Marwick Head: Orkney’s Dramatic Clifftop Sanctuary and Historic Memorial

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Dramatic cliffs, vast seabird colonies, and a poignant WWI memorial converge at Orkney’s breathtaking Marwick Head.

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Marwick Head

Marwick Head is a striking peninsula on Orkney’s West Mainland, renowned for its towering 90m cliffs, vast seabird colonies, and the poignant Kitchener Memorial. This RSPB nature reserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic, diverse wildlife including puffins and rare bumblebees, and a rich World War I history. Visitors can enjoy scenic cliff walks, abundant birdwatching opportunities, and sweeping vistas of the Old Man of Hoy and surrounding islands.

A brief summary to Marwick Head

Orkney, GB
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Marwick Head.

Bring binoculars for close-up views of the diverse seabird colonies nesting on the cliffs.
Wear sturdy footwear and be cautious on steep, slippery paths and near fragile cliff edges.
Visit in late spring or early summer to witness peak seabird nesting activity and vibrant wildlife.
Respect the wildlife and habitats by keeping dogs on leads during breeding season and avoiding barbecues.
Check weather conditions before visiting, as Orkney’s coastal weather can be windy and change rapidly.

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Getting There

Bus

Take the local bus service from Stromness to Birsay, which runs several times daily with a journey time of approximately 40–50 minutes. From Birsay, a taxi or a 30-minute walk along country roads leads to Marwick Head. Bus fares range from £5 to £7 one way. Service frequency may reduce on weekends and holidays.
Car

Driving from Stromness, Marwick Head is about 17 km north via the B9056 road, taking roughly 25 minutes. Parking is available at Marwick Bay and a smaller lot at Cumlaquoy. Roads are narrow and rural; caution is advised. Parking is free, but spaces are limited during peak season.
Walking

For the adventurous, a scenic 2-hour circular walk from Birsay village to Marwick Head offers coastal views and wildlife spotting. The terrain includes grassy paths with steep sections and uneven surfaces, suitable for experienced walkers. Weather can be variable, so proper footwear and clothing are essential.

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Discover more about Marwick Head

Majestic Cliffs and Wildlife Haven

Marwick Head rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean with cliffs soaring nearly 90 meters above the sea, creating one of Orkney’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. This peninsula is a vital RSPB nature reserve, hosting the largest cliff-nesting seabird colony on the Orkney mainland. During spring and summer, thousands of birds including fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, puffins, and Arctic skuas fill the skies and sandstone ledges. The air carries a distinctive 'fishy' scent from the abundant birdlife, while the grassy slopes are alive with rabbits and the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee, found only in northern Scotland.

Historical Significance of the Kitchener Memorial

Atop the cliffs stands the 48-foot-high Kitchener Memorial, erected in 1926 to honor Lord Kitchener, the British Secretary of State for War, and the 736 men who perished when HMS Hampshire struck a mine off Marwick Head in 1916 during World War I. The memorial was restored in 2016 and now includes a commemorative wall for the crew of HMS Hampshire and the Laurel Crown, lost while minesweeping nearby. This poignant monument offers a solemn reminder of the area's maritime history amid the natural grandeur.

Scenic Walks and Panoramic Views

Visitors can access Marwick Head via a steep but rewarding walk from Marwick Bay or the smaller Cumlaquoy car park. The path leads through grassy terrain with some slippery inclines and narrow gates, culminating at the cliff-top viewpoint near the memorial. From here, on clear days, you can see iconic landmarks such as the Old Man of Hoy and Brough of Birsay. The walk combines natural beauty, wildlife observation, and history, making it a quintessential Orkney experience.

Conservation and Visitor Guidance

As a protected nature reserve, Marwick Head encourages responsible access in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Visitors are urged to keep dogs on short leads during the bird breeding season (April to mid-August) and to avoid approaching the fragile cliff edges due to erosion risks. Barbecues and fires are prohibited to protect the delicate habitats. Facilities are limited, with parking available at Marwick Bay and Cumlaquoy, and the nearest toilets located several miles away.

Wildlife Beyond Birds

Beyond the seabird spectacle, Marwick Head supports a rich biodiversity including wading birds such as turnstones, purple sandpipers, and ringed plovers in winter, as well as sea ducks offshore. The reserve’s varied habitats provide a refuge for rare insects like the Great Yellow Bumblebee and a thriving population of rabbits, adding to the area's ecological importance and visitor appeal.

Unforgettable Natural and Cultural Experience

Marwick Head offers an immersive experience where dramatic natural beauty meets poignant history. The combination of towering cliffs, vibrant wildlife, and the solemn memorial creates a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Orkney’s rugged coast and rich heritage. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and photographers seeking breathtaking views and meaningful stories.