The best cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness

The terrain around Loch of Tankerness, located in the East Mainland of Orkney, is generally flat and gently undulating. You'll find quiet country roads, marshy grassland, and fertile fields. While the landscape is mostly easy to navigate, cyclists should be prepared for the occasional Orcadian breeze, which can add a challenge.

There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around Loch of Tankerness on komoot. These routes cater to various abilities, with 5 easy, 12 moderate, and 4 difficult options to choose from.

Yes, the generally flat and quiet country roads make the area suitable for families. Routes like the Kirkwall Town Centre – St Magnus Cathedral loop from Thieves Holm, an easy 6.6 km path, are great options for a relaxed family outing, offering views of Kirkwall's town centre and its historic cathedral.

Cyclists can enjoy diverse natural features. The loch itself is surrounded by scenic marshy grassland and fertile fields. The area is also close to varied coastal landscapes, including dramatic cliffs at Mull Head and sandy beaches like Inganess Beach, which features a shipwreck, and the shores of Deer Sound and Mill Sands.

The area is rich in history. You can cycle past ancient archaeological sites, including the remains of a broch, possibly known as the Howie of the Manse, and a Bronze Age structure. At Rerwick Head, you can explore the remains of a large wartime camp from WW2. Routes like the Howe of Langskaill, Broch loop from Kirkwall Airport specifically explore historical broch sites.

The touring cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the scenic views of the loch and coast, and the opportunity to combine cycling with visits to historical sites.

Yes, Loch of Tankerness is an important site for birdwatching, especially during winter when you might spot wildfowl like Greenland white-fronted geese, mallards, wigeons, and teal. Throughout the year, you can also see mute swans, various gulls, and smaller birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits in the surrounding marshlands. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter.

Yes, the region's coastal proximity allows for excellent coastal cycling. For example, the Dingieshowe Beach – Inganess Beach Shipwreck loop from Deerness is a moderate 37.1 km route that takes you along the coast, offering views of beaches and the notable shipwreck at Inganess Beach.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Howe of Langskaill, Broch loop from Kirkwall Airport and the St Magnus Cathedral – Earl's Palace, Kirkwall loop from Kirkwall.

While specific seasonal recommendations aren't detailed, the generally flat terrain makes cycling enjoyable for much of the year. However, given the Orcadian breeze, milder weather conditions outside of peak winter might be more comfortable. The area's birdwatching opportunities are particularly good in winter for wildfowl.

Yes, several routes incorporate Kirkwall and its historical attractions. The St Magnus Cathedral – Earl's Palace, Kirkwall loop from Kirkwall is a moderate 32.6 km trail that leads through historical landmarks in Kirkwall, including the St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace.

Among the routes listed, the Dingieshowe Beach – Inganess Beach Shipwreck loop from Deerness is one of the longer options, covering 37.1 km. This moderate route offers a comprehensive exploration of the coastal areas near Deerness.