Past & Present Island Life
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Port
Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland -- the archipelago's largest island. This tour passes through the gentle, rolling landscape of Orkney.
Visit Barony Mill, a working 19th-century mill which still grinds 'bere' -- an ancient form of barley grown in the surrounding countryside. Meet the current miller and see a demonstration of how the barley is traditionally ground between the millstones with the power of the waterwheel.
In Stromness, set out on foot with your guide or take some independent free time. Walk past the picturesque harbor with its fishing boats and ferry traffic to mainland Scotland. Explore the pretty flagstone High Street with its quirky architectural character and learn about contemporary living in Orkney's second-most-populous town.
Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre (time permitting) with exhibitions by both local and international artists. There may also be time to explore the craft shops selling Orkney-made items.
Complete your circular route by following the coastline of Scapa Flow, a famous British Naval Base in both World Wars and still used today as a transfer and processing point for North Sea oil.