The ideal 5-night Orkney Islands campervan itinerary

The Orkney Islands, situated approximately 10 miles north of mainland Scotland, present an ideal destination for a campervan or motorhome trip. Following my own journey through these picturesque isles in my campervan, I have compiled a practical 6-day/5-night campervan itinerary that covers many of the highlights and noteworthy attractions. Feel free to adapt this itinerary based on your personal interests or what you can fit in.

The itinerary below provides a balance of history, scenic hikes, beautiful beaches, wildlife encounters, and local cuisine. Additionally, it guides you to various islands in the Orkney archipelago, each offering distinct landscapes and attractions.

Why limit the itinerary to 5 nights? Within this timeframe, you can explore most of the top attractions in Orkney and grasp the essence of these islands. It’s an ideal plan if you’re looking to take a side trip from the popular NC500 route. Plus, this itinerary is versatile, and easily tailored for shorter or longer stays.

Why explore Orkney in a campervan? Orkney, just a 90-minute ferry ride from the popular North Coast 500 road trip route, offers a fantastic detour from the bustling NC500. It’s a treasure trove of prehistoric and wartime history, abundant wildlife including puffins during the summer months, and home to around 15% of the world’s seal population. With well-equipped campsites, you can experience Scottish islands with ease.

The itinerary below provides a balance of history, scenic hikes, beautiful beaches, wildlife encounters, and local cuisine. Additionally, it guides you to various islands in the Orkney archipelago, each offering distinct landscapes and attractions.

📌 Travel to Orkney with NorthLink Ferries: NorthLink Ferries operates a route from Scrabster to Stromness with three daily sailings, taking approximately 90 minutes. I recommend catching the 7 p.m. sailing for a fresh start to your exploration the following day. Alternatively, you can opt for the 8:45 a.m. morning sailing to kick off your Orkney adventure late morning. As you journey on this ship, be sure not to miss the breath-taking views of the Old Man of Hoy and St. John’s Head which come into view as you approach Orkney.

Day 1: Exploring Orkney’s Neolithic Treasures

📌 Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
📌 Stones of Stenness
📌 Ring of Brodgar
📌 Eat lunch at the Orkney Brewery
📌 Skara Brae
📌 Explore Stromness
📌 Stay at Point of Ness Campsite in Stromness

Start your Orkney travels by learning more about Orkney’s ancient past. Begin by visiting Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, one of the four sites which make up the UNESCO world heritage site called ‘the Neolithic Heart of Orkney’. Said to be Orkney’s finest tomb, it’s estimated to have been built around 4,800 years ago. Access is by guided tour only and it’s recommended to book the £10 tickets in advance as they often sell out weeks in advance.

Next make your way to the Stones of Stenness, another sight within the Neolithic Heart of Orkney. Admission is free, and this stone circle is often celebrated as one of the oldest in the British Isles, dating back around 5,400 years.

Drive a little further and you’ll reach the Ring of Brodgar, one of the largest stone circles in Britain. It’s free to access and although it’s one of Orkney’s most visited attractions, it’s definitely worth the visit.

After a morning of exploration, head to the nearby Orkney Brewery for lunch. Based within an old schoolhouse, you can taste award-winning beers alongside your lunch. The menu includes dishes made from local ingredients, like fresh seafood and Orkney cheese.

Next head to Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved prehistoric village uncovered during a storm in 1850. You can pre-book tickets for £11 or pay £12.50 on-site.

Return to Stromness, where you’ll find free parking and public toilets along the harbourfront. Spend a few hours wandering the charming town. If you need groceries, there are local shops and a Co-op supermarket in town.

Rest for the night at Point of Ness Campsite in Stromness, with picturesque views of Stromness Harbour. A pitch without electrical hookup (EHU) costs £21.30 or choose EHU for £26.45.

Day 2: Explore more of Orkney’s mainland

📌 Yesnaby Cliffs
📌 Brough of Birsay (at low tide)
📌 Lunch The Birsay Bay Tearoom
📌 Yellowbird Gallery
📌 Inter-island ferry to the island of Rousay
📌 Stay at Peedie Farm Motorhome Stopover on Rousay

Begin your day with a 60-90 minute walk along the Yesnaby cliffs to the Yesnaby Castle sea stack and take in the breath-taking views.

Remember to keep a safe distance from the edge while enjoying the scenery.

Next, be sure to check the tide times before venturing to the Brough of Birsay. Accessible only during a two-hour window at low tide, this island boasts an ancient Viking settlement and a picturesque lighthouse. There’s a car park that can accommodate campervans.

If you’re starting to feel hungry after an energetic morning, head to the nearby Birsay Bay Tearoom for lunch or some delicious cakes. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Yellowbird Gallery, which specialises in contemporary art, particularly bird art and Orkney landscapes.

As you drive along the roads on the north of mainland Orkney, take in the beautiful views of rolling fields before reaching Tingwall, where you can catch a ferry to the island of Rousay. Often referred to as the ‘Egypt of the North’, Rousay is a small island that boasts more than 160 Neolithic sites. Please note that boarding this inter-island ferry will require some reverse manoeuvring.

Wrap up your day by settling in at the Peedie Farm Motorhome Stopover on Rousay. For just £10 per night, this stopover follows the French system of motorhome aires and offers a sheltered spot to park for the night, along with convenient rubbish and black water disposal facilities.

