Top 5 East Mainland Sights & Activities
It’s about time we dedicated a blog to Orkney’s East Mainland. If you’re planning to visit Orkney, there’s plenty to see and do over on this side of the island. We may be a little biased, but it has some of the best, unique views and stunning walks.
While it’s hard to pick favourites, we’ve put together this list of 8 places to visit across the East Mainland with a few bonus tips included too.
The Gloup and Mull Head in Deerness
This has to be my favourite walk in Deerness. The Gloup is an absolute must-see – it’s a spectacular sea cave and you can look down across it and watch the waves churn beneath you. Even on a calm still day, the waves are constantly moving.
From there, you have a stunning clifftop walk which will take you to the Brough of Deerness and then onwards all the way to the Mull head.
You’ll get a view of the island of Copinsay, and as you continue you’ll see Auskerry and Stronsay across the water – and incredible sea views the whole way.
There’s an interpretation centre next to the carpark, which is free to enter, where you can learn about the local birds and wildlife in the area.
There’s also public toilets there too – a handy bonus!
The Mull head itself is a nature reserve, so take care to stick to the paths so you don’t disturb ground-nesting birds.
Top tip: recharge with a coffee and cake at the Dashing Deer Kitchen which is also the Deerness Gin Distillery.
2. Dingieshowe Beach
Dingieshowe is situated just as you drive into Deerness.
Hidden from view on the road, it’s sheltered by unique sand dunes. Once you climb up the steps and reach the top, you’re treated to a gorgeous view of the bay – with a wide stretch of sand and clifftops to the left.
It’s a great place to see the waves in the sea, especially on a windy day! Or to take a dip on a calm summer’s day.
If you walk towards the cliffs, there’s a path you can follow with a wooden set of steps that will take you up to a stunning view point which is the perfect place to watch the sun set.
Dingieshowe is also a popular place for camping during the summer months. There’s a decent stretch of flat ground which is ideal for pitching a tent, and there’s public toilets at the carpark.
Top tip: The carpark is quite small and can fill up quickly during the summer. If there’s no room, keep driving into Deerness to the Geo at Newark Bay – another beautiful beach you can check out.
Then you’ll pass Dingieshowe again on your way out, so you may as well try again!
3. Roseness, Holm
A little off the beaten track, Roseness is another beautiful coastal walk where you can take in the views across the East Mainland and just soak up the surrounding nature and peace and quiet.
There are several historical points of interest to see here too, including a gloup, the remains of a Neolithic Cairn, a lighthouse and a large stone tower which was thought to be used as a navigation aid.
While it’s full of interesting sights, and incredible views, it’s often quiet and you might have a chance to get the place entirely to yourself!
Top tip: If you’re walking during the day, drop by our Barrier View cafe afterwards for lunch or a coffee, which is just on the edge of St Mary’s village.
4. Rerwick Head, Tankerness
Rerwick Head is another hidden gem, and it’s one of the most impressive sites to explore the wartime history of Orkney.
Situated across the water from the island of Shapinsay, it’s an old gun battery camp and many of the original buildings are still intact.
You can wander around and look at them up close, while enjoying panoramic views across the sea.
You’ll see the lookout points, and a variety of different buildings– including the remains of the large gun batteries that were used during the war.
It’s a lovely place to enjoy a walk too. There’s plenty of seabirds, clifftops and seals to spot in the water.
Top tip: To get there, you’ll drive down a track road which will take you to a small parking area next to the old stone cottage at the bottom of the road. Follow the sign for Rerwick and you can’t go wrong!
5. The Italian Chapel
The Italian Chapel is one of the most popular attractions in Orkney. Built during the second World War by Italian prisoners of war, it became a place of hope and worship amid the hardship of those years.
The chapel is a unique. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture with stunning artwork inside the interior, which was painted by the artist and prisoner of war Domenico Chiocchetti.
It also benefits from stunning views across the Churchill barriers which are another must-see if you’re travelling to Orkney.
Top tip: the third barrier beach is a fantastic location to visit, and to swim in the sea! After exploring the Italian chapel, continue driving to Weddel Bay on the island of Glimps Holm where you’ll also see one of the famous blockship wrecks.
This was a very quick, whistlestop tour of some of the best spots in the East Mainland. There are many more, but hopefully these picks will give you a great starting point to come out East and explore this part of Orkney’s Mainland.
See you around!