Driving on Orkney

Orkney offers a rewarding driving experience, but navigating its unique road system requires preparation. The main roads are mostly two-lane and in excellent condition, while many smaller roads, especially to lighthouses, coastal trails, and wildlife spots, are narrow, single-track lanes.

You can read a full guide HERE

✅ Key Safety Tips

• Master passing places. These are essential on single-track roads. Always pull into the nearest passing place to let others pass. Don’t block them, avoid stopping there to take photos or have a snack break.

• Drive on the left. This seems obvious, but it’s crucial when pulling in or out of passing places and especially if you’ve driven on the continent beforehand.

• Use official lay-bys for stops. There are plenty near viewpoints and ASICS for archaeology sites. Park smartly and walk to the viewpoint to avoid clogging single-track roads.

• Prepare for weather hazards. Orkney’s notorious winds can pick up fast, making some roads icy or slick. Keep layers in the car, check forecasts, and slow down during hail or snow.

• Plan fuel stops carefully. Fuel stations are limited, so refuel in Kirkwall, Stromness, or villages like Finstown, Dounby, and Birsay. Always check your tank before heading to remote spots.

🚗 Hiring & Parking Tips

• Book vehicles early, there’s limited availability even outside peak seasons.

• In towns like Stromness and Kirkwall, use metered car parks and make sure you have change. Don’t attempt narrow streets like Dundas Street or Alfred Street by car.

• On outlying roads like Yesnaby or Birsay, park in marked lay-bys before walking for photography or cliff trails.

📋 Emergency Prep

• Keep warm winter layers, gloves, and hats in a “just‑in‑case” kit.

• Carry a dry bag, spare phone battery, snacks, and water as shops are sparse.

• Know where passing places are and build 15-minute buffers between location-to-location travel.

Following these steps enhances safety and allows you to enjoy Orkney’s wind-swept landscapes, wildlife, and heritage with confidence.