Noup Head

Orkney


This bird reserve at Westray's northwestern tip is a dramatic area of sea cliffs, with vast numbers of breeding seabirds from April to July. You can walk here along the clifftops from a car park, passing the impressive chasm of Ramni Geo, and return via the lighthouse access road (4 miles).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Orkney attractions

1. Noltland Castle

2.24 MILES

A half-mile west of Pierowall stands this sturdy ruined tower house, built in the 16th century by Gilbert Balfour, aide to Mary, Queen of Scots. The…

2. Westray Heritage Centre

2.77 MILES

This heritage centre has displays on local history, nature dioramas and archaeological finds, with some famous neolithic carvings (including the 5000-year…

3. Knap of Howar

5.75 MILES

By the seashore, this sturdy stone-built farmhouse and storeroom are solidly built testimony to crofting life on Papa Westray island…5500 years ago. An…

4. Bothy Museum

6.02 MILES

On a historic farm in the centre of Papa Westray, this tiny museum is packed full of objects from the everyday life of the island's past. Agricultural…

5. St Boniface Kirk

6.2 MILES

This pretty church stands near the shore surrounded by a picturesque graveyard. Papa Westray was the cradle of Christianity in Orkney, and this was…

6. Kelp Store

6.61 MILES

This 18th-century seaweed shed has been impressively restored and holds an interesting exhibition on Papa Westray's history and craft traditions.

7. Holm of Papay

7.22 MILES

This uninhabited island just off the eastern shore of Papa Westray is notable for its three chambered cairns, the largest of which (South Cairn) is most…

8. Midhowe Cairn & Broch

11.82 MILES

Six miles from the ferry on Rousay, mighty Midhowe Cairn has been dubbed the 'Great Ship of Death'. Built around 3500 BC and enormous, it's divided into…