The best walks and hikes in Orkney islands

The hike from Rackwick to the Old Man of Hoy offers a memorable journey across the dramatic Orkney Islands coastline. This moderate route covers 5.6 miles (9.0 km) with an elevation gain of 612 feet (187 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. You will start with a steep climb from Rackwick Bay, then traverse moorland with views of red and grey sandstone cliffs, leading you to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack.

When planning your visit, be prepared for unpredictable coastal weather; sturdy footwear and layered clothing are highly recommended. While the main path is often well-maintained, some sections can be rough, rugged, and potentially boggy, especially after rain. The trail is generally well-trodden and easy to follow once you are on it, though multiple paths exist on the return to Rackwick Bay.

The Old Man of Hoy is the undeniable highlight of this trail, an impressive 137-meter (449-foot) sea stack formed from Old Red Sandstone. It is one of the tallest in the United Kingdom and a famous landmark, attracting climbers and photographers alike. As you hike, keep an eye out for diverse seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes, and you might even spot peregrine falcons or white-tailed eagles.

The Gloup circular trail at Mull Head Nature Reserve offers a moderate hike through dramatic coastal scenery on the Orkney Islands. You'll walk along cliff edges where the North Sea crashes against the rugged shoreline, experiencing diverse terrain from coastal grassland to heather moorland. The route is 5.5 miles (8.8 km) long with an elevation gain of 341 feet (104 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. As you hike, you'll see wildflowers like sea pinks and spring squill, and in late summer, the heathland glows with purple ling. The impressive Gloup, a collapsed sea cave, is a key visual landmark where seawater surges into a deep chasm.

This moderate route involves varied terrain, including grassy tracks and coastal heath, but also undulating and steep sections, especially around the Brough of Deerness. Be prepared for parts of the trail that can be boggy, with duckboards in some areas to help you along. The path to the Brough of Deerness includes a steep and narrow descent and ascent, sometimes with a safety rope, so wear appropriate footwear and be cautious, particularly in wet conditions. A shorter, more accessible path directly to The Gloup is available from the car park if you prefer a less challenging walk. Remember that the area around The Gloup is unfenced, requiring great caution due to steep edges.

Mull Head Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife, especially seabirds like kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on the cliffs. You might also spot puffins, seals, and otters in the area. The reserve is a designated Local Nature Reserve, recognized for its rich wildlife, geology, and history. The sheer cliffs reveal 390-million-year-old sedimentary rocks, offering a glimpse into the ancient lake that once covered Orkney. The ongoing erosion by the sea continues to shape these cliffs, creating unique features like The Gloup.

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.

Hike the Yesnaby Trail, an easy coastal route spanning 2.8 miles (4.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 229 feet (70 metres). As you walk, you will discover rugged, warm-colored cliffs made of ancient Old Red Sandstone, showcasing millions of years of geological history. The path leads you past impressive sea stacks, including the unique two-legged Yesnaby Castle, and offers wide views of the whale-shaped Brough of Bigging Cliffs. This easy hike takes approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, making it a perfect short adventure. Look for seabirds nesting on the cliffs and visible fossilized sand ripples in the rocks.

When planning your visit, be aware that the path can be muddy in places, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear to ensure a comfortable walk along the coast. This trail is suitable for most fitness levels due to its easy difficulty and relatively short duration. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day to enjoy the views with fewer people and potentially better light for photography.

The Yesnaby Trail stands out for its dramatic geological features, offering a unique glimpse into the Earth's ancient past through its Old Red Sandstone cliffs. The impressive sea stacks and the distinctive Brough of Bigging Cliffs make this route a memorable experience on the Orkney Islands. It is a prime location for birdwatching, with many seabirds making their home on the cliff faces. This trail provides a concise yet rich encounter with Orkney's wild coastal beauty.

This difficult 13.0-mile (20.8 km) hike on Hoy takes you through some of the Orkney Islands' wildest landscapes, climbing 1965 feet (599 metres) over roughly 6 hours. You will traverse steep, exposed hill ground and rough moorland, often pathless and wet underfoot. The route showcases dramatic coastal scenery, including the iconic red sandstone sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy, and the towering cliffs of St John's Head, the UK's highest vertical sea cliff.

This challenging route is best suited for experienced hillwalkers who possess good navigational skills and proper equipment. The terrain can be steep and exposed, with conditions on Cuilags' summit and around St John's Head often resembling those found at higher altitudes. Be prepared for unpredictable weather that can change rapidly; sturdy footwear and layers of clothing are essential for your safety and comfort.

Beyond the physical challenge, the trail offers a chance to witness the powerful natural forces that shaped these islands. Keep an eye out for seabirds like puffins and guillemots nesting in the cliffs, and you might even spot mountain hares or short-eared owls. The remote hamlet of Rackwick, with its unique character, has long inspired artists and poets, adding a cultural layer to this rugged adventure.

Embark on a difficult 13.2-mile (21.2 km) hike across the wild landscapes of Hoy, featuring a challenging 1267-foot (386 metres) elevation gain that typically takes 5 hours and 53 minutes to complete. The terrain is varied and demanding, with steep, exposed hill ground and high clifftops. You will traverse moorland that is often wet and boggy underfoot, requiring sure-footedness. The ascent towards Cuilags is notably steep, but rewards you with panoramic views across Graemsay to Mainland Orkney. The highlight is the iconic Old Man of Hoy, a dramatic sea stack rising from the Atlantic, and the tranquil Sandy Loch.

This difficult route demands good to very good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy footwear. Some sections are exposed, and conditions can be similar to higher altitudes, so good navigational skills and equipment are essential. While the trail officially starts from East Linksness Ferry Terminal, similar longer hikes often begin from nearby Moaness. Be prepared for varied terrain, including rocky areas and heather-clad hills. An easier, well-signposted route to the Old Man of Hoy is available if you start directly from Rackwick Bay, which is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip and takes around 3 hours.

The trail is notable for showcasing the dramatic and wild beauty of Hoy, often called Orkney's

Embark on a moderate hike from Stromness, exploring its historic winding streets before transitioning to rugged coastal paths. This 7.2-mile (11.5 km) route offers continuous sea views, including the dramatic peaks of Hoy, as you gain 243 feet (74 metres) in elevation. Expect to spend around 3 hours immersed in the unique landscape, eventually reaching Warebeth Beach, known for its seaweed and seabirds.

When planning your visit, be aware that while many sections use well-surfaced paths, some coastal areas and the inland track from Warebeth can be wet underfoot. The path along the shore may also be rough and slippery, especially after rain. Always wear appropriate footwear to ensure a safe and comfortable experience on the trail.

This route provides a diverse experience, blending the charm of Stromness Harbour and Old Town with the wild beauty of the Orkney coastline. You will discover a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural scenery, making it a notable journey for those exploring the island. The trail offers a peaceful escape with ample opportunities to observe local marine life and birds.

Embark on a moderate hike around the Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop, covering 6.9 miles (11.0 km) with a modest 261 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. You will experience a rugged Atlantic coastline, dramatic sea cliffs, and open coastal heath. The trail offers undulating terrain with cliff paths and small roads, leading you across a unique tidal causeway to an ancient island settlement. A gentle incline takes you to the lighthouse on the Brough of Birsay, providing panoramic views.

Planning your visit requires careful attention to the tides. The 240-meter concrete tidal causeway, which connects to the Brough of Birsay, is only accessible for approximately two hours on either side of low tide. Be aware that the causeway can be slippery due to seaweed. Timing your walk correctly is essential to explore the island and its historical sites.

This loop is rich in history and wildlife. On the Brough of Birsay, you will find remains of Pictish, Norse, and medieval settlements, including Viking buildings and a 12th-century monastery. Back on the mainland, explore the impressive ruins of the 16th-century Earl's Palace. The area is also a haven for seabirds like puffins, fulmars, and gannets, especially between April and July, with hares and wildflowers adding to the natural beauty.

Explore the easy coastal paths of Roseness and the Bay of Cornquoy on the Orkney Islands. This 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike, with a gentle 77 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete, offering a peaceful escape. You will walk on a mix of grass track and coastal heath, enjoying stunning views of the North Sea and the rugged Orkney landscape. Keep an eye out for the dramatic Hole of Ness Sea Cave, a collapsed gloup securely fenced off, as you make your way along the coast. The trail is known for its solitude, especially on a summer evening when wildflowers and seabirds are abundant.

To begin your hike, head to the end of the Upper Cornquoy road, where you will find a small car park. From there, a gate leads directly to the coastal path. While the path is generally straightforward, be aware that sections can be boggy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. Always exercise caution near cliff edges. After your walk, you can visit the nearby Cornquoy Bay Treats cafe for refreshments.

This route offers more than just scenic views; it is rich with historical and natural features. You will pass the Roseness Beacon Monument, a stone tower built in 1867 atop a Neolithic long cairn, and the Roseness Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1905. The area is a haven for wildflowers like buttercup and seapink, and you might spot seals along the high cliffs. This trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the diverse Orkney landscape away from busier routes.