Over Wideford Hill

[thepigguy]

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We were staying in an AirBnB on the Old Finstown Road for a couple of days. The house is on the lower slopes of Wideford Hill, so it seemed a reasonable early morning trip to head to the top and then down into town.

I started at the footpath which goes to the hill and the chambered cairn (which is worth a visit). There's a signpost to the hill here, but nowhere to park. The No.7 bus passes the start twice in the early morning and once in the early afternoon heading towards Kirkwall and leaves town at 13.40 and 17.30 going the other way (August 2023).

This time of year it's a nice steady amble uphill on decent paths, the views widening over Mainland and out to the isles. You could cut across the heathery slopes straight to the summit and its various masts, but I stuck to the path which gradually climbs around the hill until it meets the small parking area onb the road to the top.

From there it was down a path and a little bit of road before a long straight track took me to the edge of Kirkwall near the golf course and in to town for tea and a bacon roll.

Five Marilyns (just about) in view from the slopes of Wideford Hill. Knap of Trowie Glen, Ward Hill and Cuilags in Hoy with Mid Hill tucked in behind Keelylang

Toposcope next to the highest point on the hill

It's not the prettiest spot, but tyhe views can be great if you ignore the masts

Another mast, a cruise ship berthed at Hatston pier with The String and Shapinsay in the distance

A nice gentle stroll down towards town

[WildAboutWalking]

Moved away from Orkney a few years ago - walked up Muddisdale and Wideford Hill on a number of occasions, so thanks for posting.