Graemsay: An Island Adventure
- Visit a quiet, peaceful island
- Enjoy a walk off the beaten track
- Admire colourful wildflower verges
- Look out for curious seals
Our island adventure begins with the ferry from Stromness where we will be out on deck spotting wildlife. Once on Graemsay, we will wander along quiet roads, tracks and a coastal path giving us good views of the Hoy hills, Scapa Flow, Stromness and the Orphir hills. Along the way, we will see colourful wildflowers in the verges and a variety of insects including bees, butterflies, moths and caterpillars. We will keep our ears open to the sounds of nature, with Skylarks singing and Curlews bubbling all the while watching out for Fulmars on the cliffs and seals having a curious look at us.
“Megan’s Orkney Wildlife Walks are always really well planned as she knows exactly where to find all of Orkney’s fabulous wild secrets! and takes really good care of her walkers.”
“Megan is knowledgeable and friendly with a true passion for the natural world.”
We will meet at 9.30am at the John Rae Statue, Ferry Road, Stromness. Please wait here for me and do not board the ferry without me.
If you are coming to Stromness by car, there is free parking along Ferry Road on both sides of the road. If you park in the car park outside the Northlink Ferry terminal building, you will have to pay for this.
If you are coming by bus, you get off at the Stromness Travel Centre, and it is just a short walk to the meeting point. You can find the summer bus timetables here.
We will board the ferry as a group (we book the ferry tickets which are included in the price). Weather permitting, we will be out on deck on the crossing looking for wildlife. The ferry takes approx 35 minutes.
Once on Graemsay, we will enjoy a circular walk which is approx 5-6 miles on quiet island roads and tracks, with a short section of rougher coastal walking.
- Walking boots/shoes - preferably waterproof
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing/layers including hats & gloves
- Walking poles - if you normally use them
- Binoculars if you have them
- A packed lunch and plenty of fluids
Q. Are there public toilets nearby?
A. Yes, there are public toilets in Stromness, on board the ferry and at the waiting room on Graemsay. Once we set off on our walk there will be no public toilets until we return to the pier.
Q. Can I use public transport for this walk?
A. Yes, there is a regular bus service between Kirkwall and Stromness. You can find the current bus timetables on the Orkney Islands Council website.
Q. Do we need to book the ferry ourselves?
A. No, your ferry ticket is included in the price and we will book the ferry for the whole group so you don't need to worry about it.
Q. Is there a minimum number of people required for this walk?
A. No, we do not require a minimum number for the Graemsay trip.
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 charges 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 agree time/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 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.
