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
Noup Cliffs
Noup Head lighthouseOpenSee opening timesTowering above the churning sea below, Noup Cliffs are a paradise for bird lovers. Watch seabirds nesting, diving and soaring around the cliffs, and keep an eye out for dolphins in the sea.
About
Discover a seabird city on a spectacular walk along the top of Noup Cliffs, 76 metres above the churning ocean. Below you on the cliffs, Gannets, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Razorbills will be nesting. Puffins are seen daily, and whales and dolphins are occasionally spotted, and don't forget to look for the delicate wildflowers, which grow along this wildest of wild coastal paths.
Visit in June to enjoy the frenetic activity of the seabird city at its best with the sights, sounds and smells of thousands of seabirds rushing to raise their chicks before returning to sea for the winter.
At a glance
5 spaces. The spaces are in unmarked bays by the lighthouse (grid ref: HY393499). No height restrictions. No lighting. The gravel road to the reserve entrance should only be attempted in a 4x4 vehicle.
There are no toilets here. Please contact Orkney Islands Council on 01856 873535 for details of accessible toilets on Orkney.
No known baby changing facility nearby. Please contact Orkney Islands Council on 01856 873535 for details of baby changing facilities on Orkney.
Rough and uneven grass terrain on path which can be wet and boggy. No stiles or steps, but a kissing gate along Noup Cliff top trail. Detailed descriptions are available in our access statement: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-noup-cliffs
Rough and uneven grass terrain on path which can be wet and boggy. No stiles or steps, but a kissing gate along Noup Cliff top trail. Detailed descriptions are available in our access statement: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-noup-cliffs
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets (no accessible facilities) are at Pierowall village, 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.
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) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Noup Cliffs
orkney@rspb.org.uk Noup Cliffs, Orkney, Orkney Island, KW17 2DW 01856 850176