2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

NEW

Scotland’s Orkney Islands & North Coast STUNNING COASTAL TRAILS, CASTLES OF THE CLANS, AND NEOLITHIC STANDING STONES

In Scotland’s far north, we’ve linked the archaeological and natural treasures of the Orkneys with the wild trails and rich history of the uncrowded North Coast. In the Orkneys, we hike right into the UNESCO-listed Ring of Brodgar, an enormous circle of standing stones, and below cliffs that shelter sites from Neolithic and Viking times. On the North Coast, our trails bring us to rugged bluffs where the mysterious Picts once fended off the Romans, to the heather-clad hills of a highland estate, and we’ll visit clan castles (we even meet an earl!). Along the way, we’ll taste the famed whiskies and settle into the scene with a few pub nights.

NICOLA COLOMBO

Days 5-9 The North Coast / Highland History / Whisky Tasting / Stone Castles Ferrying to the North Coast of mainland Scotland, our coast hikes give us an opportunity to look for seabirds and dolphins, and learn about the Picts, the enigmatic, tattooed people who lived here during the Iron Age. Some of our hikes bring us to the haunting sites of the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, including the moors of the Croick Estate and the ancient refuge of Croick Church, whose windows are etched with graffiti dating to 1845, the time of the Clearances. The 16th century Castle of Mey, beloved by the Queen Mother, is on our journey, as are private tastings of award-winning whiskies, and in the village of Strathpeffer, the earl will welcome us in his incredible home, Castle Leod, seat of Clan Mackenzie. Depart Day 9 via Inverness.

Days 1-4 Kirkwall, The Orkneys / Ring of Brodgar / Skara Brae / Old Man of Hoy Walking among the standing stones of the hypnotic Ring of Brodgar, we can imagine the power of ancient ceremonies that took place here in the third millennium BCE. We’ll stretch our legs along some of Britain’s most spectacular sea cliffs, taste the distinctive local whiskies, visit a falconer, and explore the intact, 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae. It’s fascinating to contemplate that long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving place. Ferrying to Rousay Island for a coastal walk, we picnic at panoramic Saviskaill Bay and meet a boat builder to learn about the Viking heritage of Orkney’s boats. On the island of Hoy, our hike showcases the Old Man of Hoy sea stacks, 450 feet high and a mecca for rock climbers.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Orkneys and stunning North Coast • Explore the breathtaking Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, two of Europe’s Neolithic treasures • Visit the Queen Mother’s Castle of Mey and venerable Castle Leod, seat of Clan Mackenzie • Meet an Orkadian boat builder, a falconer, a storyteller, and an earl • Enjoy local pub nights, fresh-caught seafood, and private tastings of fine single-malt whiskies DETAILS • 9-day trip begins in Kirkwall and ends in Inverness • 8 nights hotels • All meals included

We hike and explore Scotland’s north, from the Orkney’s sweeping seascapes to the clan heritage of the North Coast.

DATES Jul 19-27, 2020 Sep 6-14

TRIP COST $6095 (11-14 members) $6495 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $1110

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6

8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 2-4 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike)

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 74