The best walks and hikes around Stromness

Hiking around Stromness offers dramatic coastal landscapes, rugged shorelines with impressive sea stacks, and views across the tempestuous Hoy Sound. You'll also find sheltered bays and rising terrain towards hills like Brinkie's Brae, providing varied elevations. Coastal paths are often adorned with wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty.

Yes, Stromness offers several easy trails. For instance, The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness is an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route exploring ancient Neolithic stone circles. Another easy option is the Yesnaby Trail, a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) coastal path with stunning cliff views.

Many trails provide access to significant historical sites. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which are part of the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'. The Stromness and The Holms to Warebeth walk also passes Warbeth Cemetery, the burial place of poet George Mackay Brown, and military installations from both World Wars.

Yes, there are circular walks. A popular option is the circular walk from Stromness to Warbeth Beach, which is part of the longer Stromness and The Holms to Warebeth route. This allows you to start and end your hike in Stromness, exploring coastal paths and historical sites along the way.

Hikes around Stromness vary in duration and distance. Easy routes like The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness are about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and take around 1 hour 26 minutes. Longer, moderate trails such as Stromness and The Holms to Warebeth can be up to 7.2 miles (11.5 km) and take approximately 3 hours.

Yes, the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy, is visible from certain vantage points along coastal paths near Stromness. These paths often offer panoramic views across Hoy Sound, where you can also observe the twin peaks of Cuilags and Ward Hill on the island of Hoy.

Along the shoreline, particularly near Skerry of Ness, it's a popular spot for observing seals at low tide. The coastal paths are also rich in diverse flora, with wildflowers adding vibrant colors to the landscape, especially during warmer months.

While specific 'best times' are not detailed, the Orkney Islands, including Stromness, are known for their dramatic weather. Coastal paths are beautiful year-round, but generally, late spring to early autumn offers milder conditions and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and historical sites.

Absolutely. The route The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness is specifically designed to take you through these iconic Neolithic stone circles. Another option is the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe trail, which also includes the ancient chambered cairn of Maeshowe.

The routes in Stromness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the historical significance of the ancient sites, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.

Stromness itself, with its charming Main Street, offers various amenities. You'll find historic buildings, the Pier Arts Centre, and a museum. While specific cafes or pubs directly on every trailhead aren't listed, the town provides options for refreshments and dining before or after your hike.

The hiking trails around Stromness cater to a range of abilities. There are many easy strolls, particularly along the coast and to the Neolithic sites, with 14 out of 22 routes classified as easy. There are also moderate challenges, with 5 moderate and 3 difficult routes available for those seeking more demanding hikes.