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Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

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Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

Moderate

5.0

(5)

riders

Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

03:02

49.9km

420m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Ferry Terminal

Get Directions

12.1 km

Skara Brae Neolithic Village & Visitor Centre

Highlight • Historical Site

The Neolithic village of Skara Brae is located near the white beach of Skaill Bay. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site provides a remarkable insight into life on the Orkney Islands some 5,000 years ago.
Visitors can get a vivid impression of the reality of a prehistoric settlement and see old houses equipped with stone beds, dressers and chairs. A replica construction allows visitors to fully understand the interior of a prehistoric house.
An informative visitor center offers touchscreen presentations, fact-finding quizzes for kids and adults, and a chance to see artifacts discovered during archaeological digs in the 1970s.
There is also a café (which may have limited hours during the winter) and a gift shop selling locally made souvenirs and crafts.
(Orkney.com)

Translated by Google •

Tip by

23.5 km

Earl's Palace Birsay

Highlight • Castle

Built between 1569 & 1574 this was the palace, castle and home of the Earl of Orkney in the late 1500's. Its use was short lived however with the overthrow of the Stewart Earls in 1615. Records from Cromwell’s troops in 1653 suggest that the castle was already falling into disrepair and the roof was down by 1700.
Today it's a surprisingly intact ruin which you can explore. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland it's open all year and free to visit.

Tip by

24.0 km

Birsay Bay Tearoom

Highlight • Cafe

A great little tearoom with wonderful views over the Brough of Birsay. They sell a good selection of drinks, snacks, cakes and meals. The menu changes to reflect the seasons and local produce but expect soup, sandwiches and more interesting meals. Previous winner of the best cafe in Orkney.
Open Thursday 12:00 - 16:00.
Fri to Sun 10:30 - 16:00.

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41.0 km

Ring of Brodgar

Highlight • Historical Site

The Ring of Brodgar is part of the Neolithic World Heritage site on Orkney. This ring of stones once included 60 stones, 36 still survive. They are thought to have been created in the 3rd millennium BC, about 5000 years ago!
The nearby Standing Stones of Stenness are also worth a visit.
Both are now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Tip by

49.9 km

End point

Ferry Terminal

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.9 km

21.4 km

855 m

467 m

216 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

44.3 km

4.97 km

473 m

224 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (90 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Wednesday 20 May

14°C

9°C

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

Skara Brae Neolithic Village & Visitor Centre

Earl's Palace Birsay

Birsay Bay Tearoom

Ring of Brodgar

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