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Orkney Mainland Wildlife Tour

This is an unforgettable full day tour across the Orkney Mainland. It is suitable for anyone who enjoys being out in nature. The tour isn't strenuous however we do advise that you are physically able to walk on trails that may be rough and uneven. If you have any queries about the tour then please get in contact. We also offer a cut down tour if you are arriving on a cruise ship, to fit into your schedule. CLICK HERE

This is a private tour for a maximum of 3 people and the fee includes transport and ferry fares (if applicable). The £450 fee is for one or two people, a third person joining is an additional £75.00

(Total fee for 3 people £525). This tour can also be requested as a private half day tour at £375 for one to two people, a third person joining is an additional £25.00 (Total fee for 3 people £400). If you plan to have a third person in the session please contact me have via the contact form

Please contact us for winter day tour rates during January, February & March.

Locations 

  • South Ronaldsay

  • Birsay Moors

  • The Loons

  • Marwick Head

  • Yesnaby

  • The Ring of Brodgar

We start our adventure on one of Orkney’s linked isles, South Ronaldsay, connected to the island of Burray by the famous ‘Churchill barriers’. A series of concrete defences built during WWII which now serve as causeways to Orkney’s south isles.


The wide expanse of the fourth barrier beach backs onto a sand dune system where Stonechats flit amongst the marram grass. A variety of waders can be found here including Ringed Plover and Sanderling. Numerous Eider and Long Tailed ducks can also be found amongst the crashing waves. Later in the summer we will look for the rare and beautiful Oysterplant whilst the resident Harbour Seals keep a watchful eye over us.


From here we travel north into Orkney Mainland and the site of one of the world’s longest running raptor studies at Cottascarth. Here we look out for Hen Harriers and Merlin and listen to the calls of Curlew and Cuckoo.


A short journey over the hill takes us to Birsay Moors, a rugged vast expanse of heather moorland where the beautiful Red Throated diver nest on secluded lochans and Short Eared Owls float past in their pursuit of the endemic Orkney Vole. With carpets of cotton grass bobbing in the wind and the calls of Golden Plover amongst the hills this place has an atmosphere all of its own.
 

Our next destination, The Loons, is the best and largest remaining wetland in Orkney. This site provides us with all the classic sights and sounds of Orkney’s wading bird community. Curlew, Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher and Lapwing abound here whilst Moorhens, Sedge Warblers, Shovelers and Gadwall can be seen close by. All of which we can watch from the comfort of the large RSPB hide.


A short distance away lies one of the most spectacular sites in Orkney, the towering cliffs of Marwick head, home to thousands of seabirds. Arctic Skuas patrol the cliff tops, looking to steal the catch of the many thousands of Guillemots that nest on these sheer cliffs. Puffins nest here in smaller numbers and we will pick them out amongst the crowd! A tiny specialist also lives here, the great Yellow Bumblebee, a rare bee whose entire population is only found in the north of Scotland.


From here we can look south and see the site of our next destination, one of big skies and crashing waves, the Yesnaby cliffs. Here inquisitive Fulmars will buzz us as we walk along the clifftops on our way to finding another diminutive rarity, the Scottish Primrose. Looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean we will keep our eyes peeled for cetaceans. We have a good chance of seeing Risso’s Dolphins, Minke Whale and even Orca whilst the Black Guillemots or ‘Tysties’ as we call them take their catch back to their nests.


Our final journey takes us back in time as we walk among the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar stone circle. Set between two lochs and mixed farmland there is plenty of wildlife to see. Brown Hare, Lapwing and Curlew are numerous here and if we are especially lucky we may see one of the resident Otters catching eels in the nearby lochs.

Binoculars, a spotting scope, hot drinks, and biscuits are provided. Weather depending we will either get some soup on the stove for an outdoors picnic or have lunch in a cafe. Enjoy a day filled with incredible wildlife and scenic beauty!

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“Taking a wildlife tour with Raymond is a must! It was the highlight of my trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was an immense pleasure to sit alongside a professional photographer and true wildlife expert as he took me to his favourite spots to observe the wildlife in and around Orkney. Raymond was a pleasure to meet and I only wish I would have had more time.”

Sharon, Florida

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