Day 3: Explore the island of Rousay and More

📌 Explore Rousay
📌 Catch an inter-island ferry back to the Orkney Mainland
📌 Whisky Distillery Tour at Highland Park Distillery
📌 Try Orkney patties at the Harbour Fry
📌 Stay at Orkney Caravan Park at The Pickaquoy Centre

Start your day by exploring Rousay. The circular road around the island is easy to follow and the major sights are well signposted. Don’t miss Taversoe Tuick, The Blackhammer Cairn, and Midhowe Chambered Cairn and Broch. On the island’s north side, make your way to Saviskaill Bay for a campervan picnic and keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun.

As you continue your scenic drive around the island, consider a pit stop at Marion’s Shop or Shore T’s Honesty Cafe for a well-deserved break before catching the ferry back to the Orkney Mainland.

Next on the agenda is Kirkwall, and if you are a whisky fan, a tour of the Highland Park Whisky Distillery is an absolute must. They offer multiple tours throughout the day, with the latest one starting at 4 p.m.

Once you’ve learned more about this fine spirit, savour a local chip shop favourite from Orkney – patties. You can find them at the Harbour Fry in Kirkwall, with choices including mince and tatties or cheese and onion.

For a quiet night’s sleep, park your campervan at Orkney Caravan Park by The Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall. It’s conveniently close to Kirkwall’s three supermarkets, and the town centre is just a short walk away.

Day 4: Kirkwall and War History

📌 Explore Kirkwall
📌 Lunch at Sheila Fleet Jewellery
📌 Churchill barriers
📌 Italian Chapel
📌 Inter-island ferry to the Hoy
📌 Watch the sunset and overnight at Rackwick Beach

Begin your morning by exploring Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney. Pay a visit to the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, a true architectural marvel. While you’re in town, consider visiting the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces and the Orkney Museum. Kirkwall has many lovely shops so it’s the perfect place to pick up any souvenirs.

Afterwards, take a short drive to Sheila Fleet Jewellery. Sheila Fleet is one of the UK’s leading jewellery designers and her shop is housed in a beautifully renovated church. Enjoy a laid-back lunch at the cafe, which offers a menu featuring local Orkney produce.

Following lunch, make your way to the Churchill Barriers – four causeways built during World War II to safeguard eastern access to Scapa Flow. Keep an eye out for shipwrecks used as blockships before the causeways were constructed.

As you return to the Orkney Mainland, make a stop at the Italian Chapel. For a fee of £3.50, you can explore this incredible chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.

Next, head to Houton to catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, known for its rugged mountainous terrain, quite different from the rest of Orkney. Upon reaching Hoy, drive around 30 minutes to reach Rackwick Beach, a tranquil spot to watch the sunset and spend the night. Rackwick Beach provides toilet facilities and black waste disposal, and there’s no charge for overnight parking in your van.

Day 5: Hoy, Hiking and History

📌 Hike to the Old Man of Hoy (3-hour round-trip)
📌 The Dwarfie Stane
📌 Betty Corrigall’s Grave
📌 Visit the Scapa Flow Museum (it closes at 4.15 pm)
📌 Inter-island ferry back to the Orkney Mainland
📌 Point of Ness Campsite in Stromness ready for your NorthLink Ferries’ departure to Scrabster tomorrow

Start your day with a hike out to the Old Man of Hoy. This scenic 3-hour round-trip hike offers breathtaking views of The Old Man of Hoy, one of the UK’s tallest sea stacks and St. John’s Head, one of the UK’s tallest vertical sea cliffs.

Following your hike, make a stop at Dwarfie’s Stane, an ancient 5000-year-old monument intricately carved by hand and once used as a tomb. On your drive back to Lyness, take a moment to visit Betty Corrigall’s Grave, marked with a plaque and known as one of the loneliest graves in the UK.

The Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness is a must-visit. This excellent museum delves into Orkney’s significant role in both World Wars.

Later in the day, catch the inter-island ferry back to the Orkney Mainland. Spend another peaceful night at the Port of Ness Campsite in Stromness, preparing for your upcoming departure on NorthLink Ferries to Scrabster tomorrow morning.

This itinerary offers an overview of the Orkney Islands over five days.

If you have more time to spare, here are a few extra experiences to consider:

• Westray: Visit this island for its lovely beaches and bird-filled sea cliffs. You might even catch sight of puffins during the summer.
• Shortest Flight: Take the world’s quickest scheduled passenger flight, a mere 90 seconds, between Westray and Papa Westray.
• Festivals: If your visit coincides, check out the Orkney Folk Festival or the Orkney Science Festival for a taste of local culture.
• Stargazing: Orkney is fantastic for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution. Look for local events or just find a dark spot on a clear night to enjoy the stars and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.
• Markets and craft fairs: Look out for local markets or craft fairs, you can pick up some unique handmade goods and local crafts.

Travelling Orkney by campervan is a fantastic way to explore these islands and I hope the suggested itinerary and additional ideas will help you to plan an unforgettable adventure on these incredible islands. Whether you’re planning a month-long Orkney adventure or a quick detour from the NC500, Orkney is a destination that should be on everyone’s Scotland bucket list.

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