Things to Do around Birsay
Birsay, a region in the northwest corner of the Orkney mainland, offers a varied landscape for outdoor pursuits. Its terrain features a dramatic coastline with cliffs and geos, wild moorland, and freshwater lochs. This environment provides a setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging.
Things to Do in Birsay
The Birsay region provides a range of outdoor activities, with more than 20 routes available across several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging.…
36
Routes
4.7
(44)
Average rating
435
People visited
5.0
(1)
25
riders
65.6km
04:05
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
54
riders
36.9km
02:02
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
51.3km
03:08
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
14
riders
33.9km
02:02
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
17
hikers
11.0km
02:53
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.43km
01:13
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
52
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
29
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
15
runners
10.5km
01:05
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
10.6km
01:06
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
14
riders
28.9km
01:33
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
47.9km
01:59
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
40.4km
01:52
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
51.9km
02:21
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Most popular attractions in Birsay
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Birsay?
Birsay offers a range of outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, and Jogging. The region features coastal paths, cliff-top routes, and trails around freshwater lochs. There are 29 routes available, with an average rating of 4.79 stars from more than 2,000 visitors.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Birsay?
Popular hiking trails include the Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop, a 6.9-mile (11.1 km) route combining coastal scenery and historical sites. The Marwick Head and Kitchener Memorial Trail offers an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) clifftop walk. For more options, explore the Hiking around Birsay guide.
Are there cycling routes in Birsay?
Yes, Birsay is suitable for both Touring cycling and Road cycling, utilizing minor roads in the area. The Birsay Outdoor Centre also offers cycle hire. Detailed routes can be found in the Cycling around Birsay and Road Cycling Routes around Birsay guides.
Are there easy hiking routes for beginners in Birsay?
Birsay offers several easy hiking options, such as the Birsay Circular, a gentle coastal walk of approximately 3.7 miles (5.9 km). The Marwick Head and Kitchener Memorial Trail is also an easy clifftop walk. For more gentle routes, consult the Easy hikes around Birsay guide.
Are there family-friendly walks in Birsay?
Birsay features several family-friendly routes, often highlighting historical sites or natural features like rockpools. These trails are generally accessible and suitable for various ages. A dedicated resource is available in the Family-friendly hikes around Birsay guide.
What historical sites can be visited in Birsay?
Birsay has a rich history, with sites like the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island featuring Norse house ruins and a Pictish settlement. The 16th-century Earl's Palace ruins are also a significant historical landmark. The area has been continuously settled for over 5,000 years.
What natural features are prominent in Birsay?
Birsay is known for its dramatic coastline with cliffs, beaches, and geos like Skipi Geo. Marwick Head is a significant RSPB seabird colony. The Birsay Moors Nature Reserve features wild moorland and blanket bog with isolated lochans.
What is the Brough of Birsay?
The Brough of Birsay is a tidal island accessible by a concrete causeway only at low tide. It features impressive rock formations, a small lighthouse, and sheer cliffs. The island is home to puffins during summer and contains visible remains of Norse and Pictish settlements.
What komoot guides are available for Birsay?
Komoot offers several guides for Birsay, including Hiking around Birsay, Family-friendly hikes around Birsay, and Cycling around Birsay. Other guides cover easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails.
How popular is Birsay for outdoor activities on komoot?
Birsay is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors having explored its routes. The 29 available routes have received an average rating of 4.79 out of 5 stars from nearly 300 ratings.
What is the official website for Birsay information?
The Birsay Heritage Trust provides local information through its website. The official website for the Birsay Heritage Trust is birsayht.org.uk.
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