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Subject Topic: Shetland/Orkney Post Reply Post New Topic
14/2/2008 at 7:27pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Autocruise stardream
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Hi

has anyone used the ferries to Orkney/Shetland with a motorhome/camper and dog? I've been looking at the Northlink ferry brochure/website and am planning a trip. We went to the Hebrides last Sept and were impressed with the Calmac ferries and the facilities for dog owners.

Would appreciate first hand experience comments please,

thanks

Jane



14/2/2008 at 10:15pm
 Location: Sunny Luton & Wigtownshire
 Outfit: Talbot Excalibur or Tent or VW T2
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Dogs are not allowed in the passenger areas of Northlink vessels.. You must leave them either in the kennel area or in your motorhome on the car deck which you cannot visit. I know the brochure says you can visit your dog and take them on the observation deck but this is only if a member of crew accompanies you to the kennel area and one is never available. There are no areas on the boats like the areas on the Calmacs to the Hebrides. I would not recomend the kennels they are very small and the trip to Shetland is 15 hours with check in time. We left our dog in the kennels the first time and he overturned his water and was on his own for over 15 hours since then we leave him in the Motorhome.

Shetland well worth the visit . My favourite place in the UK.



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Bob.

Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group
Luton Festival of Transport
in aid of local charities 12th June 2011


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15/2/2008 at 1:17pm
 Location: Wirral
 Outfit: Drivelodge Joey
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We crossed to Orkney last year, from Gills to St Margarets Hope with Pentland ferrries, was just over an hour. Dogs aren't allowed in passanger area , but we did see a lady with a very young puppy that thay'd made an exception for. You could then sail from Kirkwall to Shetland which wouldn't be a a long a crossing as from Aberdeen and is overnight about 8 hrs I think. The length of the ferry crossing put us off going to Shetland.

 

Jules



15/2/2008 at 1:23pm
 Location: Sunny Luton & Wigtownshire
 Outfit: Talbot Excalibur or Tent or VW T2
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Orkney to Shetland is 8 hours Ferry leaves Hatson at 11.30pm arrives Lerwick at 7am, Same boat as Aberdeen/Lerwick you just get on half way.



Post last edited on 15/02/2008 13:45:32

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Bob.

Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group
Luton Festival of Transport
in aid of local charities 12th June 2011


15/2/2008 at 6:40pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Autocruise stardream
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thanks for that really useful info,

Jane

 



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16/2/2008 at 11:12am
 Location: south cheshire
 Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi
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The Calmac ferries are great for dogs, even if the 'dogs allowed' section is drafty - at least they are with you. When we went to the Orkneys from Scrabster, doggie had to stay in the car the whole way, only just over an hour but she howled her head off the whole time. And no, we couldn't go and calm her down. Not so bad for an hour, but I wouldn't dream of going to Shetland with her, I'd put her in kennels! All depends on what type of dog you have and how calm they are capable of staying on their own. On the ferries, dog is below decks where the engine is, I think that was what panicked my dog. She did it all the way back as well, it was horrible standing on the bridge and listening to her distress.


16/2/2008 at 2:44pm
 Location: Sunny Luton & Wigtownshire
 Outfit: Talbot Excalibur or Tent or VW T2
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On the Northlinks the kennels is a tiny room off the car deck and you are not allowed access unless accompanied by a crew member and I have never known one to be available so I leave my dog in the motorhome where he feels safe rather than in a small unattended room.

-------------
Bob.

Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group
Luton Festival of Transport
in aid of local charities 12th June 2011


16/2/2008 at 3:33pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3
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Can't comment on dogs and ferries, but I heartily agree with morrisbob that Shetland is well worth a visit. My big sis moved there 11 years ago and it really is totally unlike anywhere else in GB. Excellent for music, hospitality, and history.


17/2/2008 at 6:30pm
 Location: Isle of wight
 Outfit: Ford Transit CI 2.5 diesel
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We went to Shetland without the dog...Fetlar has nice beaches, but I wouldn`t go back again. Nice for a visit, people very friendly, but the ferry journey is too long for a dog.
Orkney is wonderful, each island has its peculiarities.
Years ago, dogs were allowed (under control) in the passenger lounge.
The last few times, we had to take the dog upstairs onto the open deck...very well in fine weather.
One thing about the local Shetland ferries is only passengers pay. It is deemed to be a necessary service.
Broke down with 2 punctures at the same time on one of the Shetland islands, on a Sunday...fixed with no problems.


26/2/2008 at 10:47pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: VW Camper TYpe 2 + Khyam Motordome
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My parents moved to Sanday one of the northern Orkney Islans about 23 years ago.

Shetlands are more dramatic ... but the northern isles of Orkney have a gentle beauty all of their own !!!

-------------
Tom Bell
Dartmoor
UK



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