The Orkney Folk Festival

Stromness is accessible by ferry and road. The most direct route for vehicles is NorthLink Ferries from Scrabster (just north of Thurso on the mainland) to Stromness, which takes about 90 minutes. NorthLink also offers an overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (6–7 hours), from which it’s another 30–40 minute drive or regular bus ride west to reach Stromness. Pentland Ferries provides a shorter crossing (around 70 minutes) from Gills Bay (near John O’Groats) to St Margaret’s Hope on Orkney’s mainland; Stromness is then roughly an hour’s drive or bus ride north. In summer, a passenger-only ferry runs between John O’Groats and Burwick (South Ronaldsay), which can be useful for walkers or cyclists without cars (from Burwick you can take a local bus).

The nearest airport is in Kirkwall (about 25 miles east of Stromness). Loganair operates regular flights to Kirkwall from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, all under an hour in duration. (During the summer there is often a route via Dundee or connections from London.) After flying into Kirkwall, travelers can rent a car or hop on the Stagecoach X1 bus straight to Stromness (roughly 30–40 minutes). Note that flights to Orkney can fill up, so booking early is recommended.

If you rely on public transport, Scottish Citylink coaches connect Inverness, Aberdeen and other cities with Thurso and John O’Groats, linking you to onward buses or ferries. The ScotRail network reaches Thurso (just 2 miles from Scrabster), where you can catch a short taxi or bus to the ferry port. On Orkney, the Stagecoach X1 bus runs frequently between Kirkwall and Stromness, stopping at local villages along the way. The Stromness Travel Centre at the ferry terminal is a hub for buses (including routes to other islands like Hoy and Flotta) and taxis once you arrive.

Accommodation in Stromness should be booked well in advance. The town offers a small selection of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and a few self-catered apartments – all of which fill up fast during festival season. For budget travelers, Orkney’s hostels and campsites are good options: in particular, the Point of Ness Campsite on the Stromness waterfront (open April to October) provides powered pitches and facilities just a short walk from town. If you can’t find space in Stromness, consider staying in nearby Kirkwall (about a 30–40 minute drive) where a wider range of lodging is available. Wherever you stay, plan your travels early to make the most of the festival.