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The Leeniesdale Walk

This walk takes you along tracks made for the removal of peat by cutters

using the peat banks on the hill. For many centuries this was the primary

source of fuel in the treeless landscape of Orkney. Therefore Eday peat has

always been a valuable asset, particularly as not every island had its own

supply. The hillside vegetation is typically dominated by Ling and Crowberry

is also common. Bell-heather is found in the drier areas whereas

Cross-leaved Heath thrives in wetter patches. Cotton Grass give a display

of fluffy white seed heads and the leaves create an russet hue over the moor.

Curlew, Oystercatcher, Short-eared Owl, Arctic Skua, Bonxies, Wheatear and

Twite are among the many species of bird that can be seen.

By taking a small detour to the left of the main path you can see a kissing

gate, approximately 125 years old. Although the path is no longer clear,

the gate marks the route taken by school children from the west of the

island. Before the west side road was built, they would have walked over

the hill to South School which is still in use today. The longer walk

continues up through the peat cuttings and passes near water storage tanks

before returning to the pub via the road.

This walk can be linked to the Warness Walk (route 1). Follow the

signposts from the kissing gate, over the heath to Ward Hill.