Brough of Deerness Circular

Philip Ingram

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This easy walk shows some spectacular coastal scenery from easy paths with little rise and fall.

If the path has been restored, energetic visitors should be able to visit the settlement on the peninsula but even with a functional path, good mobility will be needed. The site was probably a Viking chieftain's base. See http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/broughofdeerness/

For the coastal stretch, there are superb views south to Copinsay and north to Stronsay. Copinsay is now an RSPB reserve without human inhabitants.

After the fine turf of the clifftop section, the route turns inland across a stretch of heather moor. In August, the pollen from the heather can give your trousers a distinctly pink tinge, while on a still day (very rare!) the perfume hangs in the air. From there, the route returns to the car park by easy tracks.

Scotland - Highlands and Islands - Orkney - Orkney Mainland