Explore the Point of War Ness where seals often haul out, coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds, and then climb through farmland and heather moorland to Ward Hill which has great views.
Bog Factor
Coastal path with stiles and open, boggy moorland. Fields with livestock.
Parking area at Bay of Greentoft.
Request bus runs on Thursdays, book on 01857 622206 .
HY558288
Start from the small parking bay at the far end of the Bay of Greentoft in the southern end of the island. From here climb the stile and follow the coastal path on the seaward side of the fence. The path makes its way to the Point at War Ness where common seals often haul out on the rocks at low tide. The small islands of Little Green Holm and Muckle Green Holm are just beyond the Point and support a large breeding population of grey seals - it is estimated that around 650 pups are born on these two holms annually.
Cross a stile and continue along the coast as the cliffs get higher with an increase in seabirds. The water here is often choppy, it is renowned for its tidal race and has been used to test tidal energy technologies. The grassy slopes above the cliffs are locally known as the Greeny Faces and supports a bright display of summer flowers.
Ignore a stile in the fence and continue until a metal gate above the bay of Dyke End. Go through this and take a diagonal line NE uphill heading towards a small concrete building. Keep heading uphill at a sign for Leeniesdale and a sign showing the direction of the other Orkney islands. Cross the peaty moor where you may see arctic skuas, eventually reaching the cairn and trig point at the top of Ward Hill, the highest point on the island at 101m. Ward means lookout and the summit is a fine viewpoint.
Continue NNE along the boggy moorland ridge. After 300m the route reaches a track - go straight across this, continuing across the moorland for just over 0.5km further. Here there's a second track - turn right along this. It soon joins a larger track and leads down off the moor, before continuing between fields. Ignore a track off right, instead keeping ahead to reach a road junction. Here turn right and follow the road south, all the way back to the Bay of Greentoft. Turn right at the bay to return to the start.
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