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The Warness Walk
This walk includes many interesting features. The path crosses a small burn
which is the overflow from the Lady Well. This is the strongest spring on
Eday, producing 60 gallons (270l) of water per hour. When you reach the
Point of Warness, Common Seals can be seen, hauled out on the rocks.
Beyond the Point are the small islands of Muckle Green Holm and Little
Green Holm. Both SSSI’s (Site of Special Scientific Interest), these holms
support nationally important breeding populations of Grey Seals.
During October and November around 650 white pups are born here.
The Stretch of water between the Holms and the Point is called the Fall
of Warness and is famous for the strength of its tidal race. The site has
been chosen for the European Marine Energy Centre’s tidal energy test
facility; the first of it’s kind in the world. The devices are not visible
above the water surface but service vessels can occasionally be seen
working in the area.
The route continues around the point passing the graves of seaman from
a Swedish vessel, wrecked in 1860.
The grassy sloping cliffs along this stretch are called the Greeny Faces.
Further along the path you can view the impressive cliff-bound bay of
Dyke End. A series of earth boundaries or dykes can be seen running down
to the cliff edge. Look out for Puffins, Shags and Fulmars nesting along
this stretch of coast during the breeding season. A spectacular floral display
of Spring Squill, Thrift, Lady’s Bedstraw and Devil’s Bit Scabious grows in
succession throughout the Summer.
Cross the stile to the adjacent farmland. The longer walk leads you up the
heather clad slopes of Ward Hill which, at 101m (334 ft), is the highest point
on the island. Ward means it was a look out point and the stunning
panoramic views bear this out.
You pass an old sheep fold and shepherd’s hut before reaching Greentoft
Farm. Part of the old farm is in the tradition of a Norse longhouse it was
built in the 16th century but is now used as a byre and for storage.
The new house was built in 1895.
This walk is linked to the Leeniesdale Walk (route 4). Follow the signposts
from Ward Hill, over the heath to the old kissing gate.
which is the overflow from the Lady Well. This is the strongest spring on
Eday, producing 60 gallons (270l) of water per hour. When you reach the
Point of Warness, Common Seals can be seen, hauled out on the rocks.
Beyond the Point are the small islands of Muckle Green Holm and Little
Green Holm. Both SSSI’s (Site of Special Scientific Interest), these holms
support nationally important breeding populations of Grey Seals.
During October and November around 650 white pups are born here.
The Stretch of water between the Holms and the Point is called the Fall
of Warness and is famous for the strength of its tidal race. The site has
been chosen for the European Marine Energy Centre’s tidal energy test
facility; the first of it’s kind in the world. The devices are not visible
above the water surface but service vessels can occasionally be seen
working in the area.
The route continues around the point passing the graves of seaman from
a Swedish vessel, wrecked in 1860.
The grassy sloping cliffs along this stretch are called the Greeny Faces.
Further along the path you can view the impressive cliff-
Dyke End. A series of earth boundaries or dykes can be seen running down
to the cliff edge. Look out for Puffins, Shags and Fulmars nesting along
this stretch of coast during the breeding season. A spectacular floral display
of Spring Squill, Thrift, Lady’s Bedstraw and Devil’s Bit Scabious grows in
succession throughout the Summer.
Cross the stile to the adjacent farmland. The longer walk leads you up the
heather clad slopes of Ward Hill which, at 101m (334 ft), is the highest point
on the island. Ward means it was a look out point and the stunning
panoramic views bear this out.
You pass an old sheep fold and shepherd’s hut before reaching Greentoft
Farm. Part of the old farm is in the tradition of a Norse longhouse it was
built in the 16th century but is now used as a byre and for storage.
The new house was built in 1895.
This walk is linked to the Leeniesdale Walk (route 4). Follow the signposts
from Ward Hill, over the heath to the old kissing gate.