We would like to warmly welcome our newest Supporter of the North East 250.  North Link Ferries provides another point of entry and exit for travellers to the Moray and Speyside region that wish to travel north to or from Shetland and Orkney, and those that wish to travel through the region West or South.  We look forward to this exciting new relationship.

How to visit Orkney and Shetland during your North East 250 road trip

The North East 250 is one of Scotland’s most scenic road trips, showcasing everything for which Scotland is famous for.

The route winds through Speyside’s renowned whisky trail, climbs over the rugged Cairngorms, passes famous castles of the Royal Deeside and traces along the stunning coastline of Aberdeenshire and Moray passing through charming seaside villages.

Whilst the NE250 is an amazing road loop to travel on, your adventure doesn’t have to end there.  If you’re looking to make your trip even more memorable, when you reach Aberdeen, consider continuing north – really north. A trip to the Orkney or Shetland Islands can add something entirely unique to your Scottish adventure, where the pace slows, the landscapes shift and heritage runs deep.

Why add the isles to your NE250 road trip?

Extending your NE250 road trip to include Orkney or Shetland opens up a whole new side of Scotland. These Northern Isles offer dramatic landscapes, world-class archaeological sites that predate the pyramids, and coastal scenes bursting with wildlife.

What sets them apart is their deep cultural heritage. Viking heritage lingers in the place names and in the fierce pride of the islanders, whose warmth and hospitality turn a fleeting visit into something much more personal.

Whether you’re drawn by local festivals, fresh island produce, or centuries-old landmarks, Orkney and Shetland are sure to provide a memorable and meaningful addition to your NE250 adventure.

Highlights to see in Orkney and Shetland

There is so much to discover during a trip to Orkney or Shetland, but for a short break from the NE250, we’d suggest seeing the following ‘must-visit’ places:

Orkney

• Be fascinated by Skara Brae: Discover one of Europe’s most complete Neolithic villages, where a cluster of stone homes reveal how Orkney’s earliest farmers once lived over 5,000 years ago.
• Wander around the Ring of Brodgar: Visit this enchanting 5,000-year-old stone circle. Once comprising sixty stones, twenty-seven survive today forming the third-largest stone circle in the UK.
• Cross to the Brough of Birsay: Time your visit with the tides to reach this small island via a stone causeway, where Norse and Pictish ruins await among puffin-covered cliffs.
• Be inspired by St Magnus Cathedral: Stand inside Orkney’s iconic red-sandstone cathedral, built in 1137 in memory of St Magnus. It remains the most complete mediaeval cathedral in Scotland.
• Marvel at the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel: Visit the beautiful chapel on Lamb Holm, built by Italian POWs during WWII, alongside the impressive Churchill Barriers they constructed to protect Scapa Flow.

Shetland

• Step back in time at Jarlshof: Near Shetland’s southern tip lies one of the UK’s most remarkable archaeological sites, revealing over 4,000 years of continuous human settlement.
• Stroll through Lerwick: Arrive in Shetland’s capital with NorthLink Ferries and explore this bustling harbour town with plenty of local shops, restaurants and attractions to enjoy.
• Walk across to St Ninian’s Isle: Cross one of Britain’s most impressive natural features, a 500-metre natural sand causeway, to reach a small and peaceful island perfect for walking.
• Marvel at the cliffs of Eshaness: Explore this dramatic headland that cuts through an ancient volcano, with sheer cliffs that showcase Shetland’s fascinating geology.
• Be inspired by Mousa Broch: Take a boat trip to the uninhabited isle of Mousa and encounter Scotland’s best-preserved Iron Age broch – an imposing stone tower rising 13-metres-tall.

How to get to Orkney and Shetland from the NE250?

Your adventure continues as you set sail with NorthLink Ferries. For most people, the NE250 route begins and ends in Aberdeen. The ferry terminal is conveniently located in the heart of the city, providing easy access by car as well as close connections to rail, bus and airport services.

Daily sailings depart from Aberdeen heading for Lerwick in Shetland, which also make regular calls into Orkney’s capital of Kirkwall. You can bring your vehicle on board, making it simple to continue your road trip across the islands.

On board you’ll be able to enjoy many comforts before arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to begin your island adventure. The MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey are purpose-built ships for the route, equipped with comfort and accessibility in mind. There are a range of amenities to enjoy including a restaurant and bar, lifts between decks, a cinema, children’s play area, and a gift shop.

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To book your sailing or learn more about NorthLink Ferries, visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk.