Kirkwall travel guide

Getting there and around

The town is compact and it’s easy to get around on foot. The main street changes its name from Bridge Street to Albert Street, then to Broad Street and Victoria Street as it twists its way south from the busy harbour. The cathedral is on Broad Street, and most of the shops and banks are on Broad Street and Albert Street.

Air

An 8-seater aircraft flies from Kirkwall Mon-Sat to Stronsay, Sanday, North Ronaldsay, Westray and Papa Westray, and on Wed to Eday. To Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay costs £15 one way, and to the other islands listed £31 one way.

Bus

There’s a limited bus service around the Mainland. Stagecoach in Orkney, T01856- 870535, http://www.orkneypublictransport.co.uk, runs regular buses Mon-Sat from Kirkwall bus station to Stromness, 30 mins. It also runs 3-5 buses a day, Mon-Sat, to Houton, 35 mins, which connect with ferries to Hoy; and a daily bus, Mon-Sat, to East Holm, 25 mins, and Stromness via Dounby, 45 mins. There are buses daily to St Margaret’s Hope, 30 mins and there are also buses to Tingwall and Evie. Note that there is a very restricted Sun bus service on Orkney.

Car hire

Orkney Car Hire, Junction Rd, T01856-872 666; WR Tullock, Castle St, T01856-876 262, and Kirkwall airport, T01856-875500.

Cycle hire

Cycle Orkney, Tankerness Lane, T/F01856-875777. Mountain bikes from £8 per day.

Ferry

Northlink Ferries, T0845-6000449, http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk, sails from Kirkwall to Aberdeen, Mon, Wed and Fri, 2345, 6 hrs. A single passenger fare costs from £16.30 up to £24.90 (peak season, Jul-Aug). A car costs from £64.40 up to £88.40. They also sail from Kirkwall to Lerwick (Shetland) on Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun, 2345, 7 hrs 45 mins. A passenger fare costs £13.80 up to £19.70 single. A car costs £49.80 up to £81.50. Return fares are double the cost of single fares and children under 16 travel for 50% less. Cars should be booked in advance and all passengers must check in at least 30 mins before departure. 2-berth cabins are available on all journeys, from £57.50-88.40 per cabin per journey.

John o’Groats Ferries, T01955-611353, http://www.jogferry.co.uk, operates a passenger- only (and bicycles) ferry service from Burwick to John o’Groats. There are bus connections between Kirkwall and Burwick, 45 mins, for all ferry sailings. It also operate the Orkney Bus, a daily direct bus/ferry/bus service between Kirkwall and Inverness, via John o’Groats.

Banks

Branches of the 3 main Scottish banks with ATMs are on Broad St and Albert St. Exchange also at the tourist office.

Laundry

The Launderama, Albert St, T01856-872982. Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0900-1700.

Medical services

Balfour Hospital, Health Centre and Dental Clinic, New Scapa Rd, T01856-885400.

Post

Junction Rd, Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0930-1230.