Deerness

Orkney


A narrow spit joins this peninsula to the eastern edge of Mainland. You reach the end of the road at Mull Head. A short walk from the car park brings you to the Gloup, a spectacular natural arch and narrow channel. Beyond here, a half-mile cliff walk brings you to the Brough of Deerness, an islet/stack that was an important Viking settlement.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Orkney attractions

1. Mine Howe

3.54 MILES

On a farm at Tankerness, the mysterious Iron Age site of Mine Howe is an eerie underground chamber, about 1.5m in diameter and 4m high. Its function is…

2. Italian Chapel

6.01 MILES

The Italian Chapel is all that remains of a POW camp that housed the Italian soldiers who worked on the Churchill Barriers. They built the chapel in their…

3. Highland Park Distillery

7.49 MILES

This distillery, South of Kirkwall's centre, is great to visit. Despite a dodgy Viking rebrand, it's a serious distillery that malts its own barley; see…

4. Earl's Palace

7.89 MILES

The intriguing Earl’s Palace was once known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. One room features an interesting history…

5. Bishop's Palace

7.93 MILES

Right opposite St Magnus Cathedral, the ruined but attractive Bishop’s Palace was built in the mid-12th century for Bishop William the Old. There’s a good…

6. St Magnus Cathedral

7.94 MILES

Constructed from local red sandstone, Kirkwall's centrepiece, dating from the early 12th century, is among Scotland's most interesting cathedrals. The…

7. Orkney Museum

7.97 MILES

This labyrinthine display in a former merchant’s house gives an overview of Orcadian history and prehistory, including Pictish carvings and a display on…

8. Fossil & Heritage Centre

8.02 MILES

This eclectic museum is a great visit, combining some excellent 360-million-year-old Devonian fish fossils found locally with a well-designed exhibition…