Birsay to Marwick via Marwick Head

Description

This walk traverses the top of what are possibly the best sea cliffs on Orkney. The route passes the imposing Kitchener Memorial and of course thousands of seabirds! There are excellent views north to Westray and south to Hoy and the more distant Scottish mainland - the peaks of Morven and Ben Loyal being particularly prominent. Of particular interest are the seabird colonies on the cliffs which include puffins, guillemots and fulmars.

Access Info

The route as described starts from the right-angled bend on the B9056 where it overlooks Birsay Bay and finishes on the shores of Mar Wick - another bay to the south of Marwick Head. If you don't have the benefit of transport back to your start point you can backtrack from the Kitchener Memorial and follow a path to the minor road, which can be followed back to the start.

Additional Info

The Kitchener Memorial which stands on the highest cliffs was erected in memory of all those on board HMS Hampshire (including Lord Kitchener, minister for war) which sank off these shores in 1916.

Walk of The Month

Virtual Walks

Send an eCard

Desktop Calendar