Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Marwick Head
MarwickOpenSee opening timesDiscover a spectacular seabird city at Marwick Head, with breathtaking views along the Orkney coastline.
About
With a blue sky above, an azure sea, a carpet of colourful flowers and the commotion of the seabird colony below, is there a better place to spend a sunny afternoon?
There's a spectacular walk from the car park along the bay, which takes you up the cliffs to the Kitchener memorial. From the viewpoint at the top, you can look right into the heart of the seabird colony and see impressive numbers of nesting birds, whilst gulls and skuas patrol the skies. The reserve is also home to the Great Yellow Bumblebee, a rare bee whose UK population is only found in northern Scotland.
In winter, wading birds including Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers and Ringed Plovers gather on the shore at the Choin to roost and feed, and sea ducks are plentiful offshore.
At a glance
Ample car parking at Marwick Bay. Alternative car parking for around 6 cars at Cumlaquoy.
No height restrictions. No lighting. Marwick Bay car park has a rough, hardcore surface. Cumlaquoy car park has a rough surface.
The nearest RADAR scheme accessible toilets are at the Bay of Skaill, 4.1 miles (6.6km) to the south of the reserve.
No known baby-changing facilities nearby.
The path up to the cliff top on this reserve is grassy with some steep inclines. It can be wet and slippery. Two narrow kissing gates on second half of the trail.
The path up to the cliff top on this reserve is grassy with some steep inclines. It can be wet and slippery. Two narrow kissing gates on second half of the trail.
Nearest toilets, without accessible facilities, are at Palace Village in Birsay, 4 miles (6.5 km) away. Open 24 hours.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Marwick Head
orkney@rspb.org.uk Marwick Head, Orkney, Orkney Islands, KW17 2NB 01856 850176