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Orkneys or Hebrides?
Islanderabroad
Member ✭
we are traveling to Scotland end of July into August.
we are trying to decide between going to the Hebrides or the Orkneys.
we would love some feedback and suggestions as to which trip we should take.
We like to hike, explore, good restaurants, B&B's, we do not like big crowds so aren't interested in festivals. We would like to see historical sights, good beaches and coastlines. We are late 30's, we like good pubs. We have rented a car. We really don't want to fall into tourist traps, we are hoping to explore off the beaten track find hidden gems. Any advice would be appreciated.
we are trying to decide between going to the Hebrides or the Orkneys.
we would love some feedback and suggestions as to which trip we should take.
We like to hike, explore, good restaurants, B&B's, we do not like big crowds so aren't interested in festivals. We would like to see historical sights, good beaches and coastlines. We are late 30's, we like good pubs. We have rented a car. We really don't want to fall into tourist traps, we are hoping to explore off the beaten track find hidden gems. Any advice would be appreciated.
0
Best Answers
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Suleskerry
Member ✭✭
Hi @Islanderabroad that's a tough decision but I would have to go with Orkney, because I live here and love it! Anywhere in Scotland will be busy end of July/beginning of August as its peak season, however there are lots of places in Orkney you can get away from the "crowds", and there are so many different islands to explore. Orkney is well known for it's archaeology and history, we have a huge variety of wildlife and extensive coastline, ideal for walking or just getting away from it all. Check out this website for details of the different islands https://www.islandsoforkney.com/ds but the mainland of Orkney also has so much to offer. I would advise you to book your accommodation in advance though as it is really busy, so its better to have something arranged in advance. Hope this helps!5 -
Horizons
Member, VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
@Islanderabroad This is one of the most difficult questions asked on this forum, both sets of islands are amazing!! There are a couple of data points you can provide that can help make this decision.
1) How many days do you intend to spend at the islands?
2) How do you intend to get there? For ex: if you're planning to visit Skye, the Hebrides are just 1 ferry after that. Or if you're doing the NC500, head to Orkney. If you plan to fly directly then nevermind this Q.
Here are your parameters assigned a winner from my (limited) experiences
Hike - Orkney (both sets of islands are quite flat, but Orkney has superb cliff walks)
Explore - Orkney (there are 70 islands in the archipelago & I've seen so much in just 2, Hebrides do make St. Kilda a possibility)
Good restaurants & pubs - Orkney (Some of the best lamb, beer & whisky in Scotland, checkout Swannay brewery & Scapa distillery)
B&B's - Hebrides (views for days)
No big crowds - Hebrides (both don't have big crowds but Orkney attractions have more people due to cruise ships docking / day trippers, the Hebrides redefine solitude)
Historical sights - Orkney (So many stone age artefacts easily accessible, Callanish & Uig chessmen on Lewis are pretty good too)
Good beaches and coastlines - Hebrides+++ (So, so stunning that its hard to put in words, this single point tips the balance quite a lot)
Conclusion: Orkney gets the edge for me only because I feel there are more things to do there if it rains (which is impossible to predict in Scotland). But if it is sunny, I'd run to the Hebrides & beach comb a lot.
I write a travel blog to document our travels around the world and here are my Orkney and (brief) Hebrides experiences. You cannot go wrong with your choices. Feel free to ask any follow ups. Here is 1 picture from my visits in both places that embody these islands to me.
I'm Anirudh, an Indian travel blogger who has explored a lot of Scotland by public transport. My blog. Find me on Facebook | Instagram
Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)
My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)5
Answers
We have a week dedicated to travel to either Orkney or the Hebrides. We are staying with friends in Fife, that will be our home base. We have rented a car so are able to go to either destination. Both responces have given us something to think about. Our biggest concern is getting herded into any tourists traps, we aren't big on big crowds.
The sound of good beer whiskey and lamb is very tempting, so the Orkneys might win for that reason alone.
We know whichever we decide we will love the experience and find fun.
I guess my biggest question is which is best to avoid big crowds, where we can escape and appreciate where we are.
Both the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Isles will feel quite empty compared to more touristy spots like the Isle of Skye or Loch Ness, Fort William and Glencoe etc. Unfortunately I haven't been to either of them so cannot advise. As you say I am sure you will love them equally, the scenery is amazing pretty much anywhere you to go in the Highlands and Islands!! Enjoy and keep us posted with your discoveries, we'd love to see your photos.