Sealink's Little Tour: all around Scotland
May 20, 2016, 7:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Sealink's Little Tour: all around Scotland
Sealink’s Grand Voyage: 27th April
A spring trip to visit the family quickly became something bigger and better, thanks to the perfect alignment of flights, ferries, trains and a Flyer Talk meet.
A time when ten days off felt like a month. Where I travelled on three flights, two trains, two ferries and sampled a new airline into the bargain.
Strap in – I will try and make this as informative and readable as I can!
I go up to Scotland every year and have done for the last decade. It’s a bit of a tradition now.
This time, after having such a fun time on the Caledonian Sleeper before You can read it here! I really wanted to try it again.
The entrance to the Virgin First Class lounge was still a mess: they are building a mezzanine floor at the station; which is almost complete.
From my experience last time knew it was a waste of time to try and be there anything more than an hour before the train departed – it’s just too busy.
Still, Euston Station is busy too.
The lounge has a … distinctive… style, as you can see.
But as regards refreshments – thin pickings.
Some teas and coffees, mini cans of Pepsi and Lemonade and some nuts, and that was about it. But I didn’t care! I was going on the Sleeper!
Before heading down to the platform (1); I paused to look at the best departure screen ever: one train going to Fort William, Aberdeen AND Inverness. And intermediate stations.
I headed down to Platform 1, and snapped a few other trains in the station at the time.
I have to say, Platforms 1 and 2 do look a tad bleak…
The trains are still old – new ones are coming in 2018
On the platform, you find your assigned carriage (on the ticket) and there, a steward checks you in. There were a few people in front of me but it didn’t take too long.
As I had added an evening meal to my booking (+£10) the very friendly steward mentioned that my table had been reserved and I could go to the lounge whenever I was ready. Because this train was busier, you share a table with another traveller, which works really well. Because on the sleeper train, everyone is ready to talk!
You can opt for standard class, which means the possibility of sharing with someone of the same sex. That’s not for me, so paid a little extra for First Class, which gives you single occupancy and yay! Free breakfast! And access to the lounge car.
The cabin was prepared:
The amenity kit includes a face cloth, eye mask, socks, ear plugs, soap, body lotion, sleep spray and guide to a better sleep.
Lots of hanging space
It has to be said that the carriages are showing their age.
It was off to the restaurant car.
Wine Time!
With haggis, neeps and tatties and red onion marmalade.
Then the cheese board
Then a G&T or three.
Oops!
The person I shared my table with was really very interesting and the conversation flowed freely.
However I suddenly found that I was the last person standing. Time for a pic of the lounge car.
I went back to the cabin, and surprisingly, feel asleep quite quickly.
The carriage change at Edinburgh wasn’t as jarring as I found previously and I woke to this view:
Breakfast time.
This also comes with fresh* orange juice. * from concentrate
The further north we travelled the snowier it looked.
It’s the Highlands. It’s always going to be amazing ☺
We arrived in Inverness perfectly on time, and I took a pic of the engine that took us all the way.
And now a dilemma.
I was booked on the 1710hrs flight from Inverness to Kirkwall. But here I was in Inverness, at 8.38hrs, with a 1010hrs flight to Kirkwall – with seats available…
The next part of my trip was about to begin…
BOOKING INFO
I paid £155 for exclusive use of a cabin - "First Class" and £10 for dinner in the dining car, where a space is reserved for you.
I booked the sleeper directly at www.sleeper.scot - anecdotal evidence is that this is the best place to book - while you can book at UK railway stations, the trainline etc. - if there are changes affecting the service you will not be contacted as only www.sleeper.scot retains your contact details.
A spring trip to visit the family quickly became something bigger and better, thanks to the perfect alignment of flights, ferries, trains and a Flyer Talk meet.
A time when ten days off felt like a month. Where I travelled on three flights, two trains, two ferries and sampled a new airline into the bargain.
Strap in – I will try and make this as informative and readable as I can!
