HY4111 : The summit of Wideford Hill

Wideford Hill

225m Elevation
169m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

HY4111 : The summit of Wideford Hill

David Purchase Photo source

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Route planning notes

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From Orphir

A scenic walk from Orphir village leading up to the summit of Wideford Hill.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

225m

738 ft

Prominence

169m

Coordinates

58.9877, -3.0257

HY411116

OS Map

6

Explorer: 463

At the Summit

The summit features a triangulation point and offers a stone-built seat for weary hikers to rest and take in the views.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky sections ideal for robust walking boots.

The hill is primarily composed of sandstone and limestone, showcasing the rich geological history of the Orkney Islands.

Views & Scenery

From the top, you can view Scapa Flow, the North Sea, and the surrounding Orkney landscape, including the distant hills of Hoy.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Wideford' is derived from the Old Norse, meaning 'broad hill', indicative of its sprawling shape.

Historical Significance

Wideford Hill is steeped in local history and is believed to have been a significant lookout point for ancient communities.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is roadside parking available near the village of Orphir, providing easy access to the start of the route.

Public Transport

Buses operate regularly from Kirkwall to Orphir, making it accessible via public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Orphir village has a small café and public toilet facilities available for use.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery patches after rain, and be cautious of strong winds at the summit.

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 Wideford Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Wideford Hill?

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 Wideford Hill search or of course create your own walk for Wideford Hill

Can I organise a walk to Wideford Hill?

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 Wideford Hill.

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 Wideford Hill?

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 Wideford Hill 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