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Brough of Birsay Walk

3.1 miles (5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Visit this tidal island on this short walk on Mainland Orkney.
Access to the island is via a 240m causeway across the Sound of Birsay. It is only crossable at low tide - click here for tide times. On the island you will find the remains of Pictish and Norse settlements and a modern light house.
You can extend your walking in the area by visiting the nearby Marwick Head RSPB nature reserve.

Brough of Birsay OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Brough of Birsay Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Ruins on the Brough of Birsay, once the seat of the early Norse jarls of Orkney

Ruins on the Brough of Birsay, once the seat of the early Norse jarls of Orkney.  A settlement was first established on this tidal island by the Picts and was later used by the Vikings. Extensive remains can be seen, although some of the site has disappeared over eroded cliffs.

Brough of Birsay in summer 2012 (4)

Brough of Birsay in summer

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Brough of Birsay.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Brough of Birsay.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)