A walking guide for the island of Rousay

Walking has always been one of the best ways to explore an unknown land. Go through our walking guide once and then head on to the green landscapes of the island of Rousay. Also, take your camera with you to capture some beautiful photographs of the places you visit. For more details, email Visit Rousay.

Walk across a beautiful countryside

Exploring on foot combines the pleasures of the senses and an intimacy with the environment which many visitors find so fulfilling. 

Birds and wildlife abound, and in Spring and Summer the verges, cliffs and hillsides are carpeted with delicate but determined wild squill, grass of parnassus, thrift, birdsfoot trefoil, eyebright, and the rare primula scotica amongst many others. Choose walks which link ancient sites, which allow glimpses of wildlife, or which simply offer stunning views.

Remember to follow the Countryside Code at all times.

Have a wonderful time and please enjoy all the wonderful sights Rousay has to offer.
Walk Orkney Walk Highlands

The Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre Walking Guide

This year the Rousay Community Association SCIO, with generous funding from the

North Isles Landscape Partnership (NILPS), have reprinted the walking guide.

Amendments were made this print run to include the REWDT "Heart if Rousay Boardwalk".

You can pick up a copy of the guide from the Rousay Heritage Centre and the Kirkwall Tourist Information Centre.

Guide for visitors

The Eleanor Barr Heart of Rousay Boardwalk

Stretching out above the cotton grass and heather is a newly opened boardwalk on a quiet hillside on Rousay. At the end of this lovely pathway that is accessible to all, is a beautiful view across to St Magnus Church on Egilsay with the northern isles of Orkney beyond.


Situated on Kingarly Hill, near the community wind turbine, the boardwalk was formerly opened by local MSP Liam MacArthur. He was joined by Trust members, locals and volunteers who had been involved in the project.



The boardwalk has been dedicated to the memory of Eleanor Barr, the Trust’s Ranger who passed away in 2022.


Want to know more about the island of Rousay?
Just email us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.