Bay of Greentoft, War Ness and Ward Hill Loop

This easy loop on Eday packs a surprising amount into roughly 7 km / 4.3 miles, with only about 100 m / 330 ft of ascent. It begins at the end of the public road by the Bay of Greentoft, on the south end of the island near Greentoft, Eday, Orkney, close to the small parking area where the road finishes. The route combines a low coastal section around War Ness with a short inland climb to Ward Hill, giving a good mix of shoreline walking, open moor, farmland, and wide island views. The walking itself is not technically difficult, but the ground can be uneven, wet, and tussocky in places, so it feels more like a proper island ramble than a manicured path. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From the start near Bay of Greentoft, the route heads out along a vehicle track and then follows the coast toward War Ness, the southern point of Eday. This first section is fairly gentle and low-lying, with sea views almost immediately. Expect grassy coastal walking, some stiles or gates, and sections where the path is less distinct underfoot. The cliffs and rocky inlets here are one of the highlights of the walk, and care is needed near the edge because parts of the coastline are brittle and outward-sloping. In calm weather this stretch feels open and expansive; in wind, it can feel much more exposed than the modest distance suggests. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Terrain and what to expect

The loop is usually completed in around 2 to 3 hours over about 6.5 to 7 km / 4 to 4.3 miles, with total ascent around 110 m / 360 ft. Most hikers will find the climbing straightforward, but the challenge comes from the surface rather than the gradient. Coastal grass can be lumpy, moorland sections may be boggy, and farm ground can be soft after rain. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice even on a short outing, and gaiters can be useful if conditions are wet. Because this is an exposed Orkney island route, windproof layers matter just as much as waterproofs. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

After rounding the coastal section, the route turns inland near Dyke End, passing through a gate and following a drystone dyke toward an old sheepfold. From there, the walk climbs gently across open hill ground to Ward Hill, Eday, the island’s modest summit. This is not the famous higher Ward Hill on Hoy, but Eday’s own hilltop viewpoint, marked by a substantial cairn. The ascent is short, and the reward is a broad panorama across the North Isles. On a clear day, the views stretch over neighboring islands and surrounding sea lanes, which gives the walk a much bigger feel than its statistics suggest. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Navigation is generally straightforward in good visibility, especially where tracks, dykes, and field boundaries help guide the way, but the open ground can feel vague in mist or low cloud. For planning and on-route mapping, HiiKER is the best tool to use. It is worth checking the line of the return carefully, as the route passes back toward the farm at Greentoft and through working land where it is important to follow access routes respectfully. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Wildlife, landscape, and landmarks

War Ness is one of the most memorable parts of the walk for wildlife. Seals are often seen hauled out around the point, and the coastal cliffs support seabirds, especially in the breeding season. The wider island is also known for rich birdlife, and Eday has been noted for an impressive population of red-throated divers elsewhere on the island, which speaks to the quality of the habitats here. Even on this short loop, hikers should keep an eye out for waders, gulls, skuas, and passing sea birds, particularly in spring and summer. Binoculars are well worth carrying if wildlife is a priority. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The landscape changes quickly over the course of the route. The Bay of Greentoft gives you a softer opening of beach and low shore, while War Ness feels more rugged and marine-exposed. Inland, the route crosses a patchwork of grazed fields and heather moorland before reaching