5 coastal walks on Orkney Mainland

There are so many beautiful walks on Orkney that it is hard to choose between them. Having explored most of the coastlines of these islands, I have discovered my favourite walks.

Some are wild and exposed, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and the North Sea, while others are steeped in history, telling stories that are difficult to ignore.

From dramatic cliffs to serene lagoons, Orkney’s coastal walks provide a unique combination of natural beauty and rich heritage.

Gloup and Mull Head

Distance: 6.8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Deerness
Route Guide: Mull Head

The walk from The Gloup to Mull Head is a cliff-top walk with geology obvious from the beginning. Starting at The Gloup, a collapsed sea cave that offers a dramatic glimpse into the island’s geological past, the path takes you along towering cliffs with panoramic views of the North Sea. The Mull Head Nature Reserve is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins and razorbills during breeding season and beautiful coastal wildflowers. The walk can be extended to include the Covenanters Memorial, a poignant memorial to more than 200 people who lost their lives off the coast of Orkney’s east mainland in the late 1600s

Marwick Head and the Kitchener Memorial

Distance: 6 km
Duration: 3 hours
Location: South of Birsay
Route Guide: Marwick Head

The walk begins at Marwick Bay and leads up to the imposing cliffs of Marwick Head, a significant RSPB reserve where thousands of seabirds nest. On the headland is the Kitchener Memorial, a stone tower erected in memory of Lord Kitchener and the crew of HMS Hampshire, which sank nearby in 1916. The walk offers views of the nearby Brough of Birsay and then loops back to visit the historic fishing huts and the protected lagoon called the Choin with the remains of SS Monomoy scattered across the pebbles.

Brough of Birsay and the Whale Bone

Distance: 6 km
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Birsay
Route Guide: Birsay Walk

The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island off the northwest coast of Orkney’s Mainland, accessible by a causeway at low tide. The walk begins with a crossing to the island, where you can explore the remains of a Norse settlement and an ancient church. The island’s highest point is marked by a small lighthouse overlooking the cliffs where puffins can be seen in the summer months. After exploring the island return to the mainland and head east along the coast to see the whalebone and Skiba Geo with fishing huts sunk into the landscape.

Yesnaby Cliffs

Distance: 4.8 km
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Sandwick
Route Guide: Yesnaby Castle and Cliffs

Yesnaby has dramatic cliffs and striking sea stacks, including the famous Yesnaby Castle. The walk along the Yesnaby Cliffs is a breathtaking experience, with the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocky coastline. In a storm, it can be wild, but stunning. The area is also one of the few places where the rare Primula scotica flower can be found. The road to Yesnaby is a good place to see short-eared owls on the fence posts, just keep a look out as you leave the main road. The sense of isolation and raw beauty here makes Yesnaby my favourite place to walk with my camera in Orkney

Rerwick Head

Distance: 1.3 km
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Tankerness
Route Guide: Rerwick Head

Rerwick Head offers a quieter, more secluded walking experience compared to some of Orkney’s more popular coastal routes. The walk starts at the Tankerness peninsula and follows the coastline to Rerwick Head, offering stunning views across the sea to the distant islands. This walk is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and occasionally even dolphins. The path passes remnants of Orkney’s wartime history, including gun emplacements and lookout posts.

St Magnus Way

Distance: 93 km
Duration: 5-6 days (can be walked in sections)
Location: Across Mainland Orkney

While not a coastal walk in its entirety, St Magnus Way is a pilgrimage route that spans across Mainland Orkney, offering a mix of inland and coastal scenery. The route commemorates the life and martyrdom of St Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint. Walking St Magnus Way is a journey through Orkney including the majestic cliffs at Yesnaby, the historic village of Birsay, and the tranquil shores of Evie.