I go up to Scotland every year and have done for the last decade. It’s a bit of a tradition now.
This time, after having such a fun time on the Caledonian Sleeper before You can read it here! I really wanted to try it again.
The entrance to the Virgin First Class lounge was still a mess: they are building a mezzanine floor at the station; which is almost complete.
From my experience last time knew it was a waste of time to try and be there anything more than an hour before the train departed – it’s just too busy.
Still, Euston Station is busy too.
The lounge has a … distinctive… style, as you can see.
But as regards refreshments – thin pickings.
Some teas and coffees, mini cans of Pepsi and Lemonade and some nuts, and that was about it. But I didn’t care! I was going on the Sleeper!
Before heading down to the platform (1); I paused to look at the best departure screen ever: one train going to Fort William, Aberdeen AND Inverness. And intermediate stations.
I headed down to Platform 1, and snapped a few other trains in the station at the time.
I have to say, Platforms 1 and 2 do look a tad bleak…
The trains are still old – new ones are coming in 2018
On the platform, you find your assigned carriage (on the ticket) and there, a steward checks you in. There were a few people in front of me but it didn’t take too long.
As I had added an evening meal to my booking (+£10) the very friendly steward mentioned that my table had been reserved and I could go to the lounge whenever I was ready. Because this train was busier, you share a table with another traveller, which works really well. Because on the sleeper train, everyone is ready to talk!
You can opt for standard class, which means the possibility of sharing with someone of the same sex. That’s not for me, so paid a little extra for First Class, which gives you single occupancy and yay! Free breakfast! And access to the lounge car.
The cabin was prepared:
The amenity kit includes a face cloth, eye mask, socks, ear plugs, soap, body lotion, sleep spray and guide to a better sleep.
Lots of hanging space
It has to be said that the carriages are showing their age.
It was off to the restaurant car.
Wine Time!
With haggis, neeps and tatties and red onion marmalade.
Then the cheese board
Then a G&T or three.
Oops!
The person I shared my table with was really very interesting and the conversation flowed freely.
However I suddenly found that I was the last person standing. Time for a pic of the lounge car.
I went back to the cabin, and surprisingly, feel asleep quite quickly.
The carriage change at Edinburgh wasn’t as jarring as I found previously and I woke to this view:
Breakfast time.
This also comes with fresh* orange juice. * from concentrate
The further north we travelled the snowier it looked.
It’s the Highlands. It’s always going to be amazing ☺
We arrived in Inverness perfectly on time, and I took a pic of the engine that took us all the way.
And now a dilemma.
I was booked on the 1710hrs flight from Inverness to Kirkwall. But here I was in Inverness, at 8.38hrs, with a 1010hrs flight to Kirkwall – with seats available…
The next part of my trip was about to begin…
BOOKING INFO
I paid £155 for exclusive use of a cabin - "First Class" and £10 for dinner in the dining car, where a space is reserved for you.
I booked the sleeper directly at www.sleeper.scot - anecdotal evidence is that this is the best place to book - while you can book at UK railway stations, the trainline etc. - if there are changes affecting the service you will not be contacted as only www.sleeper.scot retains your contact details.
Last edited by Sealink; May 23, 2016 at 5:28 pm
May 22, 2016, 5:05 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
May 23, 2016, 5:08 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
PART TWO - 28th APRIL
And now a dilemma.
I was booked on the 1710hrs flight from Inverness to Kirkwall. But here I was in Inverness, at 8.38hrs, with a 1010hrs flight to Kirkwall – with seats available...
Taxi hailed, and I was enroute to Inverness Airport, with no idea whether I was going to be heading straight back to the city…
I had booked a FlyBe flight using BA Avios, on the BA App, so was hoping there would be some flexibility.
There is work taking place around the airport and a new train station will be built to serve it. In the best traditions of anti-joined up thinking, a bus will be needed to get passengers and their luggage to the airport, as there is a runway between the station and the terminal building.
