Orkney: West Mainland Day Tour Skara Brae & Standing Stones

Summary

Ancient stone circles, wild cliffs and Orkney’s living history

You’ll feel Orkney’s wild spirit on this West Mainland day trip—standing among ancient stones at Skara Brae and Brodgar, tasting peat smoke at Kirbuster Farm Museum, hearing stories from your local guide as you look out over Scapa Flow’s restless water. It’s a real mix of raw landscapes and quiet moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing that hit me—this sharp, salty wind as we stepped out near Scapa Flow. Our guide, Isla, just grinned and said it was a “soft breeze” for Orkney. I could smell peat smoke somewhere distant. The sea looked almost metallic under a low sky. We drove past old farmhouses and sheep that didn’t seem bothered by us at all. Isla pointed out where British warships once anchored—she told this story about her grandfather fishing there as a boy, dodging navy patrols. I tried to picture it but mostly I was just watching the water shift colors every few seconds.

Skara Brae was next. I’d seen photos before but standing there—actually looking down into these 5,000-year-old homes—it felt strange and familiar at the same time. The stones were cold under my hand; someone joked about Neolithic central heating (it’s not warm in those houses). Isla explained how storms uncovered the site in the 1850s. There was this moment when everyone went quiet, just listening to gulls and wind. After that we wandered over to the Ring of Brodgar—huge stones in a circle, sheep wandering right through like they owned the place. I tried to count them but got distracted by a dog chasing crows nearby.

The Standing Stones of Stenness are close by—Isla called them “the old ones.” She showed us how they line up with the solstice sun (I’m not sure I got it exactly right). We stopped for photos but honestly I just wanted to stand there a bit longer. Then Yesnaby cliffs—wild and loud with waves smashing below—and later in Birsay, we poked around ruins where grass grew through old stone walls. A couple of locals waved as they cycled past; one had a dog in his basket who looked like he’d seen it all before.

I liked Kirbuster Farm Museum more than I expected—there’s this peat fire burning in the middle of the room and everything smells faintly smoky and earthy. Old tools everywhere, garden outside full of color even though it was chilly. It made me think about how people have lived here for centuries without much fuss or drama (well, except for those Earls maybe). By the end of our Orkney West Mainland tour my boots were muddy and my head full of stories—I keep thinking about that wind on my face at Scapa Flow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Orkney's historic and scenic sites

• Drive with views of Scapa Flow
• Tour the neolithic village Skara Brae
• Visit the Ring of Brodgar henge
• Photo stop at Standing Stones of Stenness
• Photo stop at Cliffs of Yesnaby
• Explore ruins of Earl’s Palace in Birsay
• Visit Kirbuster Farm Museum

Top questions

How long is the Orkney West Mainland tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from start to finish.

Does the tour include entry to Skara Brae?

Yes, your entrance fee for Skara Brae (and Skaill House) is included.

Are there photo stops during the day trip?

Yes, there are several photo stops including Yesnaby cliffs and both stone circles.

Is lunch provided on this Orkney tour?

No lunch is included; you may wish to bring snacks or eat before/after.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup; public transport options are also nearby if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request and all ages are welcome.

What should I wear on an Orkney day trip?

Dress warmly with waterproof layers; weather can change quickly on Orkney.

Will we visit both Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness?

Yes, both neolithic stone circles are visited during the day trip from Kirkwall or Stromness.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup (with public transport options nearby), entry fees for Skara Brae and Skaill House, guided visits to sites like Ring of Brodgar, Stenness stones, Yesnaby cliffs, Birsay ruins and Kirbuster Farm Museum—all led by an Orkney local who shares stories along the way.