HY2225 : View N along cliffs at Marwick Head & Kitchener Memorial

Marwick Head

86m Elevation
35m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HY2225 : View N along cliffs at Marwick Head & Kitchener Memorial

Colin Park Photo source

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Marwick Coast Walk

A scenic coastal route that encompasses stunning views of the cliffs and the sea, with paths well marked for ease.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

86m

282 ft

Prominence

35m

Coordinates

59.1063, -3.3525

HY226251

OS Map

6

Explorer: 463

At the Summit

The area features stunning sea cliffs, and while there isn't a traditional summit cairn, the panoramic views create a perfect natural lookout.

Terrain & Geology

Cliff edge with grassy paths and stony beach areas below.

Marwick Head is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, formed around 400 million years ago. This gives the cliffs their distinctive colourful appearance and provides a rich habitat for wildlife.

Views & Scenery

From Marwick Head, you can see the dramatic cliffs, the distant Orkney mainland, and on clear days, the towering silhouette of Hoy and its iconic Old Man.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Marwick is believed to derive from Old Norse, meaning ‘sheltered bay’—a fitting name for this scenic spot.

Historical Significance

The area is significant for its wildlife, particularly seabird colonies, and has historical sites nearby, including ancient tombs.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Marwick Head car park, which is a few minutes’ walk from the cliff edges.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Kirkwall to nearby towns, with the closest stop a short walk from the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the head itself, but Dounby has cafes and small shops where you can grab supplies.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious near the cliff edges—a slip could lead to a not-so-pleasant holiday snap. Muddy tracks in wet seasons can also be tricky.

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 Marwick Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Marwick Head?

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 Marwick Head search or of course create your own walk for Marwick Head

Can I organise a walk to Marwick Head?

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 Marwick Head.

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 Marwick Head?

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 Marwick Head 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: HY226251

View on OpenStreetMap

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