Inverness Airport has this lovely sense of calm; especially after the easyJet flights have left. They can certainly pack those flights!
The airport was especially quiet when I arrived, and I approached the Flybe/Loganair desk to discuss amending my flight. Certainly we can change you on to the earlier flight, for £37.50. To give me eight more hours in Orkney? A bargain!
I happily paid, and was given something I have not seen in YEARS…
Armed with my new boarding pass, I headed to security.
Security at Inverness was fast, and friendly, as I have found at all HIAL airports.
Through to a deserted departure lounge, and I thought I would pop in to the Aspire lounge, scene of one of my more ”tired and emotional trips.”
Adverts for KLM and BA were much in evidence.
The Aspire lounge.
It’s had a makeover!
Obligatory bacon butty (or two)
I read the HIAL magazine. Which had a pretty obvious spelling mistake!
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7540/26872595782_140ff63a8d.jpg
My little ‘plane arrived.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7501/26882897371_0f6bf9c78f.jpg
I headed out to board, and it was strange to see the airport so deserted.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7474/26856973822_a7e404d1f4.jpg
There were 9 passengers on the flight.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7494/26882904341_12b98316c5.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7203/26918185636_e99de15e70.jpg
Glimpsed another Saab in full Loganair colours – this is for the Royal Mail contract, so no windows.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/26346351674_341e5c7b63.jpg
Inside…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7081/26346353914_8d177e6354.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7503/26693263730_938a17ac10.jpg
An on-time departure…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7780/26918728506_fc19416bb1.jpg
The weather was lovely, and the flight would take us over Cromarty, then Sutherland and Caithness. I will just post some pictures as the scenary was lovely.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7550/26857958692_46bed8059e.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7453/26952406515_487018f6b9.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7397/26966262685_bea9474969.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7531/26966263705_2e57caa641.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7334/26872062712_69dfef6ca1.jpg
The famous Loganair inflight service.
With profits of £6m last year, I wish they’d bring booze back. Although on a 1010hrs flight maybe too early…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7793/26966252965_8dfe8ea8d3.jpg
Back to the scenery
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7274/26360719604_6d96e2dbe2.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7152/26692792700_2b762787ba.jpg
Coming in to land…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7212/26897686541_2bc3448f86.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7483/26361928673_f89ce68615.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7461/26872162512_7e4d6c7f5f.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7299/26932697526_f641ce93ec.jpg
Kirkwall Airport, with the Loganair Islander aircraft – used for Orkney inter-island services.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7451/26897748921_889de9757e.jpg
A lovely morning in Kirkwall
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7613/26692940700_33c40f385f.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7571/26693260380_3df6cd649a.jpg
The only checked in luggage was being unloaded. (Mine!)
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7099/26362302483_beb13f0f96.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7643/26361232574_02e2a2e39a.jpg
I headed out to met the dramatic sounding JET bus service to the town centre.
This was the bus:
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7521/26966768815_d54f113f93.jpg
I was the only passenger, and the driver was very chatty, in fact, all the way into Kirkwall we chatted. I had forgotten that this happens outside London!
Kirkwall was looking stunning in the spring sun.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7036/26872937782_b60486db4d.jpg
It’s such a delightful place to visit.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7163/26423357344_4aaa1de01a.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7366/26966457471_6cf5684f9b.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1474/26152822114_0ee1c08d06.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1694/26664975462_136e701289.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7158/26431455743_4ce42f65ef.jpg
I ended up spending a lot of time walking around the town (from coffee shop to coffee shop!) and then headed to The Reel - a local bar/café owned by the Wrigley Sisters, an international folk music duo.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1486/26633921991_2b8fe9ea71.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1450/26699981125_d1c867e87c.jpg
Stayed for a couple of beers, enjoyed the lovely music, and headed to my accommodation (family) for the night.
Still to come: ferries, more ferries, flights, trains and more flights. And trams.
