SCOTLAND Orkney Islands – Expedition Paddler

ORKNEY ISLANDS

Scotland // 14.6. - 19.6.2025

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always ourselves that we find in the sea.

E.E.Cummins

Sixty-two islands form the Orkney Archipelago, located off the northern coast of Scotland. Here, both the Vikings and the Neolithic inhabitants have left their mark.

The archipelago lies north of Caithness, still visible from the Scottish mainland, and is separated by the Pentland Firth. It can be reached by ferry from Scotland, with routes sailing to Kirkwall and Stromness on the island of Mainland, Orkney.

Orkney is steeped in history, featuring ancient Neolithic sites, Norse heritage, and archaeological treasures scattered across the islands, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to any sea kayaking expedition. The mystical world of legends and myths is still alive here.

Norse culture remains a defining element of Orkney’s identity, evident in its place names, traditions, folklore and characters you will meet along the way, all reflecting its Viking heritage. Originating in Scandinavia during the Viking Age (late 8th–11th century), it encompasses language, mythology, sagas, craftsmanship, and legendary seafaring traditions that shaped European history through exploration, trade, and settlement.

This rich heritage merges with Orkney’s striking landscapes, where mystical stone circles, rugged cliffs such as Yesnaby, ancient structures like the Broch of Gurness, and grand cathedrals create an atmosphere steeped in history and natural beauty.

Sea kayaking in the Orkney Islands offers an exhilarating experience, with its vast beaches and rugged coastlines providing an inspiring setting for exploration. Secluded bays, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife enhance the journey in this truly remote environment. While some areas require favourable conditions to be navigable, strong currents and tides create challenging sea conditions that offer an exciting experience for competent paddlers. Fast tidal movements, tide races, overfalls, extended crossings, ocean swells, and surf are common, demanding careful planning and proficiency in rough water conditions.

The itinerary for this week long adventure is one of exploration and wild camping, taking in the rugged coastline, steep cliffs and dynamic conditions, the route will very much depend on the local weather and sea state, the day to day planning will be a shared experience under the guidance of your expedition guide, checking on tidal movement and how this will interact with the prevailing weather, we shall be looking for areas that will be dynamic, offering an opportunity to stretch your personal comfort zones and experience

The Orkney Islands are a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting diverse avian life, including seagulls, skuas, terns, and sea eagles. With 13 nature reserves and a variety of habitats—fertile fields, heathlands, bogs, lakes, and coastal cliffs—the islands attract numerous migratory and nesting birds. In spring and summer, thousands of seabirds nest along the cliffs, with prime birdwatching locations at Marwick Head, Mull Head, and Noup Head. Puffins, often called the "clowns of the skies," arrive between late April and July and are best spotted at Castle o’Burrian and Papa Westray. Hoy has also become a key site for sea eagle pairs, with golden eagles making a return to the islands.

Due to its northern latitude, Orkney experiences long summer days and extended winter nights. Around the June solstice, the sun rises as early as 3:00 a.m. and sets around 9:30 p.m., with locals referring to the prolonged twilight as "simmer dim."

DETAILS

SKILL LEVEL

Expedition team members need to be at a strong ‘Sea Kayak Proficient’ level of paddling ability equal to BCU 3*/ BC Sea Kayak Award, EPP 3, ISKGA Fundamental Skills 3, or ACA 3 with experience in strong tidal flow.

You need to be comfortable paddling in force 3-4 winds, 3-4 foot / 0,9-1,2 m waves and happy in an exposed open water environment under a skilled and qualified guide/leader. Team members have to be reasonably fit and capable of paddling between 11-16 NM / 20 -30 km per day over a five-day period.

REMITS

We work within National Governing Body recommended guidelines in terms of student/client ratio, weather conditions and sea state.

For most of our expeditions we try to work on a 1 guide to 6 group member ratio, this ensures that you, the client - experience the most from the adventure and that we create a minimal impact on the environment.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment can be supplied if not bringing your own: Kayak, PFD/buoyancy aid, spray skirt, paddle.

Additionally, we recommend that paddlers bring the following equipment. This is not an exhaustive list, as individual needs may vary, but it can serve as a guideline for you.

