If you had 18 days to spend on the Shetlands and Orkneys in September, how would you split your time between the two to get the best of both? Dependent on public transportation. Interested in peace and quiet, natural environments, walking,wildlife, cultural experiences, interesting day tours, accom recommendations. Moderate budget- b&b's. Have done lots of research but interested in other people's experiences. Thanks.

You could easily spend a week or 10 days on the Orkneys visiting all the different islands, birdwatching, nature walks or just sitting on a cliff top admiring the view. The ferry timetables to the islands generally mean that you'll never manage more than one in a day. Kirkwall and Stromness both have hostels and most of the outlying villages have b&b's. The tourist info in Kirkwall is really helpful for accomodation bookings and ferry timetables and will even help you plan your time around these timetables (not all routes on all days). I would also recommend Skara Brae, Maes Howe and the standing stones just near Maes Howe. Much better than Stonehenge coz you don't have to queue and there's no ropes. Go ahead and wander freely if you're into that kind of stuff. And definately don't miss the Italian chapel. By far and away the best 'tourist attraction' I have ever visited.

I haven't managed to get as far as the Shetlands yet but have heard only good things from two friends who have been. Again just roam aimlessly and appreciate nature or they also recommend the standing stones and prehistoric sites.

To the traveller to Shetland and Orkney, Hi, I had a couple of weeks up there recently. I was working on organic farms (wwoof.org) which is a good way to see the place, you skate round the farms doing voluntary work in return for board and lodging. Most people up there, especially orkney, are farmers anyway, so you're meeting the locals and getting a taste for what life is really like there. If you decide to do this, i can give you info on individual farms.
When i wasn't on the farms i was rough camping, to get some peace. I stayed at a few hostels but you tend to just meet other travellers, or, suburban couples on holiday with their small children (this was august). I didn't get into the historic sites because i can't stand tourist traps. So maybe i had a different kind of experience to what you're after. But anyway, I preferred Shetland. Enjoy it