N Scotland and Orkney Islands Epic

The northern coast of Scotland has the most consistent and arguable the best surf on mainland Britain. I schedule this as a short passage from Stornoway rather than start on the mainland because who can miss a rounding of "Cape Wrath"? Now there's something to tell your friends! Due to its northern latitude, much of the angrier Atlantic weather passes south in August, leaving nice wind for kiting, clear skies, and water temps that are if not pleasant, certainly tolerable.

"Orkney captures the imagination and the eye, its balding turf reflective of constantly changing shades of light as clouds scurry across windswept skies." - Lonely Planet. Only 17 or Orkney's 70 islands are inhabited and lie just 6 miles off the north coast. Here as nowhere else can you visit prehistoric sites over 5,000 years old, immune to the near constant onslaught of gnarly weather. Perfect white sand beaches seem out of place, lying at the base of 300 meter cliffs made of some of the hardest rock on earth. The multitude of visual splendours is indeed mindboggling- imagine seeing them being pulled along by a kite?

This Adventure near the top of the world (ok not quite- sorry Norway!) could be the crowning jewel of the expedition. Wildlife abounds. Fresh seafood and cozy pubs. Long warm days and chilly nights. Fantastic hiking, great kiting, great surf, super-clear water and even scuba diving!

RESOURCES: Internet Guide to Scotland, Traveline (getting around), Travel Scotland (info)

Getting there: Daily flights with BA from London or Glasgow to Stornoway (no boards though on the flights). Ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway if by land.

Summary: + Stunning, rugged scenery + Good winds and waves + Clean water, no crowds + Incredible Skara Brae and Maes Howe + Fair weather + Friendly locals + REMOTE! - Cold water - Huge tides

Aurora Borealis Photo Robert Postma Orkney Islands Photo Courtesy of TravelScotland.com

GUEST RIDER: Unannounced Air: 54.4 Water: 54.2º F Mean Wind Avg.: 10.7 W Miles: 150