring]

I think it is possible to do a day trip as the ferry is an hour or so, if I recall correctly. You'd be completely cheating yourself though!! Went for a week and still feel there is loads to see!
Skara brae is a must.
Loads of standing stones
Took a day trip to hoy - took bikes across as practically traffic free, or the bit we went to was. You could also take a walk to see the old man of hoy.
Churchill barriers are impressive
Italian chapel is also a must.
Just the views!!
I also recall the food being delicious.

Use of a car is preferable, but there are bike hire shops too.

I really loved it up that neck of the woods. Very jealous of your trip.

[madcatwoman61]

When I went a few years ago there was a sightseeing bus trip from the bus station in Kirkwall twice a day - very good value, excellent commentary - included a visit to Skara Brae

[heron98]

I just got back from a trip up there. Didn't go to Orkney. The west side is by far the more scenic, we really liked the areas around Shieldaig, Ullapool and up to Durness.

[BeyondThePage]

I'm from up there- it is a lovely place to visit - just a day trip would be doing an injustice really.

Though there is a joke that "how long does it take to see some stones"
Ring of Brodgar - stones,
Ness of Brodgar - stones,
Scara Brae - stones,
Stenness - stones,
Maeshow - mound of stones,
Old-man of Hoy - tower of stones,
Churchill barriers - concrete stones...