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RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve

Experience Orkney’s dramatic cliffs, vibrant seabird colonies, and poignant history at RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve.

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RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve in Orkney is a dramatic coastal sanctuary famed for its towering cliffs, vast seabird colonies, and the poignant Kitchener Memorial. Visitors can enjoy rugged cliff walks with spectacular views of the Atlantic and diverse wildlife including puffins, guillemots, and the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee. This reserve offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife spectacle, and historical significance.

A brief summary to RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve

  • 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

  • Bring binoculars for close-up views of seabirds, especially during the nesting season from April to July.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots as the path to the cliffs is grassy, steep, and can be slippery in places.
  • Keep dogs on a short lead during the breeding season to protect ground-nesting birds and wildlife.
  • Visit on clear days for spectacular views of the Atlantic, the island of Hoy, and the Old Man of Hoy sea stack.
  • Respect the fragile cliff edges and do not cross fences near the Kitchener Memorial for your safety.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Kirkwall, drive approximately 30 minutes via the A961 and B9056 roads to Marwick Head. Parking is available at Marwick Bay and Cumlaquoy car parks, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Roads are paved but narrow in places.

  • Walking

    For nearby visitors, a scenic 2-mile walk along coastal paths from St. Margarets Hope offers stunning sea views en route to the reserve. Terrain includes uneven and grassy sections requiring sturdy footwear.

  • Public Transport

    Local bus services run from Kirkwall to Birsay, from where taxis or cycling can be used to reach Marwick Head. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about RSPB Scotland Marwick Head Nature Reserve

A Dramatic Coastal Landscape and Wildlife Haven

Marwick Head Nature Reserve is perched on the western coast of Orkney’s Mainland, where cliffs rise nearly 90 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. This rugged headland offers sweeping sea views and a dramatic setting for one of the largest seabird colonies in Orkney. During the breeding season, up to 25,000 birds including fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots, puffins, and Arctic skuas nest on the sandstone ledges. The cliffs are alive with the sounds and sights of these seabirds, creating a vibrant natural spectacle.

Historical Significance of the Kitchener Memorial

Dominating the headland is the Kitchener Memorial, a 48-foot-high monument erected in 1926 to commemorate Lord Kitchener, the British Minister for War, who perished when HMS Hampshire sank nearby in 1916. The memorial also honors the crew of HMS Hampshire and the Laurel Crown minesweeper lost in the same waters. This poignant landmark blends history with the natural environment, offering visitors a reflective space amid the wild landscape.

Walking Trails and Visitor Experience

Visitors can access the reserve via a scenic walk from Marwick Bay or the Cumlaquoy car park. The path climbs steeply but rewards walkers with panoramic views from the cliff top, including sights of the island of Hoy and, on clear days, the Old Man of Hoy sea stack. The trail is grassy with some steep and slippery sections, and two narrow kissing gates. Wildlife watchers often bring binoculars to better observe the seabirds and, occasionally, marine mammals like dolphins and whales off the coast.

Flora and Rare Species

Beyond birds, Marwick Head is notable for hosting the Great Yellow Bumblebee, a rare species found only in northern Scotland within the UK. The reserve’s coastal flora includes colorful wildflowers that carpet the cliffs in summer, adding to the sensory richness of the landscape. In winter, wading birds such as Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, and Ringed Plovers gather along the shore, while sea ducks are abundant offshore.

Conservation and Visitor Guidance

Managed by RSPB Scotland, the reserve emphasizes responsible access aligned with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Visitors are advised to keep dogs on short leads during the ground-nesting bird breeding season (April to mid-August) to protect vulnerable wildlife. Barbecues and fires are prohibited to safeguard the habitat. Facilities are limited; the nearest toilets with some accessibility features are several miles away, and parking is available but can be limited during peak times.

Seasonal Highlights and Viewing Tips

The best time to visit for seabird watching is early summer when nesting activity peaks. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot Arctic skuas and red-throated divers. The reserve’s exposed location means weather can be changeable and often windy, so visitors should dress accordingly. The combination of wildlife, history, and breathtaking coastal scenery makes Marwick Head a compelling destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

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