getting to kirkwall orkney

[beeman]

I need some advice. I live near Sheffield but I need to be at kirkwall for 0730hrs on the 10th april returning after 1700hrs on the 12th.

What is the best way to do it boat, plane, bike. I can set off 8th april but I am back at work on the 14th if that helps.
Some one out there must have done a simular run before. I do need to be fresh and ready to go on the 10th as it is for a job interview.

Before you ask, no I cant bring Richards sidecar back from smudges.

Beeman

[themoudie]

Aye beeman,

Smudge and I dragged Pat up and around the 'top end', afore letting him loose like a homing pidgeon to fly solo to Lands End and then back to the 'Land of the Western Celts'.

It's a fair old run up from Sheffield on the bike and possible in a single day (~350 miles north of the border and 250 miles on single carriageway). Best to stay B&B around Thurso afore sailing from Scrabster, across the Pentland Firth. Our digs were good, but it must be 5 years now since we did the run and they were ~25 miles from Scrabster.

Scrabster ferry timetable and prices are here:NORTH LINK FERRIES

Only problem with this is if the weather breaks and the Pentland crossing gets rough, may lead to delays, consult the ferry company if you are concerned.

Alternative is flying, but I am not sure of the links from Sheffield area or whether you would need to travel to Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow to then either get a direct flight or a further stage to Aberdeen or Wick afore flying to Kirkwall. I have never made the flights. However, this site may help: Trip Adviser Orkney Islands READ ALL OF THE THREADS ON THIS LINK. Lots of info in the messages.

I hope this helps you out and all the best with the interview. Viking country! A lot of classic and vintage motorcycles in the Orkney's and Shetland Isles. Oil money helps. ;¬)

My regards, Bill.

[guest18]

Yup, what Bill said! you can also get the train, surprisingly cheap, but slow... iirc when I last went up Edinburgh to Thurso was just over £14 one way(!) but took most of a day.

[beeman]

Thanks for that

Going up to somewhere south of inverness to stay sunday night then on to Gills bay for the ferry monday.
I'm planning on catching the ferry back to aberdeen, booking a cabin for a bit of kip, then riding home in the early morning.
Will be ok if weather good but if not..................
Thats what gortex  and stemitil is for.

I'm happy working where I am so either way with the interview I cant lose. It will be a life changing move and I will have to cut back on everything. SWMBO is keen on the move, the next problem would be her getting a job, but unemployment is low on the islands.

beeman

[themoudie]

Aye beeman,

May I ask, "How far South?", south of Inverness.

My regards, Bill.

[beeman]

Not sure somewhere in the Cairngorms But still fluid. Can't book until after Monday when I get paid and have money in the bank. I don't want to use my credit card.
I have a friend in Kingussie but not sure if he is around. It being Easter Sunday and all.
Beeman

[themoudie]

Understand.

Cheers, Bill.

[beeman]

Interview postponed?? Now in may.
I was just going to book ferries etc when they rang to cancel.
Will keep posted
Beeman

[Richard]

Sounds like a chance of a rally in the Orkneys here 

Good luck.

[themoudie]

Aye beeman,

Fingers X. All the best.

Regards, Bill.

[beeman]

mmmmmm rrrrrrrrraaaaallly

That will be good, problem with the hangover during the interview.

Still might be good idea in the future for a midsummers annual rally.
On second thoughts if I get the job, and it's not sure I will, I wonder who would organise it............

beeman

[themoudie]

Aye beeman,

After Smudge and I's experience, you may well ask!    However, if anybody makes it that far north, the Pentland Firth could prove either a curse or a blessing, depending on your circumstances.

A croft buried beneath discarded tents, used stoves of various fuel types/vintage and maybe the odd donated L/Rover MK???, with terminal decline!   Come to think of it many crofts may already posess these features, from years of Norwegian occupation!    As they do in the Western Isles.

Whatever the outcome, good health and I hope it works out for you.

My regards, Bill.

[guest146]

Bit late but I do know you can get the ferry from John O Groats. Its not long crossing but passengers only I think  But guess you could get a bike on. Have you got sorted with accommodation near Kingussie. There is a large transport cafe at the end of the village and I think they do accommodation.

Ken

[beeman]

Thanks for that ,still waiting for new date possibly in may

Have been talking to those doing the role and the problem seems to be if I am away from the family too long. Will wait to see what the role involves as could be working on different islands.

Beeman

[guest146]

Have stayed here and its very nice and backs up to the hills next to A9 I think it is

Ken

http://www.balsporran.com/