Skara Brae

If you’re not planning on driving, and then taking a ferry, consider flying. We actually went the opposite direction, so we flew from the Kirkwall airport on Orkney to Inverness airport. Just go the other direction from us! Unless scenic for you means only going by land, flying was quick and easy, and you can’t beat a window seat!

The place we stayed in Kirkwall was later sold, and is no longer open for lodging, so it’s not a recommendation. Still, Kirkwall was ideal for our stay - convenient to Skara Brae and other sights. We rented a car in Kirkwall, though, and drove while on Orkney.

We are also in your age group. We found driving in the Orkneys very easy - good flat roads for the most part. I think it would be difficult to get around there without a car. The sites are not too far apart, so you won't need to do a lot of driving. We rented from Edinburgh airport, but you can probably rent a car for a few days while on the islands.

Hi Rick,
We also are in our 70s, planning a similar trip to Orkney and have narrowed our choices to either of these 2 companies who provide private tours out of Inverness.

Inverness Day Tours - 3 day Orkney
https://invernesstours.com/orkney-tours-from-inverness

Hebridean Explorer- 3 day Orkney
https://www.thehebrideanexplorer.com/tours-from-inverness/orkney-three-day-tour.html

Private tours are expensive but we feel are worth every penny for no worry transportation, lodging recommendations, and shared in-depth historical & cultural knowledge that we would not necessarily acquire on our own.

Both companies have excellent reviews on Trip Advisor if you would like to read some.

Good luck with your planning!
DS

When I started planning our trip, I was planning to take the Pentland Ferry from Gill's Bay, and my initial resistance to flying (mainly because of Loganair's high prices) eventually subsided, so we're flying. We actually decided to fly from Edinburgh (even more expensive) so we could end our car rental in Edinburgh and spend the end of our trip on foot in Edinburgh. Orkney Car Rental is very reasonable and since we wanted to be at Birsay at low tide, taking a tour seemed a bad alternative.

We haven't been yet, but I internet stumbled on Benmora B&B, which is on the harbor a short walk from downtown Kirkwall. We don't spend much time at a lodging, so a good breakfast and walk to a pub are our requirements. We're going in June.

I'm 72, so I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to rent a car. Our plan is to travel with a younger couple when the time comes.

Have you worked out how you are going to get around Orkney once you have arrived? The bus service isn't that good for visiting the attractions...
https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/Bus-Services.htm#relatedOuterWrapper0

I loved Orkney, where I spent nine days about 8 years ago (keep that in mind as you read this, but I am posting because I hope this will give you food for thought). I flew on Flybe (no longer in operation) to Kirkwall. Given the short time you have, I recommend flying rather than taking a ferry. If you decide to rent a car, I believe they rent them at the small airport in Kirkwall. I do not rent cars in GB/Europe and I'm accustomed to navigating public transportation, so didn't check out car rentals.
Some comments:
* I was surprised how challenging it was to get around by bus in mid- to late June. Late September might be even more challenging. Buses went to some locations once in the a.m. and returned once in the late afternoon or early evening.
* I was most interested in archeological sites, and boy does Orkney have those! After some admittedly frustrating times trying to do more than one thing a day, I decided to sign up for the Explore Orkney Megalith Mystery Tour (sounds like a Disneyland ride; not sure that's what it was called when I was there). The tour company is run by a family of locals. There were about four other people on my tour and we spent the day going to most of the sites I wanted to see. Susan gave us a lot of commentary on the way to each site, then we had a tour with a guide and then had time on our own to explore each place. I liked this because I didn't have to hassle with logistics and I learned so much! Their website (exploreorkney.com) says they offer several tours on various subjects. I have no affiliation with this company, and it's been several years since I took a tour with them, but I think it's worth checking them out.
* I will mention the Orkney Explorer Pass, which is a 1-ticket pass for admission to about six sites -- BUT it says it's for use April-September. Don't know if that means "until September" or "through September." It probably isn't worth it if you aren't arriving until late September and/or you decide to take a tour, but I'm including it in case you change plans and decide to go earlier in the month.

I've gotten to Orkney in different ways. Most recently we went straight there from Madison WI. Our rather round about trek was Madison to St. Louis, to London Heathrow to Edinburgh to Inverness to Kirkwall. This was with my 75 year old plus parents. We rented a car on Orkney. We then took the ferry from Stromness which took us past the Old Man of Hoy. We took the bus from Thurso to Inverness where we picked up a car for the balance of our trip. Years ago I did the train from Thurso south to Inverness. It's a beautiful trip across Caithness. I remember lots of peat cutting.

Most recently we stayed in Kirkwall, but years ago when we visited family we were in Stromness. I think Stromness is lovely, but Kirkwall is a bit more centrally located and has more restaurants.

It's a magical place. You should plan on three full days.

PAm