Hills, Heather and Hidden Treasures

Nature's Naked Orkney

Pierce the tourist dressage and see Orkney in its raw naked natural state. Go off the beaten track to views which are not readily accessible on the tourist trail.

Journey into a wonderful experience, exploring areas which cannot be accessed by normal vehicles. You will encounter exquisite scenery by travelling over rugged peat roads - breathtakingly beautiful! This is the original 4 x 4 off-road photography tour that was the forerunner of Explore Orkney.

The views, the atmosphere and the big sky often provide an ever changing panoply from rapid shifts in patterns of light, sun and weather on small islands where the atlantic ocean meets the north sea. Experience peace, tranquillity and only the sounds of Mother Nature. This trip is exciting for people of all ages and ideal for both nature lovers and amateur photographers.

Good walking footwear and waterproof clothing is advisable.

At 9am, we start our exploration heading towards Stenness, famous for its Standing Stones, Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe. There begins our first adventure off-road, up into the hills and peat tracks. The views from there are exilerating; on one side you can see Scapa Flow, the islands of Hoy and Gramesay, famous for their role played over the centuries in travel trade and conflict. On the other side is a unique view looking over The Standing Stones and The Ring of Brodgar.

Dependant upon the time of year and weather, whilst on this trip, you may see Hen Harriers, Golden Plovers and Linnet birds in their moorland habitat. A rich wildlife habitat covered in heather (mainly ling and bell heather) with downy white patches of cotton grass dotted throughout. Also, in some areas which are wet and peaty, common and great sundews grow, both insectivorous plants, trapping unwary insects.

Lunch: We stop for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy homemade foods prepared from local produce.

Moving on after lunch, we continue with a trip to hills in the district of Evie.

We take you up through rough tracks to the top where you can enjoy completely natural sounds without the distraction of man made noises. You may hear birds, the wind or just pure natural silence, peace and tranquillity to let you mind wander without interruption.

Views from here are simply breathtaking. You can see over the Hundland and Boardhouse Lochs and in the distance The Brough of Birsay. The views the atmosphere and the big sky provide an ever changing vista in the reflections of light and sun.

On our way back, you can admire views of The Islands of Rousay and Eynhallow and The Bay of Firth.

Tour fees include all admission fees to sites of interest and lunch.

Features Summary

A tour with a difference. Breathtakingly beautiful, a wonderful experience, nature, a big sky, natural silence, peace and tranquility.

A host of hidden treasures

• Off-road, above The Standing Stones and The Ring of Brodgar and Scapa Flow
• Walking in open countryside
• Off-road in rough tracks in Evie
• Walking in open countryside in Evie
• Lunch included

For booking information click here