NORTH PAPA RONALDSAY

WESTRAY

SANDAY

ROUSAY

outline A RY

1 Yesnaby High sandstone cliffs with endless views 2 westwards across the open sea, a delight for WYRE the senses WEST 2 MAINLAND Historic place of power and pilgrimage, nestled beside a tidal island, the Brough of Birsay 1 Dingieshowe Landscapes & Seascapes 3 Beach A delightful south-facing Welcome to ’s landscapes and seascapes, stunning views sand-and-pebble beach on transformed by every change in weather and season. an isthmus, perfect for 4 beachcombing There are other contrasts too. The spectacular cliffs of the EAST West Mainland face the Atlantic Ocean, while the gentler landscape Mull Head, MAINLAND 4 3 of the East Mainland faces the North Sea. Throughout, the blues and greys of sea and sky are complemented by the heather browns Local nature reserve of and lush greens of Orkney’s heaths and fertile farmlands. A dramatic heathland, grassland and clifftops, popular

palette for artists, photographers and lovers of the outdoors. landscapes & seascapes ITI NE R for its geology, wildlife This one-day touring itinerary includes just 43 miles of driving between and prehistory locations, leaving the rest of the day for peaceful exploration on foot. Don’t forget your binoculars, camera and - just in case - waterproofs!

SOUTH LONGHOPE RONALDSAY

Yesnaby Brough of Birsay Dingieshowe Beach

See more itineraries and special offers at orkney.com/SPRING YOUR 1 Yesnaby 2 Birsay The dramatic Old Red Sandstone sea- Located on the north-west of the THE SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE A RY ITINERARY cliffs of Yesnaby on the west coast of Mainland, the historic village of Palace Everyone has access rights and responsibilities in the Orkney Mainland stand tall, proudly had such a favourable location that Scotland’s outdoors, helping the needs of different defying the seas and winds of the Atlantic. it was once the centre of the Viking users to be balanced while our landscapes and The rocks are about 400 million years old, Earldom. Easy access to the sea and with seascapes are enjoyed and protected. spring and erosion sculpts them into attractive an exceptionally fertile hinterland, no shapes such as the iconic Yesnaby Castle, wonder that earls and bishops chose The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has lots of Time: 1 day’s touring a distinctive and photogenic two-legged this place. Look for seals and seabirds, advice and guidance to help you. (or split over 2 days) sea stack sometimes described as a and hunt the beach next to the Brough Distance: 43 miles smaller version of its more famous cousin, of Birsay for rare cowrie shells, known the Old Man of Hoy. locally as Groatie Buckies, said to bring luck to their finders. Whether in the teeth of an Atlantic gale The Orkney Native Wildlife Project or the stillness of a calm day, you’ll find At low tide you can cross to the Brough Yesnaby invigorating. There are clifftop and wander amongst the remains of Led by Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB walks to both north and south, but be Viking houses, barns, a church and Scotland, the main aim of the project is to careful near the cliff edge and on any monastery and even a sauna. Follow the ensure that Orkney’s unique native wildlife is slippery footpaths. Keep your eyes peeled path up to the lighthouse for a bracing safeguarded by managing the invasive non- for birds on the wing or roosting on the walk rewarded with an expansive view. native predators that threaten the current cliffs, and for seals in the sea far below Puffins come ashore here in summer to balance. A major part of this is a stoat eradication you. Orkney’s Grey seal population breeds breed. Do check the tide times before programme and we ask that if you see one you let in October-November and Common seals visiting the Brough. us know on 886163 or email [email protected]. breed in the summer, but these inquisitive sea-mammals can be spotted year-round if you are observant and fortunate.

landscapes & seascapes ITI NE R

Brough of Birsay

Yesnaby Castle Inquisitive seals Atlantic Puffin - Tammie Norrie

See more itineraries and special offers at orkney.com/SPRING YOUR 3 Dingieshowe 4 Mull Head, Deerness Other places to visit if you have more time Depending on the wind direction, the The Mull Head local nature reserve There is lots to see and do in every corner of Orkney whatever the season; the ITINERARY pleasant sandy beach at Dingieshowe in Deerness comprises over 200 acres quieter months are a great time to sightsee at a slower pace. If you have time A RY can be very sheltered, a perfect place of coastal grassland, heath and sea cliff, to explore further, see the suggested sites below: for leisurely beachcombing and rock-pool with a cosy visitor centre to help you get Wideford Hill near Kirkwall provides a panoramic view of Orkney’s landscape exploration. Just along from the small your bearings and show you the wildlife, and scatter of islands, with an impressive chambered tomb on the steep hillside spring car park there is a mound containing the geology and prehistory to look out for. overlooking the Bay o’ Firth. remains of an Iron Age coastal broch There are leaflets available here or from Time: 1 day’s touring or fort. It is said that the mound was the Kirkwall Visitor Information Centre The RSPB manages 13 nature reserves in Orkney. From the shelter of the (or split over 2 days) an important assembly place in the if you want to study them in advance of Eddie Balfour hen harrier hide at RSPB Cottascarth and Moss, you Viking period. your visit. are able to watch some of our moorland bird species including perhaps the Distance: 43 miles iconic hen harriers. In common with beaches all round the A short walk from the car park will bring world, Dingieshowe experiences discarded you to the roof of a partially collapsed sea At the Orkneyinga Saga Centre in , beside the sheltered waters of plastic washed ashore by current and tide. cave known as the Gloup, a spectacular , there is a delightful circular walk enabling you to enjoy views of Please help us keep our beaches clean by sight when the sea crashes through the cave the Flow where nature, history and modern industry sit easily together. collecting any plastic waste and putting it entrance. There is a fenced viewing platform The Orkney Museum in Kirkwall and the Stromness Museum both have in the bins in the car park. but be careful here and as you follow the excellent displays about Orkney’s natural history, the perfect way to prepare signposted pathway along the cliff. for a day’s exploration out of doors.

Finding out more Local bookshops have a good selection of books and maps to help you explore

our landscapes and seascapes and the landscapes & seascapes ITI NE R native wildlife which thrives here.

Our one-day itineraries are designed to give you a taste of what Orkney has to offer. With so much to see and do we hope you are inspired to spend more time exploring Orkney Dingieshowe Beach

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The Gloup, Deerness Mull Head, Deerness

See more itineraries and special offers at orkney.com/SPRING