This short circuit takes in the sand and pebble beach of Dingieshowe, a short section of low coastal cliffs, and a return along the tarmac. The walk starts at the narrow isthmus that connects Deerness to the rest of Mainland Orkney.
Sand and shingle beach, slightly uneven grass clifftop path. Return on minor road.
Bus from Kirkwall to Deerness passes the start.
Dingieshowe car park.
The walk begins from the car park (with public toilets) on south side of the A960 road, opposite Sandi Sand on the isthmus connecting Deerness to Mainland. Begin by heading up the steps and boardwalk to cross the dunes behind the loos. Once on the fine sandy beach, turn left.
Soon the sand gives way to pebbles and the easiest walking is perhaps on the grass just behind the beach. This leads eventually to a flight of wooden steps at the far end of the bay, giving access to the clifftop path. There are good views back across the bay; the grassy mound at the far end is Dingieshowe itself - the site of an iron-age broch.
The path - a little uneven and overgrown at times - continues along the rim of the cliffs, keeping between them and the fence. The island of Copinsay is prominent offshore.
Eventually the coast leads to a dumpy sea-stack - the Muckle Castle. At this point the walk turns left inland, keeping along the right edge of a fence.
The route leads up to a gateway and then continues along a grass lane between two fences - glorious with wild flowers in early summer. This eventually meets a tarred road. Follow this until it reaches a t-junction with the main A960, then turn left along the verge of this to head back to the start. The A960 is wide but traffic is usually very light - even so, take care.
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