BOOKING INFO
I booked the FlyBe flight on the British Airways App, for 3,600 AVIOS and £27.49. The normal fare was £94.00
And now a dilemma.
I was booked on the 1710hrs flight from Inverness to Kirkwall. But here I was in Inverness, at 8.38hrs, with a 1010hrs flight to Kirkwall – with seats available...
Taxi hailed, and I was enroute to Inverness Airport, with no idea whether I was going to be heading straight back to the city…
I had booked a FlyBe flight using BA Avios, on the BA App, so was hoping there would be some flexibility.
There is work taking place around the airport and a new train station will be built to serve it. In the best traditions of anti-joined up thinking, a bus will be needed to get passengers and their luggage to the airport, as there is a runway between the station and the terminal building.
Inverness Airport has this lovely sense of calm; especially after the easyJet flights have left. They can certainly pack those flights!
The airport was especially quiet when I arrived, and I approached the Flybe/Loganair desk to discuss amending my flight. Certainly we can change you on to the earlier flight, for £37.50. To give me eight more hours in Orkney? A bargain!
I happily paid, and was given something I have not seen in YEARS…
Armed with my new boarding pass, I headed to security.
Security at Inverness was fast, and friendly, as I have found at all HIAL airports.
Through to a deserted departure lounge, and I thought I would pop in to the Aspire lounge, scene of one of my more ”tired and emotional trips.”
Adverts for KLM and BA were much in evidence.
The Aspire lounge.
It’s had a makeover!
Obligatory bacon butty (or two)
I read the HIAL magazine. Which had a pretty obvious spelling mistake!
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7540/26872595782_140ff63a8d.jpg
My little ‘plane arrived.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7501/26882897371_0f6bf9c78f.jpg
I headed out to board, and it was strange to see the airport so deserted.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7474/26856973822_a7e404d1f4.jpg
There were 9 passengers on the flight.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7494/26882904341_12b98316c5.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7203/26918185636_e99de15e70.jpg
Glimpsed another Saab in full Loganair colours – this is for the Royal Mail contract, so no windows.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/26346351674_341e5c7b63.jpg
Inside…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7081/26346353914_8d177e6354.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7503/26693263730_938a17ac10.jpg
An on-time departure…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7780/26918728506_fc19416bb1.jpg
The weather was lovely, and the flight would take us over Cromarty, then Sutherland and Caithness. I will just post some pictures as the scenary was lovely.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7550/26857958692_46bed8059e.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7453/26952406515_487018f6b9.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7397/26966262685_bea9474969.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7531/26966263705_2e57caa641.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7334/26872062712_69dfef6ca1.jpg
The famous Loganair inflight service.
With profits of £6m last year, I wish they’d bring booze back. Although on a 1010hrs flight maybe too early…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7793/26966252965_8dfe8ea8d3.jpg
Back to the scenery
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7274/26360719604_6d96e2dbe2.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7152/26692792700_2b762787ba.jpg
Coming in to land…
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7212/26897686541_2bc3448f86.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7483/26361928673_f89ce68615.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7461/26872162512_7e4d6c7f5f.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7299/26932697526_f641ce93ec.jpg
Kirkwall Airport, with the Loganair Islander aircraft – used for Orkney inter-island services.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7451/26897748921_889de9757e.jpg
A lovely morning in Kirkwall
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7613/26692940700_33c40f385f.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7571/26693260380_3df6cd649a.jpg
The only checked in luggage was being unloaded. (Mine!)
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7099/26362302483_beb13f0f96.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7643/26361232574_02e2a2e39a.jpg
I headed out to met the dramatic sounding JET bus service to the town centre.
This was the bus:
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7521/26966768815_d54f113f93.jpg
I was the only passenger, and the driver was very chatty, in fact, all the way into Kirkwall we chatted. I had forgotten that this happens outside London!
