Orkney Itinerary: Wildlife Tour
Example Orkney Wildlife Tour Itineraries
Experience Orkney on your terms with our Private Wildlife Tour itineraries – each fully customisable to suit your unique interests and pace.
Our wildlife tours combine eco-friendly luxury and personalisation for a truly memorable journey through Orkney’s natural and cultural wonders.
The following example itineraries have been carefully crafted by your dedicated guide, Paul Hudd, to inspire your own tailored exploration of Orkney’s remarkable biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Every detail of your private Tour can be crafted to perfectly suit your preferences, from focusing on specific wildlife interests to exploring secluded heritage sites. All while travelling comfortably in our electric Mercedes vehicle for a quiet, sustainable experience.
Savour Your Orkney, Your Way
Each tour with JP Orkney Tours is a journey designed to connect you with the natural beauty and rich heritage of Orkney.
Here are some inspiring tour ideas to help you start planning your Orkney adventure! Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, our bespoke wildlife tours provide the flexibility to focus on what matters most to you.
Each of these suggested tours can be fully customised, blending breathtaking landscapes with rich heritage.
Birsay to Marwick Head Coastal Walk
Distance & Duration: 6 miles, 3–4 hours (approx)
Overview
Starting at JP Orkney Tours HQ, this coastal path follows the dramatic edge of the Atlantic to Marwick Head and the Kitchener Memorial. Along the way, Paul will share insights into local flora and fauna.
In the summer months, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot seabirds such as puffins and razorbills, as well as other seabirds like guillemots and fulmars.
In winter, while our much-loved puffins migrate, you’ll still enjoy the company of a variety of seabirds, including eiders and mergansers, and witness the coastline’s tranquil, off-season beauty. The walk is filled with scenic views and historical highlights, perfect for photography and reflection.
The Brough of Birsay Adventure
Distance & Duration: 2 miles, 2 hours (approx)
Overview
Set off from JP Orkney Tours HQ towards Birsay, where you’ll cross to the stunning tidal island of the Brough of Birsay, once Orkney’s Viking capital.
This island is a treasure trove of history, with ancient Pictish and Viking settlements that offer fascinating insights into the island’s past. As you explore, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs, home to a wide array of seabirds, including puffins from May to August.
In addition to the birdlife, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocks below. Paul will bring the island’s history to life with captivating stories, making this tour both educational and visually spectacular.
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Yesnaby Castle Sea Cliffs Walk
Distance & Duration: 2 miles, 1.5 hours (approx)
Overview
Set out from Yesnaby car park for a stunning coastal walk towards Yesnaby Castle, one of Orkney’s most impressive sea stacks. These cliffs are a haven for rare wildflowers like Primula scotica and sea pinks, and seabirds like bonxies and fulmars can be seen soaring above (season-dependant). This walk is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Mull Head Nature Reserve and The Brough of Deerness
Distance & Duration: 6 miles, 3-4 hours (approx)
Overview
This tour takes you to Mull Head Nature Reserve, where you’ll encounter unique geological formations, a collapsed sea cave, and the ancient Viking chapel at the Brough of Deerness. The journey finishes at the Covenanters Memorial, a tribute to 17th-century Scottish martyrs.
Iconic Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head Hike
Distance & Duration: 6-8 miles, 4-6 hours (approx)
Overview
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Rackwick Bay before setting out on foot towards the Old Man of Hoy.
Towering over the Atlantic, this famous sea stack provides awe-inspiring views and abundant photo opportunities. For those seeking an extended hike, an optional push to St John’s Head offers additional sights and a chance to spot marine wildlife like dolphins and whales.
The Rackwick to Old Man walk is approximately 6 miles and takes around 4 hours. Heading up to St Johns Head will add approximately another 2 miles and be around 5-6 hours.
Note: This can be done as part of our Hoy Day trip or add on a extra push to St Johns head to make a full day of walking these stunning sea cliffs.
WWII Heritage at Hoxa Head
Distance & Duration: 2 miles, 1.5 hours (approx)
Overview
Journey along Scapa Flow to Hoxa Head, where you’ll explore a WWII battery with views over Scapa Flow and the Pentland Firth.
This walk offers both historical insights and ample opportunities to see seabirds and marine life, and listen to fascinating stories from the island’s wartime history.
St Magnus Way Pilgrimage Walk (Evie to Birsay)
Distance & Duration: 12 miles, 7 hours (approx)
Overview
Trace the footsteps of St Magnus on this Evie to Birsay route, with views over Costa Head and Swannay’s sea stacks. This pilgrimage route reveals Orkney’s coastal beauty, with spots for reflection, photography, and learning about Magnus’s story. The walk ends with views over the Brough of Birsay, a powerful conclusion to this spiritual journey.
As always, each of these suggested tours can be fully customised, blending breathtaking landscapes with rich heritage.
Enquire to book now and allow us to make your Orkney experience unforgettable!
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Our luxury Mercedes Evito tour vehicle seats eight passengers. It is fully electric, so not only is it comfortable, it is quiet and environmentally friendly. It is fully licensed, has lots of luggage space and phone charging facilities.
We love sharing lots of useful and entertaining information about the sites, and as all our tours are private you will have your guide and our tour vehicle all to yourself.
Tours can be as active or relaxed as you like – we will work with you to create your perfect experience. We cater for everyone – families, couples, single travellers, small groups and corporate clients.
We make our own range of Orkney produce, so there are always lots of complimentary treats on board. Complimentary drinking water is always readily available.
”A perfect day!” We love your feedback. Read more in our latest reviews.
Prices
As all our tours are tailor made, prices are on request. All prices are for the vehicle and guide, and include pick-ups and drop-offs for up to eight passengers. Lunches and entrance fees are extra.
We use online payment methods and can accept payment from any credit card, PayPal, bank transfer and payment by phone.
To enquire about a tour or to book please email us, phone 01856721761 or use our contact form.
