Once again, thanx historytraveler. Yes, I have a couple of guidebooks and my friend has some maps. Not sure but have been looking into Pentland Ferry. We will have a campervan and most likely go from St. Gills. Getting back to mainland Scotland is also undecided when we head south. Spend the night halfway (not sure exactly) depending what we see on our way. Have a b&b reservation @ Balmacara Mains on the shores of Loch Alsh. Then head to Isle of Skye and Hebrides for a few days. Often better when you have suggestions and advise from people who have traveled the areas that one is hoping to explore. Also, the guidebooks can be a bit overwhelming with too much no so useful information. Need more practical...

Okay..practical. From Kirkwall, I'd head first to Maes Howe. I believe you have to do a guided tour. Then the Stenness Standing Stones are close by as is the Ring of Brodgar. You can save some time by taking the B road ( sorry, can't remember the number) up to Skara Brae and Skaill House. If time allows continue up to Marwick Head and then catch the A road again heading toward Georth and the Broch of Gurness and on to Kirkwall. This may be too much prehistoric stuff for you, but just add/subtract according to your interests. There is plenty more to see and some great walks. I would strongly suggest you visit St. Magnus Cathedral and the Palaces in Kirkwall and, if interested, the Highland Park distillery.

If looking for a place to stay between Orkney and Kyle of Lochalsh, the Black Isle might work for you. Really depends on what time you leave Orkney and return to the mainland.

Thanks! This helps out alot...

I think that we will leave Orkney as early as possible and start heading down the west coast and explore. Spend the night wherever we are at. The Northwest Highland area looks amazing and worth the adventure!!!

When we hit Isle of Skye, should we take the 3 or so days to just stay there? How about a ferry across for a day trip? Are we putting too much pressure on ourselves to see too much? Any thoughts?

From your original post, it seems you have about 7 days ( starting in Inverness) for actual travel. You can certainly get to Thurso/Wick/Gills Bay area in one day. You'd have to look at ferry schedules to see if you have enough time to cross to Orkney that same day. If not, get an early start the next. I'd suggest two/three nights on Orkney giving you about 1 1/2 to 2 days, then an overnight somewhere along your route to Skye. That leaves you with about 2 1/2 days on Skye. You did mention the Hebrides. You'd need to catch the ferry at Uig and the schedule is not very friendly for just day trips. With all the Skye has to offer, I'd spend my time there.

In short:

1 day for travel from Inverness to Northeast coast...Thurso, Gills Bay

2/3 nights on Orkney with about 1 1/2 to 2 days sightseeing there

1 night enroute from Orkney to Skye

3 nights on Skye with 2 1/2 to 3 days sightseeing on Skye; return Inverness day of 17th



Does this help? You can certainly switch things around and spend extra day on Skye rather than the Orkneys. Look at ferry schedules for times to Tarbet via Uig. www.calmac.co.uk You might possibly be able to squeeze in a trip to Harris/Lewis with an overnight there, but it makes for a more reasonable pace to remain on Skye.

Thanx, this helps us figure out what to do.

Here is an itinerary of sorts

9/9- Fly into Inverness and spend the night
9/10-Pick up Campervan and head north near Ferry Station. Stopping to see sights along the way
9/11-Get up early and catch ferry then tour around Orkney
9/12- Tour Orkney
9/13- Get up early and catch ferry and head down western coast spend night
9/14- Drive leisurely down coast and spend night at a b&b on Kyle of Lochalsh
9/15- Go to Isle of Skye and tour around dinner at 3 Chimneys
9/16-Tour Isle of Skye
9/17- Isle of Skye and head towards Inverness
9/18- Head to Inverness and catch ferry

Sorry, not thinking...Inverness to catch flight

Sounds good to me.

Thanx for the help with itinerary. It will help alot...

You're welcome.:) Have a wonderful trip.