HY3949 : Cliffs by Noup Head Lighthouse

Noup Head

77m Elevation
33m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HY3949 : Cliffs by Noup Head Lighthouse

Andy Farrington Photo source

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Noup Head Coastal Path

A scenic route starting from the village of Rackwick, weaving along the cliff edges with breathtaking views of the North Sea.

4.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

77m

253 ft

Prominence

33m

Coordinates

59.3295, -3.0705

HY391497

OS Map

5

Explorer: 464

At the Summit

A trig point sits proudly at the summit, with stunning views of the surrounding coastline and islands. The area is also dotted with grassy tufts and wildflowers, making it a picturesque spot for a break.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy terrain with some boggy patches near the base.

Noup Head is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, characterised by its vibrant, rusty colours. This fascinating geology contributes to the stunning coastal scenery and the rugged terrain that makes hiking here an exhilarating adventure.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can gaze upon the dramatic cliffs of Noup Head, the uninhabited islands of the Orkney archipelago, and the vast expanse of the North Sea, showcasing nature at its most magnificent.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Noup' is derived from the Norse word 'núp', meaning hillock or knoll, perfectly describing its prominent position.

Historical Significance

Noup Head is historically significant for its cliffs, which have served as important navigation points for mariners since the Viking era.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at Rackwick, where hikers can leave their cars before embarking on their adventure. Be sure to arrive early to secure a space!

Public Transport

Regular buses run from the main town of Kirkwall to Rackwick. Although schedules can be sparse, planning a trip around the bus timetable is essential.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited in the immediate area, so be sure to bring your own supplies. The closest cafes and toilets can be found in Kirkwall.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden changes in weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the Orkneys. Slippery rocks and steep drops near cliff edges pose additional risks, so stick to the marked paths!

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 Noup Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Noup 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 Noup Head search or of course create your own walk for Noup Head

Can I organise a walk to Noup 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 Noup 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 Noup 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 Noup 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: HY391497

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