Excursion Into the wild: deerness distillery tasting and mull head nature reserve tour at Kirkwall

Depart by coach to the Deerness Peninsula, an area of outstanding beauty surrounded by the atmospheric North Sea. Admire the stunning views across to the uninhabited island of Copinsay, a designated SPA (Special Protection Area) for breeding seabirds and home to a seal colony.   

Arrive at the multi-award winning Deerness Distillery, lovingly built by Stuart and Adelle on their land next to their family home.  Deerness Distillery is the first new distillery in Orkney for over 130 years and their spirits are all carefully handcrafted from start to finish on site.  This offers you a unique experience to see the entire process and be as inquisitive as you like!

Deerness Distillery Tour & Tasting

Sample the Distillery's range of spirits including Sea Glass Gin, Scuttled Gin, Vára Pink Gin, Orcadian Moon Coffee Liqueur and Into the Wild premium classic vodka.   Enjoy a walk round to the polytunnel, where Stuart and Adelle grow many of their botanicals for their multi-award-winning gins. Pass the friendly sheep along the way and choose your own home-grown botanicals to mix with your favourite full size spirit.  Savour your creation and let your senses experience the taste, smell and ambience of Orkney.  Enjoy light refreshments including tea/coffee, Bannocks, Orkney Cheese and shortbread. Before you leave there will be an opportunity to purchase Deerness Distillery merchandise and a range of other Orkney produce and gifts in the onsite shop.

Mull Head Nature Reserve

Return to the coach and travel across farmland to Mull Head Nature Reserve, a heathland and grassland of 160 hectares with high cliffs and wild heathland, battered by storms in winter and teeming with nesting birds in summer.  Stop at the visitor centre where you will find interpretation boards and information about the wildlife, landscape and history of the reserve.  Walk a short distance to The Gloup, a dramatic collapsed sea-cave separated from the sea by a land bridge about 80 yards wide.  Take some time to scan the area for birds, plant life and geology before heading back to the ship on the coach.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Deerness Distillery Tour & Tasting, Mull Head Nature Reserve

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking over uneven ground, much of it at the discretion of the visitor. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair who are not traveling with a companion who can assist. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfort able clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, a warm layer, and a weatherproof jacket or coat. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate to this tour. The tour sequence may vary.