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RSPB North Hill

Beach

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Moorland, Cliffs

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching

Spring to Autumn

Becky Williamson / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

RSPB North Hill is a nature reserve covering the northern end of the little island of Papa Westray, in Orkney, a sweep of flowery maritime heath along low cliffs, often called the finest of its kind in Orkney. It holds nationally important numbers of breeding Arctic terns and Arctic skuas, with guil...

1

Parking nearby

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Food Spots nearby

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Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 overnight parking

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is RSPB North Hill?
Orkney's remote northern fringes shelter this dramatic nature reserve on the island of Papa Westray. Wild maritime heath meets the sea on these quiet northern cliffs.

What type of place is RSPB North Hill?
RSPB North Hill is a maritime heathland and coastal nature reserve on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney.

When is the best time to visit RSPB North Hill?
May through to July offers the perfect window to catch the rare Scottish Primrose in bloom. Thousands of breeding seabirds also cover the cliffs during these warmer summer months.

What can you do at RSPB North Hill?
Walking along the narrow coastal grass trails rewards you with close-up views of nesting colonies of Arctic Terns, Skuas, and Guillemots. Scanning the churning surf below frequently reveals wild seals bobbing in the Atlantic waves.

How long should I spend at RSPB North Hill?
Setting aside a full morning allows ample time to look for wildflowers and watch the seabirds dive overhead. Lingering for a few hours suits anyone keen to experience the profound sense of island isolation.

Where do I park at RSPB North Hill?
A single space provides overnight parking for one vehicle close to the reserve trail. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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

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

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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