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RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Walk

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching

Spring to Summer

N Chadwick / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Marwick Head is a stretch of sea cliffs on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland, near Birsay, kept as an RSPB nature reserve. From the little bay at Marwick, a grassy clifftop path climbs to the top, where the sandstone cliffs are packed in spring and summer with nesting seabirds, guillemots, kitti...

3

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 day, 2 overnight

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
Orkney's wild western edge holds this coastal cliff reserve, looking out across the volatile North Atlantic ocean. Walking tracks route you right along the edge of the high clay paths toward a historic stone monument.

What type of place is RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve is a cliffside nature reserve on the Orkney Mainland in Scotland.

When is the best time to visit RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
Spring to summer brings the finest weather for watching thousands of nesting seabirds crowd the narrow rock ledges. June or July particularly ensures you catch the avian breeding activity at its absolute peak.

What can you do at RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
Hikers routinely follow the spectacular coastal paths to enjoy the dramatic sea views and explore the maritime grasslands. Bringing heavy binoculars allows you to spot small colourful puffins nesting inside deep grassy burrows.

How long should I spend at RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
Spending roughly two hours gives you ample time to complete the main headland loop and view the seabird colony. Keen birdwatchers often stay much longer to scan the deep marine horizon for moving whale fins.

Where do I park at RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
Spaces for three vehicles exist nearby, providing one day and two overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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