Wide open spaces, peace, tranquility and the sounds of nature blend together making Orkney one of the perfect places to strap on the walking boots and go for a walk.

Thousands of acres await any visitor to the mainland or the Isles who want to reset their brains and forget about the hustle and bustle of city life.

Looking out across the Churchill Barriers

During every walk you should stop and take in the surroundings. Take a moment to listen and look around and you may hear the sounds of the Atlantic beating against cliffs or see a seal enjoying the afternoon sun.

Signposted

Many walks are signposted and have well maintained paths and gates. Please keep to these paths and take care to keep away from animals. Keep dogs well under control at all times.

For the more adventurous or those people who want a local guide to help, a number of companies are now available to provide assistance. A local guide is especially useful during the winter or in bad weather to ensure your safety.

We have put together details of a number of walks, guides and maps.

If you know of any walks not featured in this list or are a local guide then please get in touch and we can update our information.

Mainland – East

East Mainland Info – 655K
East Mainland Guidance – 324K
Dingieshowe Circular Walk – 395K
Graemeshall Circular Walk – 358K
Mull Head & Covenanter’s Memorial Walk – 382K
Newark Bay to the Point of Ayre Walk – 400K
Rerwick Head Walk - 410K
St. Mary’s Circular Walk – 296K
Tankerness Walkway – 364K
Wideford Burn Walk – 387K

Mainland West

Mainland Guidance(1) – 169K
Mainland Guidance (2)
Binscarth Woodland- 179K
Marwick Circular – 244K
Point of Ness – 131K
Swartland Drovers Rd. – 142K

Papa Westray

Papa Westray Guidance
Papa Westray Walks – 825K

Sanday

General Sanday Info
Backaskaill Bay – 150K
Broughtown – 131K
Burness and the Holms of Ire – 228K
Doun Helzie – 144K
Lady Village to Cata Sand & Tressness - 223K
Lady Village to Elsness – 183K
Scouthvie Circular – 146K
Whitemill Circular - 162K

Stronsay

General Stronsay Info
Stronsay Guidance
Holland Farm Walk – 131K
Rothiesholm Walk – 148K
Vat of Kirbister Walk – 163K
Whitehall Village Walk – 205K

Westray

General Westray Info
Westray Guidance
Castle O’ Burrian – 177K
Kirk to Castle via Grobust – 168K
Noup Head Loop – 181K
Tuquoy & Mae Sand – 170k
West Westray Coast – 224

Guides and walking companies

Five Senses - We have spent years exploring Orkney off the beaten track and all the best sites – and we care about how you experience Orkney, whether you live here or are on holiday.

More information

Walk Orkney - Orkney Island Council

Walking Scotland – The official site of Scotland’s national tourism organisation.