ORKNEYS, or ISLAY?

tresrikay · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 08:27 AM

Off to the land of the Blessed in August and I have been looking at the ferry prices to both these destinations, The fares are similar, both have distilleries, though Islay wins hands down on that one.

SOOOoooo,,, What I am asking if any of you have any pics, tales, and spots to wild, then I would appreciate the help in making up our minds.

Thanks in anticipation.........

barryd · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 08:45 AM

Hi. Been to Orkney twice and Islay once. As far as wildcamping goes you wont have an issue on either. Havent got any spots to recommend but you will easily find them. They are quite different. There is much more going on on Orkney and it is more populated but there is also more to see. The towns are bigger with supermarkets and the like and Scarabrae Skara Brae - The Discovery and Excavation of Orkney's finest Neolithic Settlement is unmissable. However if you want to get away from it all and sample some seriously good scotch Islay is worth a visit and will be much quieter. If your doing Islay I would get a hopscotch ticket and do a few islands. They are all worth seeing from Arran to the Shetlands. (think Im up to 18 islands now)

Cheers
BD

channa · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 09:42 AM

I have never done Islay , but I have Orkney, and well worth a visit.

Has Barry mentions there is Skara Brae, In addition Maes Howe A burial chamber vandalises by the vikings in 12 th century and Viking graffiti inside.

Italian chapel, rings of Brodgar, Chrchills barrier, and if you are adventurous a trial dive in Scapa Flow over German battleships scuppered at the end of WW1

And you can fish anywhere !!

Channa

barryd · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 10:06 AM

On Islay we (boys VW trip) went to the Bowmore Distillary. We were the only ones there and the wee lassie who took us around was something special and we spent the whole tour chatting her up. At the end we got to sample the whole range of scotch and all left half cut. I remember us slumping into the van with bottles of Bowmore and still being their in the morning. nobody batted an eyelid as we sang our way through a bottle or two.

Happy days!

Pioneer · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 10:30 AM

Is that all you lot think about, WHISKY, try looking up the Heritage and History of the Islands.
Now let's see, they have been distilling whisky on Islay for over 200 years----------
Laphroig, you will be at home, sound advice from Barryd, but the girl will be a grandma by now

Go for it Rick and enjoy.

regards,
Bill.

barryd · #6 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioneer

Is that all you lot think about, WHISKY, try looking up the Heritage and History of the Islands.
Now let's see, they have been distilling whisky on Islay for over 200 years----------
Laphroig, you will be at home, sound advice from Barryd, but the girl will be a grandma by now

Go for it Rick and enjoy.

regards,
Bill.

Oi! It was only about 6 years ago! Yep your probably right, a grandma

Telstar · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 10:44 AM

Rick

Great minds think alike. Pam wants to go to the Shetland Isles and I have already got the Orkney brochure. Inner Hebrides is now also on our list to do. For some reason we were considering Devon/Cornwall but after the Barra trip, all I know want is more of the same. In fact, if I could guarantee puffins and dolphins I could convince her to go anywhere.

Jon

barryd · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telstar

Rick

Great minds think alike. Pam wants to go to the Shetland Isles and I have already got the Orkney brochure. Inner Hebrides is now also on our list to do. For some reason we were considering Devon/Cornwall but after the Barra trip, all I know want is more of the same. In fact, if I could guarantee puffins and dolphins I could convince her to go anywhere.

Jon

You could get the ferry from Aberdeen to Shetland and then come back via Orkney again. It works out about the same price and breaks up the 12 hour crossing in half. If you can afford it I would get a cabin if you go from Aberdeen or you could just get hammered in the bar and crash out on a sofa like we did. Had to be woken up and chucked off the Ferry when it came in.

tony · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 12:43 PM

we were in orkney last june & loved it went with pentland ferries. no problems wild camping & loads of public toilets to empty your cassette.
why not do one this year & the other next year.
we are doing mull & iona this june.
tony

bigboack · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioneer

Is that all you lot think about, WHISKY, try looking up the Heritage and History of the Islands.
Now let's see, they have been distilling whisky on Islay for over 200 years----------
Laphroig, you will be at home, sound advice from Barryd, but the girl will be a grandma by now

Go for it Rick and enjoy.

regards,
Bill.

http://www.visitorkney.com/culture_and_history.asp

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