Yesnaby
Red sandstone sea cliffs and sea stacks on Mainland's west coast, battered by crashing waves. Grassy clifftops bloom with Scottish primroses in summer, making it a great spot for sunset photography.
Yesnaby is the most dramatic stretch of cliffs on Orkney's west coast. Layers of sandstone have been carved by the waves into sea arches, sea caves, and sea stacks. About 1 km south on foot, you reach the famous Yesnaby Castle, a pair of legs-shaped sea stacks. In summer, the clifftop grass blooms with the rare Scottish primrose. Remains of a World War II gun battery stand beside the car park. There are no railings along the cliff edges, so take care when it is windy. It is about 5 km from Skara Brae, so you can easily visit both.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Skara Brae
- Skaill House
- Marwick Head
- Pier Arts Centre
- Stromness
- Stromness Museum
- Unstan Chambered Cairn
- Earl's Palace, Birsay