Top 12 Natural Monuments around Birsay

Birsay is rich in wildlife, especially seabirds and moorland birds. At the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head, you can spot puffins (late April to early August), fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and gannets. Skipi Geo is known for seals and seabirds. The Birsay Moors are an internationally important site for moorland birds and birds of prey, including Hen Harriers, Red-throated Divers, Dunlin, Golden Plovers, Short-eared Owls, and Curlews.

Yes, several natural monuments in Birsay are intertwined with history. The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island featuring archaeological remains of Pictish and Norse settlements, including a 12th-century church and monastery. The Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and The Watch Stone are all Neolithic stone circles and standing stones, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'.

For seabirds like puffins, the best time to visit is from late April to early August, particularly at the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head. Spring is generally excellent for bird colonies. For moorland birds and birds of prey, the Birsay Moors are significant year-round, with winter being a key time to see Hen Harriers at their communal roost sites.

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and The Watch Stone are all listed as family-friendly, offering open spaces to explore ancient history. The Brough of Birsay, accessible at low tide, can also be a fascinating family outing, though care should be taken with tides and cliffs.

Beyond the well-known sites, Skipi Geo offers dramatic cliffs, rock pools teeming with marine life, and a unique whalebone sculpture resembling an owl in flight. The area also features 'nousts,' traditional boat-shaped hollows. The Birsay Moors provide a wild landscape of blanket bog and isolated lochans, home to the unique Orkney vole.

The area around Birsay's natural monuments is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like 'View of the Brough of Birsay – Brough of Birsay Causeway loop' or 'Marwick Head Cliffs and Tower loop'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Birsay. There are also running trails and road cycling routes available, such as those found in the running trails guide and road cycling routes guide for Birsay.

While many coastal walks are moderate, the rugged terrain and coastal paths can offer a challenge, especially in windy conditions. The 'Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop' is a moderate hike. For more challenging options, you might find longer routes within the hiking guide for Birsay, particularly those covering extensive coastal sections or moorland.

Given the coastal and moorland environment of Birsay, it's advisable to dress in layers. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended, even in summer, as weather can change quickly. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are essential for navigating uneven terrain, muddy paths, and potentially wet causeways.

Most major natural monuments and popular coastal access points in Birsay, such as the Brough of Birsay, Marwick Head, and the Neolithic sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, have designated parking areas nearby. These are typically free, but it's always good to check local signage upon arrival.

The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island, accessible only by a concrete causeway during low tide. It's crucial to check local tide times before planning your visit to ensure safe passage to and from the island. The causeway itself is a mosaic of rock ledges with vibrant rock pools.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the abundance of wildlife, and the profound sense of history. The Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack and Yesnaby Cliffs are particularly noted for their breathtaking views and the raw power of the ocean. The Neolithic sites offer a unique connection to ancient cultures, while the Birsay Moors provide a wild, undisturbed natural habitat.

Many of Birsay's natural monuments offer stunning photographic opportunities. The Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack and Yesnaby Cliffs are highly recommended for their dramatic rock formations and coastal vistas. The Brough of Birsay provides unique shots of a tidal island, lighthouse, and archaeological remains, especially at sunrise or sunset. The ancient stone circles like the Ring of Brodgar also offer atmospheric photo opportunities.