Easy hikes and walks around Loch of Harray
4.7
(119)
727
hikers
22
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Loch of Harray explore the largest freshwater loch on Mainland Orkney, characterized by its open meadows, wetlands, and views across the water. The region is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, supporting diverse flora and fauna. Nearby hills offer gentle ascents with panoramas of the surrounding landscape and ancient sites.
Best easy hiking trails around Loch of Harray
- The most popular easy hiking route is The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness, a 3.5 miles (5.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 27 minutes to complete. This route connects two significant Neolithic monuments.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe, an easy 3.6 miles (5.8 km) path. This trail offers insights into Orkney's rich prehistoric heritage, passing ancient settlements and standing stones.
- Local hikers also love the Ring of Brodgar – Path to the Ring of Brodgar loop from Mainland, a 0.7 miles (1.2 km) trail leading through open land to the iconic Ring of Brodgar, often completed in about 18 minutes.
- Hiking around Loch of Harray is defined by its freshwater loch views, ancient Neolithic sites, and diverse wildlife habitats. The network offers options for different ability levels, focusing on accessible and family-friendly routes.
- The routes in Loch of Harray are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 100 reviews. More than 700 hikers have used komoot to explore Loch of Harray's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.4
(10)
69
hikers
5.63km
01:27
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hike through the ancient landscapes of Orkney, connecting two monumental stone circles. This route spans 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 74 feet (23 metres), making it accessible for most. You will walk between the serene Lochs of Stenness and Harray, enjoying wide-open views across the historic terrain. The path guides you past the imposing Standing Stones of Stenness and leads to the magnificent Ring of Brodgar, offering a unique glimpse into over 5,000 years of history. Expect a mix of surfaced roads and grassy footpaths, with a wooden walkway near Brodgar. You can complete this journey in about 1 hour and 26 minutes.
For your visit, parking is conveniently available at both the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness sites, offering flexible starting points. The trail is generally accessible, featuring a combination of surfaced roads and grassy paths. Be mindful that a portion of the route follows the verge of a busy road; exercise caution in this section. The wooden walkway near the Ring of Brodgar car park helps navigate marshy ground, ensuring easier access to the stone circle.
This hike takes you directly through the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the main stone circles, you will encounter other significant archaeological features, including The Watch Stone and the ongoing Ness of Brodgar excavation site. The route offers a profound connection to prehistoric human activity, set against the backdrop of Orkney's distinctive natural environment.
4.6
(5)
60
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
36
hikers
1.16km
00:18
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
6.35km
01:46
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
„Orkney – this is an archipelago between the North Sea and the Atlantic, about 10 miles north of the Scottish mainland. Treeless pasture and farmland, green almost everywhere, crisscrossed by blue fjords, framed by sharp-edged cliffs and steep coasts. 29 of the 77 islands are inhabited. The first settlers came in the Neolithic period. They too were farmers. They left no written records, but tools, dwellings, ceremonial sites and graves in abundance, such as are not found elsewhere in Europe. The most famous Neolithic monument of Orkney is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle as old as the Egyptian pyramids.“ This is how it is stated on the ARD media library website for the TV series »Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity«. The film contribution matching the highlight (unfortunately only in German) can be found at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-jungsteinzeitlichen-monumente-auf-den-orkney-inseln-gb-folge-247/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82OTIwMDQ0
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"Orkney is an archipelago between the North Sea and the Atlantic, about 10 miles north of the Scottish mainland. Treeless pastures and farmland, green almost everywhere, crisscrossed by blue fjords, framed by sharp-edged cliffs and steep coastlines. 29 of the 77 islands are inhabited. The first settlers arrived in the Neolithic period. They, too, were farmers. They left no written records, but they did leave behind tools, dwellings, ceremonial sites, and graves in abundance unmatched anywhere else in Europe. Orkney's most famous Neolithic monument is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle as old as the Egyptian pyramids." This is what it says on the ARD Mediathek website. The film contribution corresponding to the highlight (in German) can be found under the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-jungsteinzeitlichen-monumente-auf-den-orkney-inseln-gb-folge-247/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82OTIwMDQ0
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John Rae was a Scottish Arctic explorer and physician.
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From Stromness to Scarborough on the mainland. It took about 2.5 hours. Boarding was uncomplicated. The staff were always friendly and helpful.
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Stromness is a picturesque place. I particularly liked the cobbled streets and the individual houses that extend from the harbor. The statue is small.
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The Ring of Brodgar is a henge in the British Orkney Islands with a circular stone setting inside. With a diameter of 104 m, it is larger than Stonehenge. Of the original 60 stones, only 27 remain. It was probably built in 2700 BC.
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The Ring of Brodgar is a henge in the British Orkney Islands with a circular stone setting inside. With a diameter of 104 m, it is larger than Stonehenge. Of the original 60 stones, only 27 remain. It probably dates back to 2700 BC.
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Path from the parking lot to the Ring of Brodgar
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Loch of Harray?
There are 16 easy hiking trails around Loch of Harray, offering a variety of experiences from lakeside strolls to routes connecting ancient sites. In total, the area features 22 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Loch of Harray?
Easy hikes around Loch of Harray typically feature gentle terrain, including open meadows, wetlands, and paths along the freshwater loch. Some routes offer slight ascents to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ancient monuments.
What makes the easy hikes around Loch of Harray unique?
The easy hikes around Loch of Harray are unique due to their proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site, 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney,' allowing you to explore ancient monuments like the Ring of Brodgar. The area is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), offering diverse wildlife and stunning loch views.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Loch of Harray?
The easy trails in Loch of Harray are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and the accessibility of the paths.
Are there any family-friendly easy walks around Loch of Harray?
Yes, many of the easy walks around Loch of Harray are suitable for families. Routes like Ring of Brodgar – Path to the Ring of Brodgar loop from Mainland are short and relatively flat, perfect for all ages to explore the iconic Neolithic sites.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Yes, many of the easy hiking trails around Loch of Harray are dog-friendly. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with diverse wildlife and often features livestock in surrounding fields, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead and ensure they are under control to protect both wildlife and farm animals.
What ancient sites can I see on an easy hike near Loch of Harray?
You can explore several significant Neolithic sites on easy hikes. The The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness route connects two impressive stone circles. Another option is the Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe, which passes ancient settlements and standing stones. You can also visit the Ring of Brodgar and Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement highlights directly.
Are there any circular easy walks around Loch of Harray?
Yes, several easy circular walks are available. For instance, the Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe is a popular circular route that allows you to experience multiple ancient sites. The Ring of Brodgar – Path to the Ring of Brodgar loop from Mainland is another short, easy loop leading to the Ring of Brodgar.
What is the best time of year to go for an easy hike around Loch of Harray?
The best time for easy hikes around Loch of Harray is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period also offers the best opportunities for birdwatching, as many species are present in the SSSI wetlands.
Are there any easy hikes that offer views of the Loch of Harray itself?
Yes, many easy trails provide picturesque views of the Loch of Harray. The surrounding countryside features open meadows and wetlands, offering continuous scenic views of the largest freshwater loch on Mainland Orkney. While specific routes might not hug the shoreline for their entire length, they often provide excellent vantage points.
Is public transport available to access easy hiking trails near Loch of Harray?
Public transport options in Orkney can connect you to the general area, but direct access to all trailheads might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes serving the vicinity of the Loch of Harray and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites, or consider local taxi services.
Where can I park for easy hikes around Loch of Harray?
Parking is typically available at or near the major Neolithic sites, such as the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness, which serve as starting points for many easy hikes. Always look for designated parking areas and respect local signage.
Most popular attractions around Loch of Harray
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