Orkney ferry, any tips?

[68c]

Slowly wandered our way up from Southampton to Wick, on our way to John O Groats. Just had the mad idea of going to the Orkneys, either as foot passengers or with the van. Looks like ferries go from Gill and Scrabster but finding the websites a bit confusing. If we go would like to see Skarra Brae, not sure which port to make fir and if possible to get there without the van. If we go as foot passengers would need to return the same day but if with van I assume we can park up somewhere for the night. Any tips?

 

[Ingwe]

Slowly wandered our way up from Southampton to Wick, on our way to John O Groats. Just had the mad idea of going to the Orkneys, either as foot passengers or with the van. Looks like ferries go from Gill and Scrabster but finding the websites a bit confusing. If we go would like to see Skarra Brae, not sure which port to make fir and if possible to get there without the van. If we go as foot passengers would need to return the same day but if with van I assume we can park up somewhere for the night. Any tips?

Yes, get the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness. They are very flexible with booking amendments if required. If you go as foot passengers, you can get a bus from the ferry terminal at Stromness cheaply and easily. Frequent busses. Ensure you get the bus going the right route and there is full info at the terminal.

If you decide to take the van, there is a lovely council run campsite in Stromness. We spent 6 nights there. We loved our stay. The walk into Stromness centre is only about 10 minutes. There are busses to all the main sights on Orkney but we understand that it is possible and acceptable to park for free at some of the main sights if they have car parks.

 

[Googlebot]

We wild camped and very welcoming everyone was too.

We went from Gills bay, dead easy and not a long crossing.

 

[Ingwe]

Here’s a link to our post about our first (and only so far) trip to Orkney.

First visit to Orkney

.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[hja]

I would take the van if you are not stuck for time. You may well find that once you have got to Orkney you want more than one day to savour all it has to offer. As well as all above, Kirkwall for St Magnus Cathederal and lots of other archeological stuff all round. Churchill Barriers. Italian Church. Wildlife. Just so much.

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[Riverbankannie]

We stayed at the campsite at John O’Groats and took the day trip from there with coach tour included. Enjoyed the day and had plenty of time to look around each stop.

 

[bigtwin]

We stayed at the campsite at John O’Groats and took the day trip from there with coach tour included. Enjoyed the day and had plenty of time to look around each stop.

That (foot) ferry is no longer operating.

However, Pentland Ferries sail from Gills Bay (a few miles from JoG) to St Margarets Hope on South Ronaldsay.

Ian

 

[Speve]

We used Gils bay a very nice easy crossing and wild camping is easily found theatre is a good camp site at Kirkwall

 

[Gellyneck]

We went over on Pentland Ferries (Gills Bay - St Margaret Hope) and stayed at the site in Kirkwall. It's next to the sports centre and 2 minutes walk to Lidl / Tesco/ etc.

You used to be able to overnight at the terminal (but better check) if booked on the ferry.

I would suggest you take the open topped tourist bus from Kirkwall as it takes you around a number of the famous sites (including Skarra Brae) but, in the spirit of the Funster community, here's a few photos so saving you a fortune on the costs!

 

[68c]

Thankyou for all the tips. Probably going to drop the idea. If we took the bikes need to be at the ferry by 0800, but difficult to find somewhere near to leave the van for the day. Taking the van would work out around £240 odd return. Currently on a small car park on the moors near Reay on the A836. Will reconsider in the morning, stunning weather, clear view across the Pentland Firth to Orkney lit up by the evening sun.

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[bigtwin]

Thankyou for all the tips. Probably going to drop the idea. If we took the bikes need to be at the ferry by 0800, but difficult to find somewhere near to leave the van for the day. Taking the van would work out around £240 odd return. Currently on a small car park on the moors near Reay on the A836. Will reconsider in the morning, stunning weather, clear view across the Pentland Firth to Orkney lit up by the evening sun.

I’m pretty sure that you’d be able to leave your van in the car park of either of the ferry ports. Worth calling the companies to confirm (Northlink for Scrabster and Pentland Ferries for Gills Bay).

Ian

 

[namwaldog]

We were up that way late July this year and decided to go across to Orkney on a whim!
Stayed at a nice CL, Kittiwake Cottage, just along the coast from JoG initially....

Nice lady, ex MH'er, runs it You stay in her garden, HS or grass, elsan, tap, grey waste for £12!

Decided on the Scrabster ferry.(abt £150 single) Nice roomy ferry, takes you right past Old Man of Hoy to Stromness.

Lovely Islands which seemed very roomy considering their actual size. Absolutely no problem with overnights either on sites or free car parks.

If the cost of the ferry puts you off you could book a couple of nights at the site opposite Lidl at Thurso, leave the MH there and take your bikes on the ferry.

The site we overnighted on at Birsay has Hostel accommodation which would be considerably cheaper than the cost of taking the MH.

 

[68c]

Well we caught the morning ferry with our bikes, cycled over to Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. Did not go in there as tour only so carried on back to Stromness. Been a lovely warm sunny day but rather windy struggling into it on the way back. Of course in true motorhome tradition as we parked at the ferry terminal in Scrabster I saw a fine trail of oil, I suspect it is power steering. Now sitting waiting for the return ferry and worrying about how I will fix the van when get back to Thurso.

 

[bigtwin]

Well we caught the morning ferry with our bikes, cycled over to Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. Did not go in there as tour only so carried on back to Stromness. Been a lovely warm sunny day but rather windy struggling into it on the way back. Of course in true motorhome tradition as we parked at the ferry terminal in Scrabster I saw a fine trail of oil, I suspect it is power steering. Now sitting waiting for the return ferry and worrying about how I will fix the van when get back to Thurso.View attachment 1123629

The question now is, will you return in the future for a proper visit?

Ian

 

[68c]

May well do so, Pearl certainly wants to. Perhaps sell our only child and go up to the Shetlands as well. We felt safe cycling here, open roads with caring drivers. Funny thing was a loud elderly group of American tourists on a coach trip via the ferry, we beat them to Skara Brae on our bikes.

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[bigtwin]

May well do so, Pearl certainly wants to.

You could spend a week there, easily.

Funny thing was a loud elderly group of American tourists on a coach trip via the ferry

Are you sure they weren’t from a visiting cruise ship?

Ian

 

[BusyBuilder]

Batten down the hatches on the ferry, it get mighty rough some days.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Batten down the hatches on the ferry, it get mighty rough some days.

That ferry is the only one ive ever had chocks used on my vehicle.

 

[68c]

Hooray, got back to the van, no sign of the oil leak. Turns out our grey water tap was slightly cracked open, a box had moved. Looked just like a power steering leak from a corroded pipe a few years ago.
So off west again.