Camping in Westray
At the edge of the archipelago, discover the best Orkney has to offer and an island uniquely its own.
Westray camping guide
Where to go
Pierowall
The heart of Westray is the harbourside village of Pierowall. Walk along the half-moon bay past St Mary’s Kirk, local shops selling fresh food and artisan wares, and the Heritage Centre, a museum depicting the life and work of islanders across the centuries. The Westray Wife, a Neolithic figurine uncovered in an archaeological dig nearby, is the star of the collection.
Noup Head
Follow a 6.5-kilometre loop walk along Westray’s northwest headland and discover a coastline teeming with life. From late spring through mid-summer the RSPB reserve’s heathland and cliffs are home to nesting seabirds like fulmars, gannets and razorbills. In the sea below, spot seals, dolphins, and even migrating whales depending on the season. Hike the sloping hill toward Noup Head Lighthouse, built by the famed Lighthouse Stevenson’s, and enjoy views back to the Brough of Birsay on Orkney mainland.
Noltland Castle
There are no ticket lines keeping the occasional visitor away from the 16th century castle just inland of Pierowall. The sandstone castle was built for Gilbert Balfour, a notorious member of Mary Queen of Scot’s entourage who was eventually charged with treason before fleeing to Sweden. Though he did take up residence in half of the castle before that, it was never fully completed. Explore the chambered kitchen and storerooms, then scale the grand sandstone stair and emerge in a hall that stands open to the heavens, just as it has for centuries.
Castle o’Burrian
Near the southern tip of the island is one of the best places in all of Orkney for spotting Puffins. The squat sea stack and former hermitage is home to several hundred nesting birds from late spring through summer. A 5.6-km loop walk from Rapness Mill passes by the sea stack en route to the Bay of Tafts.
