Brough of Birsay
Brough of Birsay Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Classifications
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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
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.
Photo Gallery
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Coastal Walk from Birsay
EasyThis delightful coastal route takes you from the village of Birsay to the Brough itself, offering stunning views of the Orkney coastline along the way.
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
Find Walking Companions
Join friendly walkers exploring Brough of Birsay and surrounding area
Walks Near Brough of Birsay
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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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid Ref: HY234285
Nearby Hills
+ 5 more nearby hills
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