Brough Head - Earl's Palace - Brough of Birsay
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Brough Head sits at the north-west tip of Orkney Mainland. Walk along a beautiful stretch of coast and visit the remains of a Pictish and Viking village, only accessible at low tide.
From the car park at Brough Head the walk starts by heading east along the coast to visit an old fisherman's cottage in a tiny 'geo' (cove). Then it's onwards to see a strange whale's skull 'sculpture' at a dramatic headland.
Returning by lanes we visit the ruins of the Earl's Palace, the stronghold of the notorious Earl Robert Stewart (no relation to us of course!) The palace is maintained by Historic Scotland and is free to visit.
Now if the tides are right (in good weather it is possible to cross two and half hours either side of low tide) we cross a causeway to the remains of the Norse settlement at Brough Head and climb to the lighthouse on the Brough of Birsay. This is a good place to see migratory birds, puffins (May-July) and possibly a whale.
Scotland - Highlands and Islands - Orkney - Coast
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Good for Kids, Sea, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets