The best cycling routes in Orkney islands

There are over 60 touring cycling routes in the Ork Orkney Islands, offering a wide range of experiences for touring cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

Yes, the Orkney Islands offer several easy touring cycling routes. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed, the generally flat or gently undulating terrain on islands like Sanday and Shapinsay makes many paths accessible. You can find 10 easy routes among the total available, perfect for a relaxed family outing.

The Orkney Islands are rich in history, particularly Neolithic and wartime heritage. You can cycle past UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. The Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness is a great option to visit these ancient wonders. Additionally, the Churchill Barriers, connecting several islands, offer a unique cycling experience with historical significance, as seen on the South Ronaldsay & Burray loop across the Churchill Barriers from Kirkwall.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, Orkney offers 13 difficult routes. The EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route, for example, is a difficult 31.8-mile (51.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain, offering coastal views and a demanding ride.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Orkney are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the North Sea Cycle Route: Kirkwall - Orphir Loop, which explores the main island's interior and coast, and the Hoy & Graemsay loop using the ferry from Stromness, offering a diverse island-hopping experience.

Orkney's touring cycling routes showcase a wild and elemental beauty. You'll encounter fertile fields, plunging cliffs like those near Yesnaby, sandy beaches, flowering machair (coastal grasslands), and serene lochs. The island of Hoy, in particular, offers varied and rolling terrain with towering cliffs. Many routes, such as the North Sea Cycle Route: Orkney Prehistory Loop, combine these natural wonders with historical sites.

Yes, island hopping is a convenient and popular way to explore Orkney by bike. Bikes can be transported free of charge on inter-island ferries, making it easy to cycle on different islands. The Hoy & Graemsay loop using the ferry from Stromness is a great example of a route that incorporates a ferry journey to explore multiple islands.

Beyond the major historical sites, you can discover various attractions. In Kirkwall, you might visit St Magnus Cathedral or explore Kirkwall Town Centre. Near Stromness, Stromness Harbour and Old Town offer picturesque views. For natural beauty, consider highlights like Brough of Deerness and Chapel Ruins or the tranquil Peedie Sea.

The Orkney Islands are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the dramatic coastal scenery, and the unique blend of natural beauty with ancient historical sites that make each ride a journey through time and landscape.

Yes, the Churchill Barriers are a distinctive feature of Orkney's landscape and history, offering a unique cycling experience. The South Ronaldsay & Burray loop across the Churchill Barriers from Kirkwall is a dedicated route that allows you to cycle across these historic causeways, enjoying spectacular views and reflecting on their wartime significance.

Many routes offer stunning scenic viewpoints across the islands. The diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills, naturally provide numerous opportunities for breathtaking vistas. For example, the Hoxa Head Battery, Herston Taing & Olad's Summit route includes areas known for their views. You can also find specific viewpoints like Vasa Point listed as highlights.

While not explicitly stated in the route data, the Orkney Islands are generally best enjoyed for cycling during the milder months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you can expect longer daylight hours, potentially calmer weather, and the full beauty of the islands' natural features, including flowering machair and active seabird colonies.