Paddling Equipment: Dry suit or cag & salopettes, two sets of base layers (preferably wool), fleece top (if you tend to get cold), helmet (optional), throw-tow or contact tow (if you have one), sunglasses, woolly/sun hat, buff, lip balm/sun protection, storm cag (if you have one).

Camp Clothes: Walking shoes/boots, trousers, puffer jacket, base layers (including one additional wool shirt), gloves, woolly hat, socks, underwear, rain jacket and trousers (depending on paddling clothes).

Camping Kit: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tarp (optional), camp stove & cooking/eating kit, fuel (can be purchased in Kirkwall), water bags (2 x 6 liters), water bottle/thermos, torch/headlamp.

Personal First Aid Kit: An "ouch pouch," including any personal medications and allergy considerations.

Wash Kit & Towel: You may wish to include scissors or nail clippers, as well as face and hand creams.

We have a range of sea kayaks available and this will be managed on an individual basis at the time of booking, where we will let you know what kayaks are available and this will then be reserved for you. Alternatively, you may be bringing your own kayak.

FOOD

Food is required for five days of sea kayaking, and meals can be a combination of rehydrated food packs and fresh ingredients. Be sure to bring enough snacks (such as energy bars, fruit, and nuts) for refuelling on the go.

You can bring your own food from home or purchase it in Orkney on your arrival and there will be opportunities for fishing and cooking over an open fire in the evenings.

ACCOMMODATION

Whilst on the sea kayaking expedition you will be wild camping. Accommodation before and after the expedition is your responsibility. You will find local hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation or can arrange a shared Airbnb if preferred.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

There are regular ferries from mainland Scotland (Aberdeen or Scrabster) to Mainland Orkney (Stromness or Kirkwall).

We will meet in Kirkwall on the morning of the 14 June at 0900 at the car park next to Shapinsay Slip where there should be easy access for initial parking and loading and launching of kayaks.

If you are travelling in your own vehicles you may need to move your vehicle from this location for longer term parking. Parking information for Kirkwall can be found here.

INSURANCES

We recommend that you insure your travel arrangements, as flight delays and cancellations can often occur. If possible, you should also obtain coverage for your experience, including unforeseen events beyond your or our control (such as Force Majeure Events), for which Expedition Paddler Ltd cannot be held responsible.

Additionally, accident insurance, travel health insurance, and rescue and recovery insurance are the responsibility of participants. We strongly advise securing coverage for personal accident and liability, as well as for loss or damage to personal belongings. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal items while on one of our trips.

Expedition Paddler Ltd holds public liability insurance, activity insurance and professional indemnity insurance, details of which can be provided upon request.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches.

For the Sea Kayaking Expedition, hiring a kayak, paddle, spare paddle, pump, spray deck, and buoyancy aid can be arranged.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches. No additional services—such as assistance with arrival and departure, accommodation, meals, or local transport—are provided unless explicitly stated in the "Included Services" section. Where required, we will supply and maintain the ordered equipment in proper condition. Any extra services or modifications requested by participants fall outside of our standard scope and must be arranged separately. Furthermore, Expedition Paddler is not liable for any expenses or disruptions resulting from services not covered under the program.

Please note that the price does not include the journey to and from Orkney, accommodation in Kirkwall, any equipment other than that specified in the "Included Services" section, or food for the Sea Kayaking Expedition.

In the event that remote pickup is required on the Sea Kayaking Expedition, any associated costs incurred will be divided among the group members.

EXTRAS

If you require additional equipment, such as tents, camp stoves, dry suits, or neoprene boots, these can be hired from our local outfitter.

During this course, you can obtain the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award. Please let us know in advance if you are interested. Registration and administrative costs for the certification have to be paid to Paddle UK.

During the expedition we shall cover the ISKGA Expedition Skills module including the following subjects: Camp selection, tarpology and shelter building, rescues & evacuation, water sourcing, treatment and toiletry requirements, fire skills, for cooking, signalling and warmth, foraging and equipment.

PRICE £ 780

A minimum of 4 participants is required to confirm this booking.