West Mainland Tour
£99 per person
Departing from the Kirkwall Travel Centre (bus station), this small-group West Mainland Tour offers a compelling half-day introduction to Orkney’s dramatic landscapes, ancient heritage, and coastal beauty. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll travel through iconic locations including the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, while learning the stories and history that make these places so extraordinary. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives past the historic waters of Scapa Flow and breath-taking views at the Cliffs of Yesnaby, with opportunities to explore traditional Orkney sites such as Kirbuster Farm Museum. This tour brings Orkney’s past and present to life in a relaxed, small-group setting.
Our Itinerary
- Scapa Flow - Stunning scenic views across this famous stretch of water used by the Royal Navy during both World Wars.
- Cliffs of Yesnaby - dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery.
- Skara Brae- 5000 year old stone-age village, discovered in 1850 when a great storm blew away a sand dune to reveal the village beneath. (optional visit of Skaill House, one of Orkney's finest manor houses)
- Ring of Brodgar - Stone circle and henge monument estimated to be around 4500 years old. Originally made up of 60 standing stones 27 remain standing today.
- Standing Stones of Stenness - The smaller of two stone circles we will visit today, a beautiful monument built around 3100BC.
- Kirbuster Farm Museum - One of Orkney’s best-preserved traditional farmhouses, offering an authentic look at rural life with its original flagstone floors, box beds, and historic farming equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the West Mainland Tour run?
We run the West Mainland Tour everyday from the start of April until the end of September. If you are looking for a tour outwith of these times or out of season, this may be possible subject to availability. We normally require at least 2 people to run an extra tour outwith of normal time.
Where do you depart from?
We depart from and return to the Kirkwall Travel Centre (normally Stand 5).
If you are docking with a cruise ship from Hatston Pier, there are free shuttle buses that run from Hatston Pier to Kirkwall Travel Centre.
Here is a pin for google maps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/E3fw7vMsCB8HM3QB7
What time does the West Mainland Tour depart and how long does it take?
The West Mainland tour departs Kirkwall Travel Centre at 10.00am and lasts for approximately 5 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes early however so we can depart on time.
We aim to return to Kirkwall Travel Centre at 3pm. If you are in Kirkwall on a cruise ship then the driver may be able to drop you off at the cruise port.
Are you able to pick up from the cruise port?
We are unable to offer pick ups from the cruise port.
Tour Information
Meeting Point: Kirkwall Travel Centre - Stand 5
When: Everyday
Meet Time: 9:50am
Start Time: 10.00am
Duration: approximately 5 hours
Return Time: 3.00pm
There is a café at Skara Brae where you may be able to buy lunch, However we do recommend that you take a packed lunch to make the most of your time as the café can be very busy at times.
Transportation
Ford Transit - 16-seat minibus
OR
Ford Tourneo Custom - 8 passenger seat minibus
Please note: The seats in our vehicles are between 48cm and 51cm wide. While there is generous legroom, the seat width may feel restrictive for some guests. If you think this may affect your comfort, you're welcome to purchase an additional seat. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns – we're happy to help.
What's Included
- Experienced Driver Guide & Commentary
- Guided Visits to Orkney's Historic Sites
- Complimentary Admission to Skara Brae
- Drop off at Cruise Ship port (if requested)
Additional Information
Complimentary Admission & Adverse Weather
Complimentary admission to Skara Brae is included in your West Mainland Tour at no additional cost.
In the event that the main archaeological site at Skara Brae is closed due to adverse weather conditions, visitors may still have access to the Visitor Centre, exhibition and reconstructed Neolithic house, as well as Skaill House, subject to opening arrangements.
Where time and circumstances permit, your driver-guide may, at their discretion, include an alternative attraction or additional stop to enhance your tour experience.
Complimentary admission tickets have no separately refundable value should guests choose not to enter an attraction.
