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About Hobbister

Red throated diver, summer plumage, wing flapping

Image: Roger Wilmshurst

This reserve is a magical mixture of land and sea, from sea cliffs to saltmarsh, from moorland to sandflats. Stroll through the moorland and you may well see hen harriers, short-eared owls and red-throated divers, all of which nest on Orkney's moorland. And when you're admiring the beauty of the coastal walks, look out for red-breasted mergansers and black guillemots.

Opening times

Open at all times

Entrance charges

None, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcomed

Information for families

Wildlife Explorer backpacks are available from the Stromness Office. These contain binoculars, identification guides for birds and other species, bug jars etc. to help children get the most from their visit.

Information for dog owners

You are welcome to bring your dog to the reserve, but please keep them under close control at all times. Sheep graze the reserve.

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 58.945489,-3.052247
  • Grid reference: HY395069
  • Nearest town: Kirkwall, Mainland
  • County: Orkney
  • Country: Scotland

Get directions

Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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