Discover the magic of the Orkney Islands with this collection of 15 carefully selected short walks, showcasing the archipelago’s most captivating landscapes, including Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Brough of Deerness, Marwick Head, Stromness, the Old Man of Hoy, Graemsay, Rousay, Eday, Westray and Stronsay. Each route has been designed to be between 3.5 and 10.5?km, making this guidebook the perfect companion for families, newcomers, and anyone eager to explore Orkney’s ancient monuments, dramatic coastline, and unique island character.

• Each of the 15 Orkney walks features clear, easy-to-follow maps alongside step-by-step route descriptions, ensuring straightforward navigation for walkers of all abilities.
• Practical information is provided for every walk, including details on public toilets, refreshments, parking, and route highlights, so every outing is enjoyable, accessible, and well-planned.
• Discover the islands’ most memorable sights, from the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites (Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe) to striking sea stacks, tranquil beaches, wartime monuments, and sweeping hilltop views.
• Routes start from welcoming towns such as Kirkwall and Stromness, with guidance on ferry connections and local transport for reaching the outer islands.
• Experience the best of Orkney hospitality, with advice on accommodation options and tips for extending your stay, ideal for making the most of your time among the islands’ rich history and wildlife.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to the Orkney Islands brings together everything you need for a memorable day out amid the ever-changing beauty of this northern archipelago. Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or planning a scenic island escape, this guide is your key to discovering the best of Orkney at an easy, enjoyable pace.

15 Short Walks on the Orkney Islands – Quick Facts

Location: Orkney Islands, Scotland (including Mainland, Hoy, Graemsay, Rousay, Eday, Westray, and Stronsay)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks 
Typical duration: 1.5–4 hours each 
Distance per walk: 3.5–10.5 km (2–6.5 miles) 
Walk type: Easy day walks on circular or linear routes, including coastal paths, hilltops, and town trails Difficulty: Easy to moderate; gentle climbs, mostly straightforward navigation, no challenging terrain Navigation: Clear maps and numbered route descriptions included 
Highlights: Kirkwall town and Peerie Sea, Skara Brae, Marwick Head, Brough of Deerness, Old Man of Hoy, Graemsay circuit, Rousay’s ancient sites, Eday’s Ward Hill, Westray’s Noup Head, Stronsay’s Vat of Kirbuster, spectacular clifftops, Neolithic monuments, wartime history, Viking heritage, and abundant wildlife 
Best season: Walkable all year round (weather and conditions permitting; take care on exposed clifftops in windy or wintry weather)

Author Highlight

"The Orkney Islands are a magical place to visit. For many people coming to these beautiful islands the chief appeal is the extraordinary number of internationally important Neolithic archaeological sites, while others visit Orkney for the many poignant reminders of our wartime history, or to rediscover their own Viking heritage. Some come for close-up views of some of the UK’s most charismatic and impressive wildlife species, or just to relax in the clean air and take in the stunning scenery that abounds throughout these islands." 

- Graham Uney, author of 15 Short Walks on the Orkney Islands

Map key
Overview map
Using this guide
Route summary table
Introduction
Walking on the Orkney Islands
Special things to see
Bases and places to stay
Getting there and around
The walks
1. Kirkwall town trail and the Peerie Sea
2. Wideford Hill and chambered cairn
3. Skara Brae and the Bay of Skaill
4. Brough of Deerness and Mull Head
5. Marwick Head
6. Brough of Birsay and the Earl’s Palace
7. Yesnaby Castle and the Brough of Bigging
8. Stromness and the Sands of Warebeth
9. Hoy: The Old Man of Hoy
10. Graemsay: Island circuit
11. Rousay: Mid Howe Cairn and Broch
12. Rousay: Faraclett Head
13. Eday: Ward Hill
14. Westray: Noup Head
15. Stronsay: Vat of Kirbuster
 
Useful information

Seasons

The best time to fully enjoy the wildlife on these islands is May to July, but the scenery is spectacular year round and the archaeological sites are quieter off-season.

Centres

Kirkwall, Stromness, Rousay, Hoy, Westray, Eday, Stronsay

Difficulty

The walks in this book are easy to follow and mostly on good paths, but there are sections that are pathless, and occasionally boggy, especially after rain. None of the clifftop walks have fences or barriers so care is needed.

Must See

The Neolithic village site of Skara Brae; the Old Man of Hoy; the lovely old town of Kirkwall; the seabird cities of Marwick Head and Noup Head; spectacular coastal cliff scenery and stunning sandy beaches; Mid Howe Broch and Chambered Cairn on the island of Rousay

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