The best walks and hikes in Orkney islands

The Orkney Islands offer over 100 hiking trails, catering to a wide range of abilities. You'll find everything from gentle coastal strolls to more challenging clifftop routes and moorland treks, with options for all fitness levels.

Hiking in the Orkney Islands features incredibly diverse terrain. Expect rugged coastlines with dramatic cliffs and sea stacks, expansive moorland, and pristine sandy beaches. You'll also encounter unique geological formations like collapsed sea caves and ancient archaeological sites integrated into many routes.

Yes, the Orkney Islands have many easy routes suitable for families. For instance, Yesnaby Trail offers stunning cliff views on a relatively flat path. Another excellent option is The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness, which provides an easy walk through ancient history.

Many trails in the Orkney Islands are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, ground-nesting birds, and cliff edges. Always check local signage and be mindful of wildlife. For example, the coastal paths around areas like Mull Head Nature Reserve are generally suitable, but care is needed due to cliff proximity and bird colonies.

The Orkney Islands are rich in landmarks. You can hike to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack, explore the dramatic The Gloup Sea Cave at Mull Head, or visit the ancient standing stones of Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness. The Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack also offers spectacular views.

Yes, many routes in the Orkney Islands are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular example is the Gloup circular — Mull Head Nature Reserve, which takes you along rugged cliff coasts and past the unique Gloup sea cave.

The best time for hiking in the Orkney Islands is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you'll experience longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the best chances for wildlife spotting, especially seabirds. While the weather can be unpredictable year-round, this period offers the most favorable conditions.

The Orkney Islands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the abundance of ancient archaeological sites, and the unique opportunity to combine outdoor activity with rich history and wildlife observation.

While many trails are easy to moderate, the Orkney Islands do offer more challenging options, particularly on the island of Hoy. Routes like Cuilags, Old Man of Hoy and Rackwick involve significant elevation gain and longer distances, providing a rewarding experience for experienced hikers.

Public transport options, including buses and inter-island ferries, can help you reach various trailheads across the Orkney Islands. Services are more frequent on the Mainland and larger islands. It's advisable to check current timetables in advance, especially for routes to the smaller islands, to plan your hike effectively.

Parking is generally available at popular trailheads and visitor attractions across the Orkney Islands. For example, you'll find parking near the Neolithic sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness, and at key coastal access points. For hikes starting in towns like Stromness, designated parking areas are usually available, though they may be busier.

Absolutely. The Orkney Islands are a haven for wildlife. While hiking coastal paths, you can often spot seabirds like puffins, guillemots, and gannets, especially during nesting season. Seals are commonly seen along the shorelines, and if you're lucky, you might even spot an otter or a hen harrier over the moorland.