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.

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

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.

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

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.

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...