The best walks and hikes around Papa Westray

There are 6 distinct hiking routes documented on komoot for Papa Westray, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more moderate coastal explorations.

Yes, Papa Westray offers several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Knap of Howar loop from Papa Westray is an easy 7.4 km trail that takes about 1 hour 55 minutes, leading through coastal farmland and past Europe's oldest standing houses. Another easy option is the Scenic Coastal Section – Noltland Castle loop from Pierowall, a 5.3 km route.

Many of the trails on Papa Westray are designed as circular routes, allowing you to explore different facets of the island without retracing your steps. Examples include the Noup Head loop from Noltland Castle and the Noltland Castle – Noup Head Lighthouse loop from Pierowall, both offering extensive coastal views.

Papa Westray is renowned for its abundant birdlife, especially at the North Hill Nature Reserve and Fowl Craig. You can spot nesting seabirds like puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, and great skuas. The Loch of St. Tredwell is a great spot for wildfowl such as mallard, tufted duck, and teal. Seals are also frequently seen basking on the rocks along the sandy beaches.

Absolutely. Papa Westray is rich in history. The Knap of Howar loop from Papa Westray will take you past Europe's oldest known standing houses. You can also visit St. Boniface Kirk, a 12th-century church with Norse hog-back gravestones, and the Great Auk Memorial Sculpture near the North Hill reserve.

The spring and summer months (roughly April to September) are ideal for hiking on Papa Westray. During this time, the weather is generally milder, and the island's cliffs are teeming with nesting seabirds, offering spectacular birdwatching opportunities. The maritime heath of North Hill is also vibrant with flora.

Walks on Papa Westray vary in length and duration. Shorter, easy routes like the Scenic Coastal Section – Noltland Castle loop can be completed in about 1 hour 21 minutes. Longer, moderate routes such as the Noltland Castle – Noup Head Lighthouse loop can take around 4 hours 59 minutes, allowing for a full day's exploration.

Papa Westray's open landscapes and coastal paths generally welcome dogs. However, due to the island's significant bird populations, especially during nesting season, and grazing livestock, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect wildlife and farm animals.

The hiking routes in Papa Westray are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the island's dramatic coastal scenery, the abundance of wildlife, and the unique historical sites like the Knap of Howar, which offer a truly immersive outdoor experience.

While Papa Westray is known for its accessible and moderate routes, the island's full circumnavigation or longer coastal paths can offer a more challenging experience due to their length and exposure to the elements. The Noltland Castle – Noup Head Lighthouse loop from Pierowall, at 18.4 km, is a moderate route that provides a substantial day hike.

Given the island's small size and quiet nature, parking is generally available near key access points, such as the pier at Pierowall or close to specific trailheads like Noltland Castle. It's always advisable to park considerately, ensuring you don't obstruct local residents or farm access.

Papa Westray is a small, close-knit community. While it doesn't have a wide array of cafes or pubs, there are local facilities that cater to visitors, often including a community shop and sometimes a small cafe or guesthouse offering refreshments. It's a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially outside peak season.