St Magnus Way
Set up in 2017 to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the martydom of St Magnus, the St Magus Way is a pilgrim route that runs for 94km through the peaceful landscapes of Orkney.
The walk begins with a short stroll on the island of Egilsay, visiting the site where Magnus was murdered. After agreeing to meet his rival cousin, Earl Haakon, for talks, Haakon ordered his cook, Lifolf, to kill Magnus. Magnus was then buried at Birsay, and later his relics were brought to Kirkwall as part of the building of the great cathedral. The Way is therefore a pilgrimage route tracing the outline of the journey Magnus' remains made - from Egilsay, to Birsay, to Kirkwall.
The route was created and is managed by a local charity, Orkney Pilgrimage.
| Stage descriptions | Length | Time | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egilsay | 5.1km | 1 - 2 hours |  |
| Evie to Birsay | 20.4km | 6 - 8 hours | |
| Birsay to Dounby | 15.8km | 4 - 5 hours | |
| Dounby to Finstown | 16.5km | 4 - 5 hours | |
| Finstown to Orphir | 17.2km | 5 - 7 hours | |
| Orphir to Kirkwall | 18.7km | 5 - 7 hours | |
THE CHALLENGE
With the route being waymarked, including long stretches on tarmac and reaching a maximum height of only 160m, it is very easy to underestimate the walk. St Magnus Way is very tough going on some sections, with overgrown paths, some very boggy sections prone to being waterlogged, and slippery going on rocks by the shore. It is recommended from April to August when underfoot conditions may be marginally drier - but it is still a tough route to complete.
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES ALONG THE WAY
There are no facilities on Egilsay except for a shelter and self-service coffee, nor any at the start of the first stage on Mainland at the Broch of Gurness.
Birsay has a small stores with limited supplies, a seasonal tea-room; there is a hostel and campsite fairly nearby.
Dounby has a good grocery shop, and some serviced accommodation. The next stage passes a hotel at Merkister.
Finstown has a grocery store, inn and accommodation.
Orphir has a couple of bed and breakfasts.
Kirkwall at the end of the route is the Orkney capital and has all services.
BOOKSHOP: GUIDES & MAPS
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The route is reasonably well served by public transport. Egilsay is served by ferry (booking required) from Tingwall on Orkney Mainland, which has a bus service.
There is no bus to the start of the route on Mainland, at Gurness Broch; the nearest stop is is Evie School, 3km from start. After that, there are bus services to/from all the other stage end points - Birsay, Dounby, Finstown, Orphir and Kirwall itself.
Timetables for all the routes can be found on Traveline Scotland.
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