The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Harray And Sandwick
4.7
(127)
825
hikers
5
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Harray And Sandwick are characterized by a blend of ancient historical sites, tranquil lochside paths, and dramatic coastal scenery on the Mainland of Orkney. The region features the expansive Lochs of Harray and Stenness, offering gentle strolls with panoramic water views. Rugged coastlines like Yesnaby present striking sea stacks and exposed Old Red Sandstone cliffs. The landscape provides diverse terrain suitable for various ability levels, from easy paths around Neolithic monuments to moderate coastal walks.
…Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.4
(10)
69
hikers
5.63km
01:27
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hike through the ancient landscapes of Orkney, connecting two monumental stone circles. This route spans 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just…
4.3
(3)
13
hikers
11.1km
02:50
40m
40m
Explore the ancient wonders of Orkney on the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe trail, a moderate hike covering 6.9 miles (11.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 126 feet…
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5.0
(2)
36
hikers
1.16km
00:18
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
„Orkney – this is an archipelago between the North Sea and the Atlantic, about 10 miles north of the Scottish mainland. Treeless pasture and farmland, green almost everywhere, crisscrossed by blue fjords, framed by sharp-edged cliffs and steep coasts. 29 of the 77 islands are inhabited. The first settlers came in the Neolithic period. They too were farmers. They left no written records, but tools, dwellings, ceremonial sites and graves in abundance, such as are not found elsewhere in Europe. The most famous Neolithic monument of Orkney is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle as old as the Egyptian pyramids.“ This is how it is stated on the ARD media library website for the TV series »Treasures of the World – Heritage of Humanity«. The film contribution matching the highlight (unfortunately only in German) can be found at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-jungsteinzeitlichen-monumente-auf-den-orkney-inseln-gb-folge-247/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82OTIwMDQ0
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"Orkney is an archipelago between the North Sea and the Atlantic, about 10 miles north of the Scottish mainland. Treeless pastures and farmland, green almost everywhere, crisscrossed by blue fjords, framed by sharp-edged cliffs and steep coastlines. 29 of the 77 islands are inhabited. The first settlers arrived in the Neolithic period. They, too, were farmers. They left no written records, but they did leave behind tools, dwellings, ceremonial sites, and graves in abundance unmatched anywhere else in Europe. Orkney's most famous Neolithic monument is the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle as old as the Egyptian pyramids." This is what it says on the ARD Mediathek website. The film contribution corresponding to the highlight (in German) can be found under the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-jungsteinzeitlichen-monumente-auf-den-orkney-inseln-gb-folge-247/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82OTIwMDQ0
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The Ring of Brodgar is a henge in the British Orkney Islands with a circular stone setting inside. With a diameter of 104 m, it is larger than Stonehenge. Of the original 60 stones, only 27 remain. It was probably built in 2700 BC.
4
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The Ring of Brodgar is a henge in the British Orkney Islands with a circular stone setting inside. With a diameter of 104 m, it is larger than Stonehenge. Of the original 60 stones, only 27 remain. It probably dates back to 2700 BC.
6
0
Path from the parking lot to the Ring of Brodgar
5
0
Very interesting excavation from the Stone Age. Great visitor center. With a cafe. Vegetarian food, clean restrooms. Be sure to book in advance!
5
0
Great historic house, you feel transported back to the past centuries
5
0
Very well preserved houses from the Stone Age, an original manor house, black cattle, the sea and lush green of a barren landscape.
5
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Harray and Sandwick?
Our guide features 5 family-friendly hiking trails around Harray and Sandwick, ranging from easy strolls to moderate adventures, perfect for exploring with children.
What kind of historical sites can we explore on these family hikes?
Harray and Sandwick are rich in ancient history. You can explore the iconic Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, both part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another must-see is the remarkably preserved Skara Brae Neolithic Village, offering a fascinating glimpse into life 5,000 years ago.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for very young children?
Yes, for a very easy and short walk, consider the Ring of Brodgar – Path to the Ring of Brodgar loop from Mainland, which is just over 1 km. Another great option is the Skara Brae Neolithic Village – Skaill House loop from Skaill House, a 1.4 km route that combines history with a gentle coastal path.
What are the best trails for experiencing Orkney's dramatic coastlines?
To experience the dramatic coastlines, the St Peter's Church, Sandwick – Bay of Skaill loop from Lenahowe offers stunning sea views and takes you near the rugged Yesnaby area, known for its cliffs and sea stacks like the Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack.
Are there any circular routes among the family-friendly options?
Many of the family-friendly routes are circular, allowing for a convenient return to your starting point. For example, the The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness route is a loop that takes you past two major Neolithic sites.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Harray and Sandwick?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Harray and Sandwick, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 125 ratings. Hikers often praise the unique combination of ancient historical sites, the tranquil beauty of the lochs, and the dramatic coastal scenery, making for truly memorable family outings.
Can we see any specific natural landmarks or viewpoints on these trails?
Absolutely! Many trails offer views of significant natural landmarks. You can see the impressive Yesnaby Cliffs and the Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack on coastal walks. The The Watch Stone is another notable feature near the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Are there longer family-friendly routes for older children or more active families?
For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe route is a moderate 11.1 km hike that combines two major Neolithic sites, offering a rewarding experience for those with more stamina.
What is the best time of year to visit Harray and Sandwick for family hiking?
Spring and summer are ideal for family hiking in Harray and Sandwick. During these seasons, the weather is generally milder, wildflowers are in bloom, and seabirds are active along the coast. The longer daylight hours also allow for more flexible exploration.
Is there public transport available to reach the hiking areas?
Public transport options exist, though they may be less frequent than in urban areas. For detailed information on bus routes and timetables that serve the Harray and Sandwick area, including connections to sites like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, it's best to consult the official Orkney Islands Council transport information. You can find more details at orkney.gov.uk.
Are these family-friendly trails suitable for pushchairs or strollers?
While many trails are relatively flat, some paths may be uneven, grassy, or gravelly, making them challenging for standard pushchairs. Shorter, well-maintained sections around major attractions like the Ring of Brodgar might be more suitable. For longer routes, a baby carrier or all-terrain stroller would be advisable.
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