Build Your Own Orkney Day
The islands sometimes have their own ideas, and your plans shouldn’t be forced to compete with them. When you have a specific goal, a standard route rarely works. This is a fully custom service, designed for travellers with a clear vision. I handle the logistics, the variables, and the timing to ensure an ambitious itinerary actually works on the ground.
This service is ideal for:
- Photographers and filmmakers: For those needing specific light, locations, and time.
- Wreck diving and sea fishing visitors: Logistical support and transport for specialist gear.
- Returning guests: For those with specific plans beyond the main sites.
- Outer-island exploration: Coordination of ferries and remote island logistics.
- Dynamic travel: Flexibility for those who want to explore without driving.
- Couples and small private groups: Professional facilitation for up to 4 people.
Max group size: 4 people.
Physical intensity: As chosen by you.
Family friendly: All ages.
Routes Include
- Private vehicle and driver: Up to 7 hours of dedicated facilitation.
- Pickup and drop-off: Anywhere on the Orkney mainland.
- Logistical planning: Extensive route, timing, and feasibility advice.
- Professional coordination: Management of variables like ferries or site access.
- Flexible pacing: The day is adjusted in real-time to suit your objectives.
- Expert network: Access to professional island contacts where useful.
Your custom Orkney day: Facilitated for your vision
How you can use this day
Every day is different because every guest arrives with unique priorities. This is for the days that don't fit into a box.
- Off-Map Exploration: Reach the coastal spots and backroads that fall outside the standard heritage tour routes.
- Island Hopping: Navigate the timing of touring Westray, Hoy, or Rousay. I handle the ferry logistics and local variables so the day actually works.
- Specialist Pursuits: Dedicated support for photography tours, research, or ancestry work where you need time and local insight and expertise over a script.
- The "Side Quest": For those who have seen the main sites and want to head down a specific "rabbit hole" in the deeper corners of the islands.
What to expect from this service
This is a professionally managed, facilitated day. It provides the coordination you need to focus on the work or the experience itself. Unlike a standard guided tour, the emphasis here is on the technical execution of your plans. This service exists to remove the logistical friction that comes with ambitious itineraries. I provide the local mechanics and and insight to manage the variables, weather, tides and access to ensure your objectives are delivered safely.
Flexibility and customisation
- Tailored start times: Scheduled to suit your arrival or specific island events or seasons.
- Dynamic routing: Shaped around your priorities and adjusted for weather or tides.
- Extended options: Additional time can be added for complex or long distance journeys.
- Specialist requests: Coordination of unique logistics or multi-element days.
Items not included
- Activity tickets: We can coordinate these for you as an additional charge.
- Lunch or refreshments
- Personal expenses
- Bad moods
For more complex itineraries involving ferries or multiple locations, a short pre booked planning session is reccomended to ensure the day is realistic and properly structured.
Hi, I’m Calum.
I understand the mechanics of these islands. This service is a flexible way to explore for those who prefer a professional driver and facilitator without the structure of a pre-set tour. I manage the distances, timing, and island logistics so you can focus on the vision for your trip.
Got questions about this tour?
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This ten minute briefing is a no-pressure technical check to answer questions and check over your ideas. We’ll focus on the logistics, timings, tides, and accessibility.
To ensure your journey is built without compromise. Bring your "weird and wonderful" ideas, I enjoy a challenge.
Create your own Orkney adventure today
To book the 'Build Your Own Orkney Day' please submit an enquiry. I will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss the feasibility and logistics of your plan.
A 50% deposit (£400) is required to secure the date once the itinerary is confirmed, with the remaining balance (£400) due on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Next Steps
Tailoring your itinerary
I will be in touch a day or two after your enquiry to discuss the details.
Additions & Special Requests
If you want to add more stops or include more entry tickets, let me know. I will provide a separate estimate for any additions.
Booking protection & insurance
Deposits are non-refundable to reflect our small scale, personal service. To protect your booking, we recommend independent travel insurance including CFAR (Cancel for any reason) coverage.
(I’ll be here. The date might not be.)
More Historic Orkney tours
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Odyssey tour
Perfect for visitors seeking intimate shore excursions and half-day trips rather than crowded buses. We focus on the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
The Norse Legacy Expedition
Our pre-made multi-day tour offers a specialist study of the Orkneyinga sagas ripples across the northern isles. An expansive exploration of Viking archaeology, ancient architecture, and the enduring ties to Scandinavia.
Your questions answered
What about site tickets
All tickets are included in the price for guided tours.
Do you charge per person?
Nope! All of my tours are priced per group. So bring your friends, family, or favourite travel companions the price stays the same.
When’s the best time to visit Orkney for decent weather and fewer crowds?
April, May, October, and November are ideal - fewer crowds, a more relaxed atmosphere, and (hopefully) some decent weather. Just pack a jacket… We are north of northern Scotland, after all.
Can I alter a suggested itinerary to add or remove a site or experience?
Certainly! Just give me a heads up to ensure it is both safe and practical to do so within our time.
Can you accommodate groups larger than 4?
Possibly! It depends on the timing and availability of my extended team. Let’s chat.
Can you accommodate four larger adults comfortably?
Compared to some U.S. vehicles yes. Our roads are narrow, and our parking is even narrower. But I use the largest, most comfortable vehicles I can source.
If physical space is a concern, I usually recommend a group size of three for maximum comfort.