Orkney

Island Coastlines, Ancient Landscapes, Sea Cliffs, and Coastal Routes

From the sea cliffs and beaches of the Atlantic coast to the sheltered bays, farmland, and archaeological landscapes that shape the islands, Orkney contains a network of routes, landscapes, and places defined by the sea, wildlife, and thousands of years of human history. Coastal routes reveal many of these environments, while landscapes and heritage sites including the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Hoy, Scapa Flow, and the islands' dramatic cliff-lined coastline showcase some of the archipelago's most distinctive settings.

Routes pass through coastal landscapes, grasslands, heathland, island communities, nature reserves, and historic sites, linking ancient monuments, wildlife-rich shores, and some of Scotland's most recognisable island places. Together, these routes and landscapes reveal the character of Orkney while providing opportunities to explore at a slower pace through self-guided travel and independent exploration.