A great coastal walk including Sacquoy Head, deep coastal inlets and natural arches. Good for spotting seals and arctic skuas.
Coastal clifftops, pathless, grassy with boggy sections, not waymarked
Ferry to Rousay from Tingwall, Mainland Orkney. Bus on Rousay every Thurs (book on 01856 821 360) or taxi minibus by arrangement.
Nousty Sand, near Saviskaill.
Park by the corner of the minor road where there is a picnic bench at Nousty Sand, near Saviskall. Head northwest along the road, past the buildings, to the next sharp bend, then turn right onto the track signed 'Coastal Path'. This soon bends left and heads up towards Skatequoy. Pass between the house and the barns and go through the farm gate ahead.
Continue in the same direction towards the sea with views to Westray ahead. Go through the gateway in the stone wall and continue towards the clifftop. The walk mostly heads west along the coast from here, but first explore a little to the east along a faint coastal path. Follow this until the cliffs turn north for Skaviskaill Head for good views of the cliffs and rock features here. Now return west along the coast and continue along the coast path.
Soon it is necessary to bear inland to go through a gap in a stone wall in order to pass round the back of a deep inlet. Soon Stinkanie Geo, which does indeed usually smell, is reached. You can often see seals out in the sea or hauled onto rocks.
Continue round the coast as the slabby cliffs get more dramatic. This area is popular with arctic skuas, take care not to get too close to any nests as they will attack walkers, although their preferred tactic is to harass other birds into giving up their food.
At Sacquoy Head two natural arches can be seen in the cliffs to the left and soon the dramatic blow hole known as the Kilns of Brin Novan is passed.
You can continue along the coast for some distance or return from here, either heading directly across the slightly boggy ground to reach Stinkanie Geo or following the cliffs. Either way return to the house and track at Skatequoy to return to the road.
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