Westray west coast walk

Summary

Offering the finest walk on Westray, this wild coastal walk brims with arches, stunning cliff scenery and seabird cities. This linear walk from Kirbest to Noup Head would need transport arranged to return to the start (and note that the drive to Noup Head is very rough); or it could be done as a there and back day walk - doubling the distance and time given here.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Coastal walking, faint path, stiles

Getting there

Start

East Kirbest.

Public Transport

None to either end of the walk.

Start Grid Ref

HY427437

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 230m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Start by walking along the track through the gateway with the private road sign. At the farm buildings follow the track round to the left and then turn right to follow the faint track in front of the house and then bear left aiming for a post and gate down in the far corner below the house. Go through the gate and follow the path between fences and then over the stile and keep heading in the same direction across a field staying part way up the slope. This soon reaches another stile above the sea. Climb this and continue around the coast climbing at first and then following flatter ground once the top of the cliffs are reached.

Stage 2

There are good views up the coast as the route crosses stony ground at first above high cliffs before reaching grassy turf - there is a vague path for most of the route. Climb gently to reach a stile over a fence where a footpath also heads inland. Our route stays on the coast with impressive cliffs brimming with seabirds during the summer nesting season.

Stage 3

Another stile near the head of a geo or deep inlet allows you to continue along the high cliffs soon with good views of a sea arch and Noup Head in the distance. A further stile, near the cliff edge this time, leads to an area of slabby rocks underfoot and more great cliff features.

Stage 4

After another stile the route reaches Bis Geo where a small footbridge crosses the head of the inlet amd there are good views of a sea stack where puffins can often be seen during the summer. Look out for the impressive arch on the cliffs opposite when you are near the sea stack.

Stage 5

Continue heading along the coast, soon passing a footpath that leads up to the road at Backarass farm - a possible way to escape the walk; our route, however, continues over the stile by the coast. Look down to see another arch. A short distance further on cross a stile to access a field, then another stile to remain by the coastline. Soon the cliffs begin to rise again, and after crossing yet another stile the walk enters the RSPB reserve of Noup Head. Pass around the back of Monivey Bay - with a great view of the strata on the cliffs beyond, every ledge occupied by sea birds - mostly guillemots - whilst below are glimpses of a wide sea cave.

Stage 6

After a short flat stretch the cliffs rise again, soon exceeding 50m on the west side of North Hill, and there are views to the Noup Head lighthouse in the distance.

Stage 7

Pass through a gate in a fence just to the right of the cliffs, then return to the coast for the best views. Looking back there are glimpses down to Gentlemen's Cave. Eventually you are forced to the right to pass the deep, sheer-sided Ramni Geo. Cross ground almost completely covered with sea pinks (or thrift) in summer. Looking back there is a magnificent natural arch, whilst directly below the cliffs house a gannetry. Continue steeply up to reach a trig point.

Stage 8

Just beyond this there is a short rock step; find an easy way down this and then continue to reach the lighthouse; this was built by David A Stevenson in 1898 - he was the last of the famed family of lighthouse builders. Pass to the right of the lighthouse to pass through a gate and reach a small rough parking area. This route has been described as a linear walk, so perhaps you have arranged a pick up here - note that the track to this point is rough going in a non-4WD car. Alternatively you could walk 3km further along the track to where it becomes tarred at Noup and be picked up there. Those looking to make a whole day of it and without a lift may retrace their steps and hike all the way back to West Kirbest, doubling the distances and times given here.

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