The route begins at Mill Loch. This low nutrient loch is a SSSI and home to one of the densest concentrations of breeding Red-throated Divers in the UK. These birds are shy and sensitive to disturbance so please use the bird hide to view them.
Head west along the road towards the Setter Stone. At 4.5m tall, this impressive standing stone is the tallest single monolith in Orkney. Having endured several millennia of weathering, the stone resembles a hand when viewed from certain angles.
The path continues through heathland, passing the Old School, the circular Fold of Setter, Braeside chambered cairn and Huntersquoy chambered cairn before climbing to Vinquoy Hill. The restored Vinquoy chambered cairn at the crest of the hill can be entered via a small gate. This is a tomb of Maeshowe type with 4 side chambers. It is potentially around 4000 years old and would have been used as a burial place by the local community for several hundred years. The plantation to the right of the trail was started by Samuel Laing in 1833. Initially only Larch trees were grown but there are now other species including Whitebeam and Rowan.
At the crossover point there is a lighthouse built by the engineer David Stevenson in 1909. Adjacent to this you will find the remains of wagon tracks. These are relics from a thriving peat cutting industry. At it’s peak in the mid to late 19th century, some 900 tons of peat would be cut in a single season. This would be transported to the shore in buggies along the tracks, before being shipped to Scottish whisky distilleries or used locally. Just up the hill are the remains of Noup, this farm may well pre-date Carrick House.
Taking the longer route to the magnificent Red Head, Fulmars can be seen nesting on the cliffs. Few other birds manage to lay their eggs on the narrow ledges. In contrast, the Grey Head of the Calf of Eday, on the opposite side of the Sound, supports one of Orkney’s finest seabird colonies. Puffins, Kittwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills all breed here and can therefore be seen feeding in the waters around the Red Head. Along the coast, Thrift, Spring Squill, Red and Sea Campion all manage to flourish on the exposed cliffs. Lady’s Bedstraw and Wild Thyme can be seen in the grasslands along the shore of the Calf Sound.
In May several hundred pairs of Arctic Terns arrive from the Southern Ocean to breed at the Otter’s Pool. The derelict building on the shore near here is called the ‘Fish House’ and was used as accommodation for seasonal workers involved in fish curing.
The footpath rejoins the road near Carrick House. This is a fine example of a 17th century laird’s house. It was built by John, Lord Kinclaven, Earl of Carrick. A keystone bears the date 1633. In 1853 the estate was purchased by the Hebden family who still own and occupy Carrick House.
The remainder of the walk is along quiet roads with a varied verge flora throughout the season. Look out for Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and other farmland birds.
A further alternative along this walk, is to continue from the Red Head along the northern and north western coast of the island to Linkataing Park. This route provides stunning panoramic views and spectacular coastal geology.
Head west along the road towards the Setter Stone. At 4.5m tall, this impressive standing stone is the tallest single monolith in Orkney. Having endured several millennia of weathering, the stone resembles a hand when viewed from certain angles.
The path continues through heathland, passing the Old School, the circular Fold of Setter, Braeside chambered cairn and Huntersquoy chambered cairn before climbing to Vinquoy Hill. The restored Vinquoy chambered cairn at the crest of the hill can be entered via a small gate. This is a tomb of Maeshowe type with 4 side chambers. It is potentially around 4000 years old and would have been used as a burial place by the local community for several hundred years. The plantation to the right of the trail was started by Samuel Laing in 1833. Initially only Larch trees were grown but there are now other species including Whitebeam and Rowan.
At the crossover point there is a lighthouse built by the engineer David Stevenson in 1909. Adjacent to this you will find the remains of wagon tracks. These are relics from a thriving peat cutting industry. At it’s peak in the mid to late 19th century, some 900 tons of peat would be cut in a single season. This would be transported to the shore in buggies along the tracks, before being shipped to Scottish whisky distilleries or used locally. Just up the hill are the remains of Noup, this farm may well pre-
Taking the longer route to the magnificent Red Head, Fulmars can be seen nesting on the cliffs. Few other birds manage to lay their eggs on the narrow ledges. In contrast, the Grey Head of the Calf of Eday, on the opposite side of the Sound, supports one of Orkney’s finest seabird colonies. Puffins, Kittwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills all breed here and can therefore be seen feeding in the waters around the Red Head. Along the coast, Thrift, Spring Squill, Red and Sea Campion all manage to flourish on the exposed cliffs. Lady’s Bedstraw and Wild Thyme can be seen in the grasslands along the shore of the Calf Sound.
In May several hundred pairs of Arctic Terns arrive from the Southern Ocean to breed at the Otter’s Pool. The derelict building on the shore near here is called the ‘Fish House’ and was used as accommodation for seasonal workers involved in fish curing.
The footpath rejoins the road near Carrick House. This is a fine example of a 17th century laird’s house. It was built by John, Lord Kinclaven, Earl of Carrick. A keystone bears the date 1633. In 1853 the estate was purchased by the Hebden family who still own and occupy Carrick House.
The remainder of the walk is along quiet roads with a varied verge flora throughout the season. Look out for Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and other farmland birds.
A further alternative along this walk, is to continue from the Red Head along the northern and north western coast of the island to Linkataing Park. This route provides stunning panoramic views and spectacular coastal geology.
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The Heritage Trail