Things to Do in Orkney islands
The Orkney islands, a region in northern Scotland, feature a landscape shaped by the North Atlantic, characterized by rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, and dramatic sea stacks. Its geology, dominated by Devonian Old Red Sandstone, creates diverse terrain ranging from low-lying areas to the more elevated and wilder island of Hoy. This environment provides a setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in Orkney islands
The Orkney islands offer a range of…
119
Routes
4.5
(416)
Average rating
3407
People visited
4.9
(30)
229
hikers
9.03km
02:32
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(20)
76
hikers
8.77km
02:21
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(10)
69
hikers
5.63km
01:27
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(23)
54
hikers
4.55km
01:15
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.3
(6)
56
riders
51.2km
03:07
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
47
riders
35.8km
02:07
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.
4.8
(4)
33
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(2)
60
riders
72.0km
03:06
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
57
riders
52.4km
02:17
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
43
riders
102km
05:31
820m
820m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
24
riders
71.9km
04:18
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
8
runners
8.80km
01:00
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
20.8km
02:19
600m
600m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
68
runners
6.31km
00:39
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
47
runners
10.5km
01:05
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
3.0
(1)
1
riders
56.9km
03:50
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.4
(5)
15
riders
24.8km
01:26
210m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
22.1km
01:25
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Top attractions in the region
Explore the region
Most popular attractions in Orkney islands
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands offer a range of outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Jogging, and Mountain biking. There are 289 routes available, with an average rating of 4.54 stars from more than 20,000 visitors.
What are the best hiking opportunities in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands provide numerous hiking opportunities, from gentle coastal paths to challenging clifftop treks. Notable routes include clifftop walks in South Ronaldsay and trails around Yesnaby. The island of Hoy offers more rugged terrain, including the iconic Old Man of Hoy. More details are available in the Hiking in Orkney guide.
Are there cycling routes in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands feature 12 developed cycling routes across nine islands, suitable for various skill levels. These routes offer scenic journeys through villages and past historic landmarks. Information on cycling can be found in the Cycling in Orkney islands guide.
Are there family-friendly hiking trails in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands offer family-friendly hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. These include gentle strolls among wildflowers and coastal paths. Specific routes can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Orkney islands guide.
What are some easy hiking trails in the Orkney islands?
Easy hiking trails in the Orkney islands include gentle coastal paths and less strenuous routes. These options are suitable for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. The Easy hikes in Orkney islands guide provides specific recommendations.
Are there dog-friendly hiking routes in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands offer various routes where dogs are permitted, allowing visitors to explore with their pets. It is advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. Consult the Dog-friendly hikes in Orkney islands guide for specific trails.
What are the main natural highlights to see in the Orkney islands?
The Orkney islands are known for their dramatic coastlines, towering cliffs, and sea stacks like the Old Man of Hoy and Yesnaby Castle. The landscape also features geos and gloups, formed from Devonian Old Red Sandstone. Wildlife includes seabirds, seals, and occasional whales or dolphins.
Are there running trails in the Orkney islands?
Runners can enjoy diverse terrain in the Orkney islands, from coastal paths to clifftop routes. Popular jogging trails include the Mull Head Circular Trail, a 5.5-mile (8.8 km) route, and the Crantit Trail – Scapa Beach loop. More options are detailed in the Running Trails in Orkney islands guide.
Can I access hiking trails in the Orkney islands using public transport?
Some hiking trails in the Orkney islands are accessible via public transport. This allows for exploration without a private vehicle. The Hikes from bus stations in Orkney islands guide provides routes starting from bus stops.
What komoot guides are available for the Orkney islands?
Komoot offers several guides for the Orkney islands, including Hiking in Orkney, Cycling in Orkney islands, and Running Trails in Orkney islands. There are also guides for specific interests like family-friendly or dog-friendly hikes.
What is the official website and phone number for the Orkney Islands Council?
The primary tourism and information portal for the Orkney Islands is Orkney.com. The Orkney Islands Council can be reached at 01856 873535.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
