In a nutshell

This excursion leads us to an interesting exploration of the habitats found on the islands, which are home to some spectacular wild life.

Main stops

Standing Stones of Stenness
RSPB Brodgar Reserve
Loch of Stenness
Loch of Harray
Marwick Head Nature Reserve
Ring of Brodgar
Seabird City
Large variety of birds and birds of prey
Loons and Loch of Banks

The programme

Departing Kirkwall, we head west towards the RSPB Brodgar Reserve, parking at the Standing Stones of Stenness situated between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, both Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Loch of Stenness with its Brackish water is often a place to watch seals and otters near the Brodgar Bridge, whilst the Loch of Harray, being the largest Loch of Mainland Orkney, has three species of nationally scarce pondweed, a very rare caddis fly and you might even spot the Theodoxus fluviatilis, the only known site in Scotland, for this small snail, which would commonly be found in English rivers. This location is a beautiful place to spot various wildfowl and waders; you will find curlews, drumming snipe, lapwings and oystercatchers here.
On our drive to Marwick Head we will pass by the 4,500 year old ceremonial Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles. Probably an important burial place and religious site, archaeological studies suggest that it was built before the more famous circle of Stonehenge. Only 27 stones remain today of what is thought to have been a perfect circle of more than 60 stones that are over 4,500 years old, look out for short-eared owls and hen harriers which are so often spotted in this beautiful wilderness.
Continuing to the west coast, we arrive at Marwick Head’s RSPB nature reserve. Following a 1 kilometre walk to a cliff-top observation point, we arrive at “Seabird City”. From here we can admire the Atlantic Ocean and hear the deafening noise of the guillemots, seagulls, petrels, razorbills, and colonies of puffins on the 60 metre-high cliff top.
Finally, we return to our ship in Kirkwall, passing by the Loons and Loch of Banks,a wide expanse of marsh with areas of water and plentiful cover for breeding visiting wildfowl, one of only a few places where you may spot the rare Pintail.

Good to know

To reach the cliff top there will be a 1 km walk over grassy terrain.
Due to the distance, the path and safety conditions, the excursion is not recommended for families with young children.