Orkney, an archipelago just off the north-east coast of Scotland, is one of the most fascinating and intriguing parts of the country to explore.
There are some incredible archaeological and historical sites to discover, with one of Europe’s highest concentrations of ancient sites to be found here, and the countryside is simply stunning… so you’re sure to have an incredible time, wherever you choose to go.
To help you make up your mind about your choice of destination, here are some of the best walks in Orkney for your itinerary.
The Old Man of Hoy, Hay
The Old Many of Hoy is a familiar sight for many, an iconic sea stack rising up out of the Atlantic Ocean that, at 137m, is one of the tallest sea stacks to be found in the British Isles. It’s a favourite haunt for many a climber, so if you really feel like putting yourself through your paces and have climbing experience, this would be a great challenge for your Scotland trip.
But if you’d rather keep both feet on terra firma and still enjoy the spectacular red sandstone stack, this is easily achieved, as well, by following the track from Rackwick Bay along the coastline until you reach the point that overlooks the stack.
If you carry on north along the coast, you’ll eventually reach St John’s Head, which is the highest vertical sea cliff in the UK… with some amazing views to be had.
Westray
If you want to see as much wildlife as you possibly can while on holiday, then Westray is the destination for you. Also known as the Queen O’ The Isles, this beautiful island is a real haven for bird lovers and you’ll find all you want and lots more besides at the RSPB nature reserve on Noup Cliffs, everything from puffins and kittiwakes to Arctic tern and guillemot.
For puffins in particular, head to the Castle o’Burrian between April and August, where they spend some time onshore. Heaven!
Westness Heritage Walk, Rousay
There are more than 160 archaeological sites to be found in Rousay, so the Westness Heritage Walk would be an excellent choice for all the history buffs among you. The trail itself is Scotland’s most important archaeological mile, covering the first Stone Age settlers, the Pictish Iron Age, the Vikings, the Earls and the crofting clearances.
Along the way, you’ll discover the Midhowe Cairn, the longest and largest of its kind in the Orkney Islands. It was built around 3,500 BC and features a central passageway flanked by pairs of stones that have been separated into 12 compartments. An excavation of the site after it was discovered in 1932 revealed the remains of 25 people, as well as the bones of birds and animals, suggesting that the people were farmers and hunters.