Kirkwall was looking stunning in the spring sun.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7036/26872937782_b60486db4d.jpg
It’s such a delightful place to visit.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7163/26423357344_4aaa1de01a.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7366/26966457471_6cf5684f9b.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1474/26152822114_0ee1c08d06.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1694/26664975462_136e701289.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7158/26431455743_4ce42f65ef.jpg
I ended up spending a lot of time walking around the town (from coffee shop to coffee shop!) and then headed to The Reel - a local bar/café owned by the Wrigley Sisters, an international folk music duo.
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1486/26633921991_2b8fe9ea71.jpg
[img] https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1450/26699981125_d1c867e87c.jpg
Stayed for a couple of beers, enjoyed the lovely music, and headed to my accommodation (family) for the night.
Still to come: ferries, more ferries, flights, trains and more flights. And trams.
BOOKING INFO
I booked the FlyBe flight on the British Airways App, for 3,600 AVIOS and £27.49. The normal fare was £94.00
Last edited by Sealink; Aug 26, 2018 at 2:23 pm
May 24, 2016, 8:33 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC bouncing from Blue to Gold to Blue VSFC Red CXGreen Club Accor Platinum Hilton Silver.
Posts: 914
I been waiting for this since we chatted at the EDI do, great photo's looking forward to the rest of your TR. the LCC back to STN was okay but I won't rush to repeat.
John
John
May 24, 2016, 11:03 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Agreed. Bargain fare or not, that was an uncomfortable flight! And having to wait at the bottom of the stairs, then the aircraft steps was annoying. But that's for later! 
May 25, 2016, 11:19 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: British Airways GCH
Posts: 75
Scotland looks amazing. It's right on my doorstep but I've never explored the North. I think I'll definitely give it a go now. So thanks for a lovely report.
The train looks great fun, looks to be fully booked quite a lot. Did you have to book far in advance to get your price?
The train looks great fun, looks to be fully booked quite a lot. Did you have to book far in advance to get your price?
May 26, 2016, 2:59 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York
Programs: BAEC Silver, &c.
Posts: 446
Sealink, this is fantastic-- thank you for posting! I'll be flying Loganair to Shetland and also taking the sleeper next month, so this was very helpful and is making me really excited for my upcoming trip. Looking forward to your next installments.
When I booked the train in mid-March for a late June trip, tickets were over £220 each for the 1st class sleeper, and it looked very full. There was only one pair of adjoining cabins left at that point.
When I booked the train in mid-March for a late June trip, tickets were over £220 each for the 1st class sleeper, and it looked very full. There was only one pair of adjoining cabins left at that point.
Jun 1, 2016, 5:43 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
The Voyage continues.
I remembered that Northlink offers a B&B option for the early sailings from Stromness to Scrabster. That meant I could spend a little more time in Orkney.
That meant that I had time for a mini trip to Westray. Unfortunately, the flight was full (every time I have travelled to Orkney, I have tried to get on the Westray – Papa Westray flight in order to become a record breaker – it’s the shortest scheduled flight in the world) – so I booked a round trip on Orkney Ferries.
It was a lovely day in Kirkwall, again.
My carriage awaits…
Kirkwall Harbour
Orkney Ferries run ferries to lots of islands – Westray is one of the furthest out , and it’s a scenic trip through the archipelago.
Boarding was via the car deck…
Had an explore of the ship:
The main lounge – this was full on the outward journey, and more or less empty on the return.
The scenery
A little glimpse of Westray
Leaving Westray
The World War Two buildings on Shapinsay.
Half way back to Kirkwall
Rather than take the afternoon Northlink ferry from Stromness to Scrabster, I decided to take advantage of their “B&B” offer – if you book a morning crossing from Stromness you can stay on board overnight.
I had about an hour to kill in Kirkwall, so I took a few more pics…
Jumped on the bus to Stromness, a lovely little town where the ‘big’ boat leaves from.
My home for the night…
Boarding commenced at 9.30pm
There were only a few passengers staying overnight… so a chance to have a walk around a deserted ship.
