Blotchnie Fiold and Trumland Reserve, Rousay

Summary

Climb to the highest point on Rousay for superb views across the island. The route up passes an impressive two-storied chambered cairn and passes through the Trumland RSPB Reserve, a great place to spot raptors and short-eared owls.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked but very boggy moorland path through heather; overgrown in parts. There are usually livestock on the ascent.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Ferry pier, Isle of Rousay.

Public Transport

Ferry to Rousay from Tingwall.

Start Grid Ref

HY436274

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.2km / 4.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 290m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Blotchnie Fiold

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 464 - Westray

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Regular ferries run to Rousay from Tingwall on Mainland. Near the pier is a small Heritage Centre with information on the island and public toilets. Walk up past this and bear left at the war memorial, following the road as it bends right and then turn left at the B9064 opposite the entrance to Trumland (if driving, follow these instructions and park in the next layby on the right signed for Taversoe Tuick cairn). Follow the sign to head through a gate onto the rough track, diverting left to visit the cairn which is only one of two two-storey burial cairns in Orkney. It is thought to date from around 3000 BC and contained a number of skeletons and pottery items when excavated in the 1890s.

Stage 2

From the cairn head northeast to pick up the farm track running up to Trumland Cottages. Go through the pedestrian gate beside the farm gate into the field. There are usually grazing livestock and the ground can be very wet. Bear right to follow a grassy track, dropping to ford a burn and then climb to another gate beyond. The route is marked from here with white posts.

Stage 3

Once over the stile the path is visible but it is wet underfoot and overgrown by the heather in places. Follow it as it heads to the right and slightly uphill over the heather moorland. At a junction bear left, following the line of an old peat cutting track uphill. Good views of the neighbouring island of Wyre open up behind as you climb.

Stage 4

Keep following the white-topped posts, forking right and staying on the main path at a junction and then zig-zagging uphill with views to the Loch of Knitchen and then climbing steadily northwest. The path splits on the final stretch; take the left-hand option on the outward journey to reach the small cairn and post marking the summit of Blotchnie Fiold.

Stage 5

From here the route to the summit of Knitchen Hill takes the other arm of the loop, descending to the bealach and then aiming east, following the broad ridge towards the cairn on Knitchen Hill. This is a good section to watch for peregrine falcon, merlin, hen harriers and short-eared owls. The path is faint as it winds between peat bogs but the marker posts are clear and soon the cairn and trig point of Knitchen Hill are reached.

Stage 6

This area is also popular with skuas which can make their presence felt very forcefully if you stray too near a nest. The Outer North Isles can all be made out on a clear day from here as well as the nearby islands of Egilsay and Wyre.

Stage 7

A clear path descends SSE with occasional white posts. At a telegraph pole a path junction is reached; bear left, eventually passing behind a couple of houses, then turn right to descend directly to the road. Turn right here to return to the pier, turning left opposite Trumland House. There is an honesty cafe near the pier as well as the Heritage Centre/waiting room.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?