The best walks and hikes around Birsay

Yes, many trails in Birsay are suitable for walking with dogs. However, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially on cliff-top paths and near farmland where livestock may be present. The coastal areas and inland paths offer great opportunities for you and your canine companion to explore together.

Access to the Brough of Birsay is via a tidal causeway. It is only safe to cross for approximately two hours on either side of low tide. Always check the local tide times before you set out to ensure you have a safe window to walk across, explore the island, and return without being cut off by the incoming sea.

Yes, Birsay is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. These often combine dramatic coastal scenery with inland paths. For a shorter loop, consider the Marwick Head Cliffs and Tower loop, which offers fantastic views in under 3 miles.

The best time for hiking in Birsay is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you'll experience longer daylight hours and milder weather. This is also the prime season for spotting seabirds, including puffins, which nest on the cliffs at places like the RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve.

Birsay is rich in history. Many walks pass by significant sites. The most prominent are the ruins of the 16th-century Earl's Palace, which is free to explore, and the Pictish and Norse settlements on the Brough of Birsay. You can also see Skiba Geo, a historic fishing station, and the Kitchener Memorial, a stone tower honouring those lost at sea in WWI.

While most popular trails follow the coast, there are quieter inland paths around the area's freshwater lochs. The RSPB Birsay Moors reserve, which includes The Loons and Loch of Banks, is a significant wetland habitat. Walks in this area offer a different perspective on Orkney's landscape and are excellent for birdwatching.

The walk to Marwick Head primarily follows grassy cliff-top paths. The terrain is generally straightforward but can be uneven and muddy in places, especially after rain. The route involves some gentle ascent to reach the headland, where you are rewarded with spectacular views over the Atlantic and the seabird colonies.

The hikes in Birsay are mostly easy to moderate. The majority of the 14 routes in the area are graded as easy, typically involving gentle coastal paths or short loops. A few are moderate, like the 6.9-mile Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop, which are longer but have minimal elevation gain. There are no technically difficult or strenuous mountain climbs.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the dramatic cliff-top paths, and the unique combination of nature and ancient history. The opportunity to see abundant wildlife, especially seabirds, is another highlight often mentioned.

Yes, there is generally parking available at the main starting points for popular walks. For example, there are car parks near the Brough of Birsay causeway and at Marwick Head. However, these spots can get busy, particularly during peak season and when the tide is low for accessing the Brough, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea.

Birsay offers several excellent options for families. The short, easy walk to see the View of the Brough of Birsay is a great choice. It's just over a mile and provides fantastic views without a major time commitment, making it perfect for hikers of all ages.

Birsay is a haven for wildlife. The cliffs of Marwick Head are an RSPB reserve, home to one of Orkney's largest seabird colonies, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins (in season). Seals are also a common sight along the coast. Inland, the lochs and wetlands provide important habitats for various bird species.