HY2328 : Oystercatchers on grassy clifftop, Brough Head

Brough of Birsay

46m Elevation
46m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HY2328 : Oystercatchers on grassy clifftop, Brough Head

David Hawgood Photo source

Explore routes near Brough of Birsay

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Route planning notes

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Coastal Walk from Birsay

This delightful coastal route takes you from the village of Birsay to the Brough itself, offering stunning views of the Orkney coastline along the way.

3 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill SIB

Elevation

46m

151 ft

Prominence

46m

Coordinates

59.1367, -3.3401

HY234285

OS Map

6

Explorer: 463

At the Summit

The summit boasts remnants of ancient settlements and a variety of archaeological features, including a stone-capped promontory offering panoramic views.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops

The Brough of Birsay features intriguing geological formations, predominantly consisting of sedimentary rocks formed from ancient marine environments. Striking coastal cliffs present an excellent opportunity for observing layers of history carved by relentless waves.

Views & Scenery

Visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Orkney mainland, the Atlantic Ocean, and on clear days, the distant cliffs of Eday.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Brough' is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'fort', highlighting its ancient significance as a stronghold.

Historical Significance

Brough of Birsay is of archaeological importance due to its remnants of Norse and Pictish settlements, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the village of Birsay, approximately a 10-minute walk from the coastline.

Public Transport

Buses operate from Kirkwall to Birsay, providing convenient access to this scenic site.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Brough of Birsay, but Birsay village offers local cafes and public restrooms.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Strong coastal winds, slippery rocks, and tidal changes necessitate caution. Ensure to check tide timings to avoid being cut off.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Brough of Birsay?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Brough of Birsay through the maps

Are there other walkers around Brough of Birsay?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Brough of Birsay search or of course create your own walk for Brough of Birsay

Can I organise a walk to Brough of Birsay?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Brough of Birsay.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Brough of Birsay?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Brough of Birsay here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: HY234285

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