Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay is a group of islands in the Orkney archipelago, characterized by diverse landscapes suitable for outdoor pursuits. Rousay features high cliffs, steep hills, and moorland, while Egilsay and Wyre offer lower-lying, fertile terrain with quiet roads. These islands provide varied environments for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling. The region's unique blend of coastal paths, historical sites, and tranquil island roads makes it a destination for active exploration.
33
Routes
4.6
(160)
Average rating
888
People visited

4.5
(2)
10
hikers
3.79km
01:04
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

1
hikers
12.4km
03:18
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
hikers
10.7km
02:47
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(30)
96
hikers
17.7km
04:57
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(24)
112
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(32)
98
riders
44.1km
02:41
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
54
riders
36.9km
02:02
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
53
riders
24.9km
01:39
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
46
riders
38.0km
01:44
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
18
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3
riders
15.8km
00:41
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

2
riders
14.8km
00:44
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
17
runners
15.8km
01:40
170m
170m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
11
runners
14.9km
01:33
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
7.96km
00:50
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay offers diverse outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Road cycling. The region features varied landscapes, from Rousay's high cliffs to the fertile terrain of Egilsay and Wyre.
The islands offer varied hiking experiences, including coastal paths with archaeological sites on Rousay and leisurely walks on Egilsay and Wyre. Rousay features dramatic cliffs, moorland, and historical sites like the Westness Heritage Walk. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity across the islands. Rousay has a 13-mile (21 km) circular main road offering scenic views. Egilsay and Wyre provide quiet island roads suitable for leisurely exploration. Find more information in the Cycling around Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay guide.
Egilsay and Wyre offer lower-lying, green, and fertile terrain, making them suitable for leisurely walks along quiet roads and through fields. These conditions are often ideal for families or those seeking easier routes. A dedicated guide for Easy hikes around Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay is available.
Rousay is known as 'The Egypt of the North' due to over 150 ancient sites, including Midhowe Broch and Chambered Cairn, and the Knowe of Swandro. Egilsay features the site where St Magnus was martyred, and Wyre has the remains of Cubbie Roo's Castle. Natural features include Rousay's 'Hole of the Horses' natural arch and Egilsay's rich wetland habitats.
Yes, the quiet roads and paths across the inhabited islands are well-suited for jogging. The 13-mile (21 km) circular road on Rousay and the peaceful routes on Egilsay and Wyre offer scenic surroundings for running. Specific options are highlighted in the Running Trails around Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay guide.
Routes in Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay have an average rating of 4.47 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on feedback from more than 200 users who have explored the 8 available routes in the region.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the region. These include guides for Hiking, Cycling, Running Trails, Easy hikes, and Road Cycling Routes.
The islands are a haven for nature enthusiasts. Rousay's moors and maritime heath support various birdlife, including seabirds and moorland species. Egilsay is noted for its rich wetland habitat, wildflowers, breeding waders, and corncrakes. Wyre is known for its seal population.
For general inquiries, the Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Development Trust can be contacted via their website at rewdt.org or by phone at +44 (0)1856 821229. The Orkney Islands Council also provides information, with a contact number of +44 (0)1856 873535 ext 2234 for the Community Council.
Yes, road cycling is possible, particularly on Rousay's 13-mile (21 km) main road which offers a challenging and scenic route. Egilsay and Wyre also provide quiet island roads suitable for road cycling. A dedicated guide for Road Cycling Routes around Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre And Gairsay is available.
Rousay features high cliffs, steep hills, and moorland, offering dramatic coastal paths and wild moorland. Egilsay and Wyre are lower-lying, green, and fertile, providing more gentle walks along quiet roads and through fields. The terrain varies significantly between the islands.

