Egilsay
Egilsay Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Classifications
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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Egilsay together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.
Elevation
38m
125 ft
Prominence
38m
Coordinates
59.1495, -2.9319
HY467295
OS Map
5 6
Explorer: 464
At the Summit
The summit offers a grassy plateau adorned with a simple cairn, perfect for a quick photo op and a bite to eat while enjoying the fresh island air.
Terrain & Geology
Predominantly composed of hard sandstone, Egilsay showcases fascinating geological formations created during the Jurassic period. The island's rugged coastline features a mix of cliffs and pebble beaches, where you can find intriguing rock pools teeming with marine life.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views over the surrounding Orkney archipelago, including Rousay and Westray, as well as the iconic Old Man of Hoy on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Egilsay' is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'island of Egil', potentially in reference to a Viking settler.
Historical Significance
Egilsay is rich in historical significance, with numerous archaeological sites dotted around the island, including Norse remains and ancient chapels.
Popular Routes
Egilsay Loop
EasyA scenic circular walk around the island, capturing both coastal and inland views.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is limited parking at the Egilsay ferry terminal in Egilsay, simply park and enjoy the ferry ride, which adds an extra layer of adventure.
Public Transport
Access to Egilsay is primarily via ferry from Rousay or the mainland, operated by Orkney Ferries.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on Egilsay itself, so be sure to pack a picnic and all necessary supplies before setting off.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Occasional sheep scattered around the terrain can be a surprise for hikers; watch your step! The island can also be windy, so be prepared for sudden gusts.
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
Be the first to organise a walk to Egilsay!
No walks scheduled yet for this hill. Create one and other walkers can join you.
Organise a WalkHills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Egilsay?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Egilsay through the maps
Are there other walkers around Egilsay?
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 Egilsay search or of course create your own walk for Egilsay
Can I organise a walk to Egilsay?
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 Egilsay.
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 Egilsay?
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 Egilsay 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: HY467295
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