Hidden Gem Walk
Spring – Skylarks singing, Curlews bubbling, Brown hares boxing and the first flowers appearing.
Summer – Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Meadow Pipits, wildflowers and a variety of insects.
Autumn – Redwings and Fieldfares, migrating geese, late colour from the flowers, and some foraging of Brambles.
Winter – Overwintering birds include Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed ducks (my favourite), Goldeneyes, Slavonian grebes and Turnstones.
The Hidden Gem Walk follows a path along the coast of Scapa Flow, before turning inland through farmland and includes a visit to a small pocket of woodland, something that we consider to be a “Hidden Gem”.
This is an easy walk on paths and quiet roads, approx. 2-3 miles in length.
“It’s amazing how with Megan’s focus you pay attention to lots of wonderful creatures that we often overlook in daily life.”
“Megan was the perfect guide on our Hidden Gems walk today – friendly, thoughtful, and immensely knowledgeable.”
Morning Walk - we will meet at 10am in the large gravel car park beside the Orkneyinga Saga Centre in Orphir. I have a turquoise Ford fiesta with my logo on the side, please make your way to my car so that I can go through some pre-walk information with you. The walk is approx 2-3 miles in length and will take us approximately 2.5 hours.
Afternoon Walk - we will meet at 2pm in the large gravel car park beside the Orkneyinga Saga Centre in Orphir. I have a turquoise Ford fiesta with my logo on the side, please make your way to my car so that I can go through some pre-walk information with you. The walk is approx 2-3 miles in length and will take us approximately 2.5 hours.
Public Transport
If you plan to use the public bus for this walk, it is the No 2 bus you take from Kirkwall which goes to Houton. The buses operate on a hail and ride system, so you will need to request the stop with the driver when you get on the bus. The place you need to get off is at the junction signposted for the Earl's Bu and Church, which is between Orphir village and Houton. Do not let the driver drop you off in the village as it is a 2 mile walk from there. The bus timetables can be found on the Orkney Islands Council website.
- Walking boots/shoes - preferably waterproof
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing/layers including hats & gloves
- Walking poles if you normally use them
- Binoculars and a camera if you have them
- A snack and a drink
Q. Are there public toilets nearby?
Yes, there are public toilets inside the Orkneyinga Saga Centre but it is only open between April and September. Outwith these months, the nearest toilets would be at Houton which is 2 miles away.
Q. Can I use public transport for this walk?
Yes, it is possible to use the No 2 Stagecoach bus service for this walk. The bus timetables can be found on the Orkney Islands Council website.
Q. Is there a minimum number of people required for this walk?
No, we do not require a minimum number for this walk.
Q. Can we take our dog on this walk?
If you need to cancel your wildlife walk, please let us know at least 7 days in advance via email. The following will apply according to the date we receive your email:
- If notified 7 days in advance of your booking you will receive a full refund
- If notified less than 7 days in advance of your booking you will not receive a refund
- If you fail to show up for your wildlife walk at the agreed time and/or meeting location you will not receive a refund
- If your clothing/equipment is deemed to be inadequate or unsafe, Wild Orkney Walks reserves the right to cancel your walk/tour without a refund.
Wild Orkney Walks reserves the right to change or cancel walks if there is bad weather forecast. Please be aware that we will only cancel if the weather forecast will make it unsafe to be out. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered a choice:
- An alternative time/date
- A walk in a different location
- An alternative activity, ie a visit to a bird hide
- A full refund if none of the above is suitable
We reserve the right to change walks or itineraries in the light of prevailing weather or other safety reasons. Being on foot in remote and/or rugged country is potentially hazardous by its nature and participants must accept a certain element of risk. In the interest of safety, you must agree to abide by the decisions of your Walking Guide, who has full liability insurance.
Wild Orkney Walks shall not be liable for any consequential loss or damage arising from the cancellation, interruption, delay or alteration of or to any walk.
You are advised to take out travel insurance to cover any cancellation fees.
All refunds will be £ sterling and any fluctuation in exchange rates will not be our responsibility.
