Wideford Hill Scenic View
A quiet Orkney hilltop with sweeping views over Kirkwall, the Bay of Firth, and the surrounding countryside, perfect for panoramic photos and peaceful reflection.
Perched above Kirkwall on Orkney’s Mainland, Wideford Hill offers sweeping panoramic views across the Bay of Firth, the surrounding countryside, and neighbouring hills. This quiet, elevated spot is ideal for soaking in Orkney’s wild beauty, with the nearby Neolithic Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn adding a layer of ancient history. The walk up is steady but rewarding, and the open hillside makes it a perfect place for reflection, photography, and enjoying the ever-changing skies of the Northern Isles.
A brief summary to Wideford Hill Scenic View
- XXQF+3Q, Kirkwall, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the path can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring layers and a windproof jacket; the exposed hilltop can be much colder and windier than Kirkwall below.
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best light and fewer people, especially if you plan to photograph the views.
- Combine the visit with the nearby Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn to experience both the natural viewpoint and a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb.
- There are no facilities on the hill; bring water, snacks, and any essentials with you from Kirkwall or Finstown.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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By car
From Kirkwall, follow the A965 toward Finstown and look for the small roadside parking area on Wideford Hill, about 3 km east of the town centre. The parking space fits a few cars; during busy periods, it can fill quickly, so arriving early is advisable. From the car, a rough, unsurfaced path leads up the hillside to the viewpoint.
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On foot
From central Kirkwall, a walking route heads toward Muddiesdale and the Orkney Golf Club, then continues along a footpath that climbs toward Wideford Hill. The walk takes roughly 45–60 minutes each way on mixed paths and tracks, with some ascent and potentially muddy sections. Suitable for those with moderate fitness and proper walking shoes.
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By bicycle
Cycling from Kirkwall to the parking area on Wideford Hill is straightforward on the A965, but the final approach to the viewpoint is on a rough, often muddy path unsuitable for road bikes. Mountain or hybrid bikes are better, and riders should be prepared to carry or push their bike on the steeper, uneven sections near the cairn.
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Public transport
Regular local buses run between Kirkwall and Finstown along the A965, but they do not stop directly at Wideford Hill. The nearest practical access is to alight in Kirkwall and walk or cycle to the hill, as there is no direct bus stop at the parking area or viewpoint.
Wideford Hill Scenic View location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Wideford Hill Scenic View
A Hilltop with Orkney in the Palm of Your Hand
Standing on Wideford Hill, the landscape of Orkney’s Mainland unfolds in every direction. To the west, Kirkwall spreads out along the shore of the Bay of Firth, its rooftops and spires framed by the water and the distant hills beyond. To the east, the land rolls gently toward Finstown and the interior of the island, dotted with fields, stone walls, and the occasional farmstead. The hill itself is a rounded, grassy dome, rising to a modest height but offering a surprisingly commanding perspective over this part of Orkney. It’s a place where the scale of the island becomes clear, and the relationship between sea, settlement, and ancient monuments feels tangible.Views That Tell Orkney’s Story
The panorama from Wideford Hill is more than just scenery; it’s a window into Orkney’s geography and history. On clear days, the outline of the Bay of Firth is sharp, with the water catching the light and reflecting the sky. Across the bay, the slopes of other hills rise, and on the horizon, the sea glimmers where the North Atlantic meets the island’s edge. This vantage point also looks out toward other Neolithic sites, including Cuween Hill, whose chambered cairn sits on a neighbouring ridge. The sense of being in a landscape shaped by millennia of human presence is strong here, where ancient burial places were deliberately placed to overlook the land and sea their builders knew so well.Approach and Atmosphere
The hill is approached from the road between Kirkwall and Finstown, with a small parking area nearby for those arriving by car. From there, a well-used but often rough and sometimes muddy path leads up the slopes. The walk is not long, but it is steady, and the ground can be slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is essential. As you climb, the views gradually open up, and the sounds of the town fade, replaced by the wind, the calls of birds, and the quiet of the open hillside. The atmosphere is one of solitude and exposure, typical of Orkney’s uplands, where the weather can change quickly and the elements feel close at hand.A Place for Quiet Contemplation
Wideford Hill is not a manicured viewpoint with railings and information boards; it is a natural, unspoiled spot that rewards a slow, attentive visit. It’s ideal for sitting quietly, watching the light shift across the land and water, or simply breathing in the clean, often bracing air. Photographers will appreciate the wide angles and changing moods of the landscape, while walkers enjoy it as a natural high point on routes between Kirkwall and the surrounding countryside. The nearby chambered cairn adds a layer of depth, reminding visitors that this hill has been a significant place for thousands of years, long before modern roads and towns existed.Practical Considerations for Visitors
There are no facilities at the hilltop itself; the nearest toilets, cafes, and shops are in Kirkwall or Finstown. Visitors should come prepared with water, snacks, and appropriate clothing, as Orkney’s weather can turn from bright to blustery or wet in a short time. The path is generally clear but can be uneven and muddy, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. The best times to visit are in daylight hours, particularly in the late afternoon when the light is often at its most dramatic and the crowds, if any, are light. Because the site is free and open to all, it is a democratic and accessible way to experience Orkney’s landscape at its most expansive.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Orkney Hotel
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Bothy Bar
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Helgi's
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Dil Se Restaurant
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Twenty One
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The Shore
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Trenabies Cafe Bistro
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Pomona Cafe
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The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
