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Subject Topic: Who has been to Orkney?
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PersonMrs. Bonce
10/11/2021 at 8:36am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Seeing as we are hopefully going to the far north of Scotland next year, would like to go to Orkney. I see that there are a couple of CLs. Has anyone any advice or recommendations?


PersonFiona W
via mobile 10/11/2021 at 6:43pm
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Sounds exciting! Might get more replies on the campsites forum…
I strongly recommend the Visit Scotland website which has a very helpful booklet - campsites, recommended itineraries, loads of beautiful photos. I don’t know if the Orkney Islands have the same sites network as the Outer Hebrides (they have a website full of small crofts taking just a few units, few of which are on UKCS.) I couldn’t find one though.
There are UKCS members with direct experience, because I’ve read posts about the Orkney Islands. Hopefully they’ll have lots of advice for you.
We’ve just spent one day in Kirkwall - St Magnus Cathedral is wonderful; there was a “blacking” going on all morning (I’ll let you look it up); the Wrigley sisters (folk music) have a pub there where the craic is good. Otherwise, the Orkney Islands are amazing places for archaeology & atmosphere; it’s a very different accent with words you won’t have heard before; and a strong affinity with Norway which is closer than London.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonDot P
via mobile 10/11/2021 at 6:49pm
 Location: North Wales
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We have been twice, found the big site in Kirkwall quite frantic, busy and smallish pitches but super handy for town and ferries.

For us Stromness and Birsay sites were favs. We did a night on CL at St Margarets Hope, fairly quirky facilities but would stay again, easy from the ferry on the Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope ferry route.

So much to see there I think it's amazing - The Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers are worth the trip alone. Stromness so much history and fantastic walks.


PersonMrs. Bonce
10/11/2021 at 7:23pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Thanks both. now to convince OH who doesn't like sea crossings. Can't seem to work out the best (shortest) route and prices for a 7+m caravan and car for a crossing in MAY 2022.


PersonDot P
via mobile 10/11/2021 at 7:51pm
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Gills Bay - St Margaret's Hope is just under an hour, whereas Scrabster - Stromness is 90 minutes.

We found the shorter crossing cheaper and Gills Bay a very easy few hundred yards off the main road.

They say sea can be horrendous but we had great crossings.


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PersonMrs. Bonce
via mobile 10/11/2021 at 8:08pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Thanks both.


PersonLorfal
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 11:40am
 Location: Rannoch Scotland
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I’d go from Gills bay, if I recall though there might be a bit of reversing on or off the ferry, it’s been 3 years I think since I was there but it’s not a conventional roll on roll off ferry. I had to reverse our van but can’t recall if it was coming or going lol

It’s a good crossing , we chose it as it’s shorter for our dogs.

Great to drive over Churchill barriers , lots to do and see, ring of brodgar worth a visit as is Italian chapel. It’s a very interesting place, great geology, ancient history etc. Some really nice beaches and cliff scenery.

We stayed at birsay at the north end. It’s council run and there is a kinda bunkhouse there too, it’s really an outdoor centre but very clean. Think I may have posted a review. We went in April I think and were the only people there for most of our stay

I personally prefer west coast scenery to Orkney and 4 days was long enough for us.

I’d recommend crofters snug as a lay over before or after ferry


PersonMrs. Bonce
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 11:50am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Thanks.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 12:15pm
 Location: Ayrshire
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If you go midsummer, it won’t get dark at night. Beautiful soft light.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonMrs. Bonce
11/11/2021 at 12:23pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Yes, that's what we are planning, start off in May, take our time as we always do. Lorfal, I see that you have a motorhome, would the ferry be a problem, as we have a caravan?

Discounted The Crofters Snug for sloping ground, but it doesn't seem to be a problem, so will probably stay there for a few days before and after the ferry.


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PersonLorfal
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 12:49pm
 Location: Rannoch Scotland
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I never needed blocks at crofters snug, the pitches are fairly level, I think or slope was only -1 degree of an angle.

I wouldn’t think caravan would be a problem.....there were really big long trucks on it


PersonMrs. Bonce
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 1:43pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Thanks, it may be like the Arran ferry, had to unhitch and then the ferry staff manhandled the caravan.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 11/11/2021 at 5:47pm
 Location: Ayrshire
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Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 11/11/2021
Thanks, it may be like the Arran ferry, had to unhitch and then the ferry staff manhandled the caravan.

Surprised to hear that - was that the old ferry that’s brought in for summer? Now caravans just drive on, but like MHs they don’t use the mezzanine deck because of their height & the steep ramp.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonMrs. Bonce
12/11/2021 at 7:03am
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
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Diamond Member
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Forum Posts:   12699
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Site Reviews 2024: 21 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 102
Site Nights 2023: 119
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Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134
It was absolutely packed, I suppose that may have been the reason.


PersonJLines
12/11/2021 at 2:32pm
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I've been, although not camping/caravanning.
It's an amazing place with plenty to see including Maes Howe with its Viking graffit and the village of Skara Brae. Also plenty of bird life including arctic terns and skuas.

If you are a member of National Trust or English Heritage take your card as they have reciprocal arrangements with National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland respectively.


PersonMrs. Bonce
via mobile 12/11/2021 at 4:07pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
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Diamond Member
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Forum Posts:   12699
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Site Reviews 2024: 21 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
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Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
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Site Nights 2024: 102
Site Nights 2023: 119
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Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134
Thanks, yes, we are members of both.



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