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Broch of Borwick

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Gordon Hatton / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Broch of Borwick is the ruin of an Iron Age tower standing on a narrow clifftop above the sea near Yesnaby, on the west coast of Orkney's Mainland. Brochs were great round drystone towers built more than two thousand years ago, and this one has been half destroyed by the sea, which has eaten awa...

3

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 day, 2 overnight

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Broch of Borwick?
Mainland Orkney holds this ancient coastal structure right on the cliff edge. Hikers usually walk a short distance along the grassy path from a nearby headland car park to find it.

What type of place is Broch of Borwick?
Broch of Borwick is an Iron Age defensive stone fortress on an eroding grassy headland in Orkney, Scotland.

When is the best time to visit Broch of Borwick?
Spring to autumn offers the most manageable weather for exploring the exposed coastal clifftops. Heavy gales or dense sea fog during winter make the unfenced edges extremely hazardous.

What can you do at Broch of Borwick?
Walking along the wild path allows you to inspect the remaining entranceway and guardroom chamber up close. Photography enthusiasts also enjoy capturing the dramatic waves crashing against the rocks below.

How long should I spend at Broch of Borwick?
Allocating forty minutes provides enough time to look around the ruins and appreciate the wild ocean views. Combining the trip with a longer hike along the coastline suits people wanting a proper walk.

Where do I park at Broch of Borwick?
Vehicles use three spaces nearby, providing one day and two overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Broch of Borwick?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near Broch of Borwick, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near Broch of Borwick?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Broch of Borwick, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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