Loch of Harray is a significant freshwater loch on Mainland Orkney, Scotland, forming part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest alongside the connected Loch of Stenness. The region features generally flat to gently undulating terrain, open meadows, and tranquil watersides, providing a diverse landscape for outdoor pursuits. Its unique geography, characterized by the lochs and surrounding countryside, makes it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The area's natural features and proximity to…
54
Routes
4.7
(123)
Average rating
966
People visited

4.4
(10)
69
hikers
5.63km
01:27
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(23)
54
hikers
4.55km
01:15
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(9)
36
hikers
11.5km
03:00
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
13
hikers
11.1km
02:50
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
25
riders
65.6km
04:05
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
51.3km
03:08
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
14
riders
33.9km
02:02
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
riders
21.9km
01:18
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

43
riders
102km
05:31
820m
820m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

24
riders
71.9km
04:18
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
60.8km
02:57
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
40.4km
01:43
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

41
runners
9.86km
01:04
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
15
runners
10.5km
01:05
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
7.77km
00:50
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
runners
8.57km
00:54
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Loch of Harray is the largest freshwater loch on Mainland Orkney, Scotland. It is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and connects to the brackish Loch of Stenness. The area is known for its diverse wildlife and significant Neolithic archaeological sites.
The Loch of Harray region offers opportunities for Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, and Jogging. Komoot users have shared more than 3,500 experiences across 3 routes, with an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars.
Yes, the area around Loch of Harray features various hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging paths. Many routes offer views of the loch and surrounding countryside, often incorporating Neolithic sites. For more information, see Hiking around Loch of Harray.
The region is suitable for both road cycling and touring cycling, with quiet country roads and generally flat or gently undulating terrain. Routes often provide scenic views of both Loch of Harray and Loch of Stenness, passing ancient sites. Explore options in Road Cycling Routes around Loch of Harray and Cycling around Loch of Harray.
Yes, Loch of Harray offers routes suitable for various fitness levels, including easy walks and family-friendly options. These trails often feature tranquil watersides and open meadows. Specific guides are available for Easy hikes around Loch of Harray and Family-friendly hikes around Loch of Harray.
The area is rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Notable features include the Loch of Stenness, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe, all part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. An elevated viewpoint on the east side of Loch of Harray offers panoramic views.
Loch of Harray is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a crucial wintering site for numerous bird species, including swans, ducks, and waders. The loch's wetlands support diverse flora and fauna, such as rare pondweed species and a unique nerite snail. Otters can also be spotted by quiet observers.
Yes, the region provides jogging routes through its tranquil freshwater loch landscape, open meadows, and near significant Neolithic sites. These routes often feature waterside paths and views of the surrounding countryside. Explore options in Running Trails around Loch of Harray.
Loch of Harray is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 3,500 visitors having shared their experiences. The available routes have received an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars from over 500 ratings.
Komoot offers several guides for the Loch of Harray region, including Hiking around Loch of Harray, Family-friendly hikes around Loch of Harray, Easy hikes around Loch of Harray, Road Cycling Routes around Loch of Harray, Cycling around Loch of Harray, Hikes from bus stations around Loch of Harray, and Running Trails around Loch of Harray.
While there isn't a single official website for the entire Loch of Harray region, the Merkister Hotel, located on the banks of Loch Harray, can be contacted for local information, particularly regarding fishing. Their website is merkister.com/fishing, and their phone number is +4418.

