Things to Do around Shapinsay
Shapinsay is a low-lying, fertile island in the Orkney archipelago, characterized by its green agricultural landscape and quiet roads. Its varied coastline features sheltered beaches and stretches of low cliffs, providing diverse terrain for outdoor activities. The island's gentle topography makes it suitable for several sports like touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging.
Things to Do in Shapinsay
Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Shapinsay can explore a variety of routes across several sports like touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging.…
67
Routes
4.5
(247)
Average rating
1534
People visited
4.2
(6)
47
riders
35.8km
02:07
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
33
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.
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13
riders
91.7km
04:03
820m
820m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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
(3)
41
riders
54.8km
02:18
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(3)
31
riders
41.9km
01:43
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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1
hikers
12.4km
03:18
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(23)
92
hikers
8.36km
02:09
40m
40m
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.
5.0
(3)
20
hikers
6.64km
01:44
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
68
runners
6.31km
00:39
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
47
runners
10.5km
01:05
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
26
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
runners
8.55km
00:59
230m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Shapinsay
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Shapinsay?
Shapinsay offers opportunities for touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. The island's low-lying terrain and quiet roads are suitable for various outdoor pursuits. More than 2,600 visitors have explored routes on the island.
What kind of cycling is popular in Shapinsay?
Touring cycling and road cycling are popular in Shapinsay due to the island's low-lying terrain and quiet, well-regimented roads. The "Shapinsay Circular" is a family-friendly route option. Bikes can be transported free of charge on Orkney Ferries.
Are there hiking trails in Shapinsay?
Shapinsay features gentle coastal paths and quiet country roads suitable for hiking. The "Shapinsay loop" offers a moderate circuit of the island's main features, taking around 3 hours 15 minutes to complete. The "Balfour Village & Mill Dam walking route" is another option.
Are there family-friendly outdoor routes in Shapinsay?
Shapinsay offers family-friendly options, particularly for cycling. The "Shapinsay Circular" is a 7.6-mile (12.3 km) route designed for families, with options for shortening or extending. E-bikes and non-electric children's bikes are available for hire from the Shapinsay Development Trust.
What komoot guides are available for Shapinsay?
Komoot offers several guides for Shapinsay, including Cycling around Shapinsay, Hiking around Shapinsay, and Easy hikes around Shapinsay. Other guides cover road cycling and running trails.
What are the main natural features and landmarks in Shapinsay?
Shapinsay is characterized by its green, fertile landscape, varied coastline with sandy beaches and low cliffs, and significant wildlife reserves. Notable landmarks include Balfour Castle, the Mor Stein standing stone, and the Burroughston Broch Iron Age settlement.
What wildlife can be observed in Shapinsay?
Shapinsay is known for its rich bird life, with the RSPB Mill Dam Nature Reserve providing habitat for wildfowl and waders. The Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve at Holm of Burghlee supports breeding birds and plants. Visitors may also spot otters, common seals, and Atlantic grey seals around the coast and lochs.
How popular is Shapinsay on komoot?
Shapinsay has attracted more than 2,600 visitors on komoot. Routes on the island have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on over 390 ratings. This indicates a positive experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
How can one travel to Shapinsay?
Shapinsay is easily accessible via a short 25-minute ferry journey from Kirkwall. This makes it a popular choice for day-trippers seeking a peaceful island experience. Bikes can be transported free of charge on the ferry.
What is the official website for Shapinsay information?
The official website for information about Shapinsay is orkneycommunities.co.uk/SHAPINSAY. This site provides general information about the island.
What is the contact number for Shapinsay Development Trust?
The Shapinsay Development Trust can be contacted at 01856 711733. An out-of-hours passenger service/transport coordinator is available at 07901 575162.
Are there specific guides for running in Shapinsay?
Yes, komoot offers a specific guide for running in the area. Users can find suitable routes by exploring the Running Trails around Shapinsay guide.
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