A nice little touch was the use of braille on the signage.
And this….
When booking a cabin, access to the on board ‘executive lounge’ is included in the evening, which offered soft drinks, tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks.
The cabin was basic, but I have to say, offered a very comfortable sleep.
Early next morning, I awoke to this scene…
After breakfast I went out to the deck to take a last look at Stromness and Orkney.
Viewers may recognize this former Caledonian MacBrayne ferry…
The island of Hoy
Arriving in Stromness on time, next to Fred Olsen’s Boadicca
Next up – some time in Caithness, then my first flight ever with little Eastern Airways, a train to Edinburgh, a FlyerTalk meet and … returning to London on RA-RA-RAAAAR RYANAIR!!!
Booking Info
Orkney Ferries - I walked into their booking office at Kirkwall, and was directed to purchase on board. The return fare was £16.70 and debit/credit cards accepted. There is a small cafe on board where hot drinks, sandwiches, biscuits soft drinks and some alcohol is on sale.
Northlink Ferries - I went to their office in Kirkwall and booked the Outer 2-berth cabin, £46.00 which included an 'all you can eat' breakfast. It was amazing! Tickets are collected at Stromness. This is on top of the £18.00 fare for the journey.
I remembered that Northlink offers a B&B option for the early sailings from Stromness to Scrabster. That meant I could spend a little more time in Orkney.
That meant that I had time for a mini trip to Westray. Unfortunately, the flight was full (every time I have travelled to Orkney, I have tried to get on the Westray – Papa Westray flight in order to become a record breaker – it’s the shortest scheduled flight in the world) – so I booked a round trip on Orkney Ferries.
It was a lovely day in Kirkwall, again.
My carriage awaits…
Kirkwall Harbour
Orkney Ferries run ferries to lots of islands – Westray is one of the furthest out , and it’s a scenic trip through the archipelago.
Boarding was via the car deck…
Had an explore of the ship:
The main lounge – this was full on the outward journey, and more or less empty on the return.
The scenery
A little glimpse of Westray
Leaving Westray
The World War Two buildings on Shapinsay.
Half way back to Kirkwall
Rather than take the afternoon Northlink ferry from Stromness to Scrabster, I decided to take advantage of their “B&B” offer – if you book a morning crossing from Stromness you can stay on board overnight.
I had about an hour to kill in Kirkwall, so I took a few more pics…
Jumped on the bus to Stromness, a lovely little town where the ‘big’ boat leaves from.
My home for the night…
Boarding commenced at 9.30pm
There were only a few passengers staying overnight… so a chance to have a walk around a deserted ship.
A nice little touch was the use of braille on the signage.
And this….
When booking a cabin, access to the on board ‘executive lounge’ is included in the evening, which offered soft drinks, tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks.
The cabin was basic, but I have to say, offered a very comfortable sleep.
Early next morning, I awoke to this scene…
After breakfast I went out to the deck to take a last look at Stromness and Orkney.
Viewers may recognize this former Caledonian MacBrayne ferry…
The island of Hoy
Arriving in Stromness on time, next to Fred Olsen’s Boadicca
Next up – some time in Caithness, then my first flight ever with little Eastern Airways, a train to Edinburgh, a FlyerTalk meet and … returning to London on RA-RA-RAAAAR RYANAIR!!!
Booking Info
Orkney Ferries - I walked into their booking office at Kirkwall, and was directed to purchase on board. The return fare was £16.70 and debit/credit cards accepted. There is a small cafe on board where hot drinks, sandwiches, biscuits soft drinks and some alcohol is on sale.
Northlink Ferries - I went to their office in Kirkwall and booked the Outer 2-berth cabin, £46.00 which included an 'all you can eat' breakfast. It was amazing! Tickets are collected at Stromness. This is on top of the £18.00 fare for the journey.
Last edited by Sealink; Jun 2, 2016 at 11:13 am