Shetlands, Orkneys, Highlands and Hebrides

[anonymous-user]

Go on then, is there any point in visiting the Shetlands or Orkneys?
What is different that they may offer over the Hebrides (inner and outer) and Highlands ?

Is it worth doing them for a change are they any better or just a bit bleugh, once you've done one you've done them all?

[hairy v]

For the Orkneys: the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe and Skara Brae

[Tabs]

Depends on whether you're interested in the history of the places.
We went about 10 years ago and loved it. If you've watched TV programmes about Skara Brae and the like, it's very interesting to see for yourself.
If just scenery that you like, you may as well just do the NC500 and stay on the mainland.

[OverHonda]

hairy v said:

For the Orkneys: the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe and Skara Brae

This in spades: Neolithic history for the win...
Tomb of Eagles was an interesting visit too. Throw in the cathedral at Kirkwall, the Italian Chapel, Orkney Brewery, and beautiful walks through unspoiled countryside.
We went about 5 years ago and had a great time, our only mistake was arriving just a little late in the season, when some restaurants had closed for the year.

[Condi]

Tabs said:

Depends on whether you're interested in the history of the places.

This, basically! There isn't a huge amount there so you have to be vaguely interested in it.

If you're a diver you can dive the WW1 German battleships, or what is left on the ocean floor anyway, from memory 6 vessels.

[LimaDelta]

There's a place called ttt.

Oh, and Skara Brae as already mentioned.

[eein]

The driving roads on Orkney are very good, and different to the Hebrides. A key factor is how quiet they are, and being a relatively flat place, yet with undulating twisty roads, you get great fun and can see miles ahead so you know there's nothing coming as you take the racing line across the lanes on a corner. Took our old mini (manual 998 of course) up there some years ago - best driving roads in the UK for that car.

There's also nice countryside with sea cliff walks and wildlife. Similar to Caithness in that respect.