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Borwick Castle Sea Stack and Broch of Borwick, Mainland Orkney

Explore the dramatic Borwick Castle Sea Stack and ancient Iron Age broch perched on Orkney’s rugged, windswept coastline.

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Borwick Castle Sea Stack is a striking natural sea stack located on Mainland Orkney, near the Bay of Borwick. This rugged coastal landmark, standing about 25 feet high, is part of a dramatic cliffscape carved from ancient Old Red Sandstone. Nearby lies the Broch of Borwick, an Iron Age stone fortification perched precariously on an eroding headland, revealing over a millennium of history. The area offers spectacular sea views, rich wildlife, and a glimpse into Orkney’s ancient past.

A brief summary to Borwick Castle Sea Stack

  • Mainland, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the coastal paths include rocky terrain, slopes, and duckboards.
  • Visit on a clear day for spectacular views and to fully appreciate the sea stack’s natural arch.
  • Combine your visit with a walk from Yesnaby to Skaill to see other sea stacks, wartime relics, and Skaill House.
  • Bring a camera for dramatic cliff and sea views, especially during sunset or stormy weather.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Take the local bus service from Kirkwall to Yesnaby, which runs several times daily with a journey time of approximately 45-60 minutes. From the Yesnaby car park, the sea stack and broch are accessible via a 20-30 minute walk on uneven terrain. Bus fares typically range from £5 to £8 one way.

  • Car

    Driving from Kirkwall, the journey to Yesnaby takes about 25 minutes via the A965 and B9057 roads. Parking is available near the old WWII coastal battery buildings. Note that the final approach involves walking on rocky paths and slopes. Parking is free but limited during peak seasons.

  • Walking

    For the adventurous, a coastal walk from Yesnaby to Skaill passes Borwick and the sea stack, taking approximately 2-3 hours round trip. The terrain includes rocky sections, duckboards, and stiles, requiring good footwear and moderate fitness.

Borwick Castle Sea Stack location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Borwick Castle Sea Stack

Ancient Coastal Formations and Sea Stack Marvels

Borwick Castle Sea Stack rises prominently from the rocky shoreline of Mainland Orkney, standing approximately 25 feet tall. It forms part of an extraordinary stretch of cliffs and sea stacks sculpted from Old Red Sandstone, a sedimentary rock dating back some 400 million years to when Orkney lay near the equator beneath a vast freshwater lake. The sea stack’s two-legged natural arch and rugged form make it a dramatic sight, especially when waves crash against it during stormy weather. The surrounding coastline features rocky beaches, geos, and promontories that reveal the relentless power of the sea shaping this landscape over millennia.

The Broch of Borwick: A Testament to Iron Age Life

Just inland from the sea stack, perched on a cliff edge at the Bay of Borwick, are the remains of the Broch of Borwick. This Iron Age fortification, likely constructed around 500 BC, was a high-status farmstead occupied for over a thousand years until around 500–600 AD. The broch’s landward walls and entrance remain impressively intact, standing about 8.5 feet tall, though coastal erosion has claimed the seaward side. Archaeological finds, including Middle Iron Age pottery, suggest the broch was home to a powerful family. Its strategic position overlooking a safe landing spot along the coast underscores its importance in ancient times.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife Amidst Historical Ruins

The Borwick area is not only rich in history but also offers a unique natural environment. The cliffs and rocky shores provide nesting sites for seabirds, and visitors may spot rare wildflowers such as seapinks growing among the warm-colored sandstone. The sound of waves and the cries of birds create a wild, atmospheric setting. The nearby small rocky beach and the sea stack itself offer peaceful spots to absorb the raw beauty of Orkney’s coastline.

Walking Trails and Nearby Historical Highlights

Borwick lies along a scenic coastal walking route from Yesnaby to Skaill, featuring wartime relics such as WWII anti-aircraft battery buildings. The walk includes varied terrain with duckboards and stiles, rewarding explorers with views of other sea stacks like Yesnaby Castle, a towering 115-foot stack with two legs. The route also passes the Brough of Bigging, a whale-shaped promontory, and Skaill House, a 17th-century mansion housing artifacts from Orkney’s rich history, including links to Captain James Cook and the discovery of Skara Brae.

Geological and Cultural Significance

The Old Red Sandstone cliffs and sea stacks tell a geological story of ancient environments and tectonic shifts. The Broch of Borwick adds a cultural layer, representing Iron Age social structures and defensive architecture. The site’s precarious position on an eroding headland highlights the ongoing interaction between natural forces and human history. This juxtaposition invites reflection on the passage of time and the resilience of both nature and human endeavor.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Visitors to Borwick Castle Sea Stack and the Broch of Borwick can expect a tranquil yet dramatic experience. The area’s remote and rugged character offers moments of solitude and awe, with the soundscape dominated by sea and wind. The combination of natural grandeur and archaeological intrigue makes this a compelling destination for those interested in history, geology, and wild coastal landscapes.

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