Women’s Hiking tour of Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 6-day Scotland’s Orkney Isles hiking tour
    • Accommodation for 5 nights at The Ferry Inn in Stromness (solo occupancy, discount available if you’ll share a room)
    • Breakfasts, packed lunches, and three-course dinners for the duration of the tour, as described in the itinerary
    • Ferry to Hoy
    • Transfers for hikes where required
    • Entrance to Skara Brae

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to Stromness
    • Drinks from the bar
    • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
    • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  You need to be decently fit to join this adventure. This is perfect for women who want a gentle holiday and to enjoy exploring Orkney at a slower place.

  Expect to walk for several hours per day, covering up to 8 km (5 mi), i.e., up to 300 m (990 ft) of elevation gain. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
    • Hiking poles — optional
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Spare clothes for layering and 5 days of hiking
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. 
    • This tour typically requires a minimum of six women to run. However, smaller groups can still proceed if participants agree to cover the additional costs. This will usually be discussed with your guide about six weeks before the tour start date. If you’re curious about the current number of participants, feel free to reach out.
    • Price of the tour is based on a single occupancy room. In case you’d like to share a double room with your friend/partner, you can get a discount at checkout.

  Hiking in the Orkney Islands can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Are dogs allowed on this tour?

  There are too many livestock on Orkney so dogs or any other animals are not allowed.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Stromness in the Orkney Islands, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Aberdeen International Airport 6 hours away. From there, you can take a local flight or a six-hour ferry ride to Kirkwall and a taxi to Stromness.

  You will meet your guides at the Ferry Inn in Stromness around 5 pm of Day 1, just across from the ferry terminal. Keep in mind that getting to Stromness can be complicated, so try to plan out your trip and purchase any tickets well in advance.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.