Kitchener Memorial, Marwick Head and Latha Skerry Loop

This easy coastal loop on Orkney’s West Mainland packs a lot into roughly 6 km / 3.7 miles, with only about 100 m / 330 ft of ascent, but it feels far bigger because of the open sea views, high cliffs, wartime history and constant birdlife. The route is generally straightforward on clear paths and tracks, starting near the small parking area at Cumlaquoy, Birsay, Orkney KW17 2NB, which is the usual access point for Marwick Head. The terrain is mostly grassy and uneven rather than steep, so the challenge comes less from climbing and more from exposure to wind, cliff edges and wet ground after rain. (orkney.com)

From the start, the walk heads out across open coastal farmland toward Marwick Head, with a gradual rise that never feels especially strenuous. Over the first 1.5 to 2 km / 0.9 to 1.2 miles, you gain most of the route’s elevation as the land lifts toward the headland. The gradients are mild, making this a good option for walkers who want dramatic scenery without a long or punishing ascent. Underfoot, expect a mix of short turf, worn earth paths and occasionally boggy patches, especially in wetter spells. Good waterproof footwear is usually more useful here than heavy boots. (orkney.com)

Clifftop walking and key landmarks

The defining feature of the route is the approach to Marwick Head, where cliffs rise to nearly 90 m / 295 ft above the Atlantic. This is where the walk becomes most memorable. The sea opens out to the west, the coastline runs away in long red-sandstone lines, and the sense of exposure increases noticeably. In calm weather it can feel expansive and peaceful; in strong wind it can feel wild and serious. Care is essential here, because the cliff edge is fragile in places and erosion can make apparently solid ground unsafe. Keep well back from the edge, especially if walking with children or in poor visibility. (orkney.com)

The most prominent landmark is the Kitchener Memorial, a 48-foot / 14.6 m stone tower standing on the headland. It was built to commemorate Field Marshal Lord Kitchener and the men lost when HMS Hampshire struck a mine and sank off this coast on 5 June 1916. The loss was enormous: 737 people died and only 12 survived. The memorial was unveiled on 2 July 1926, and a commemorative wall was later added to record all those who died in the disaster. This gives the walk a strong historical dimension; the landscape is not only scenic but also a place of remembrance tied directly to the First World War and Orkney’s long relationship with the sea. (en.wikipedia.org)

Depending on the exact line of the loop, you may also get views out toward the skerries and offshore stacks associated with Latha Skerry, adding to the feeling of remoteness. The route is not mountainous, but the sea-cliff setting makes it feel rugged and elemental.

Wildlife and seasonal interest

Marwick Head is one of Orkney’s standout seabird sites. In late spring and summer, the cliffs become crowded with breeding birds, and this is one of the main reasons many walkers come here. Fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and kittiwakes are all regularly seen on the cliffs, and the area is widely recognized for its large seabird colony. In the right season, the air can be full of movement and noise, with birds wheeling below eye level and out over the sea. (orkney.com)

Away from the cliff colony, the surrounding coast and bays can also attract waders and sea ducks. Around nearby Marwick Bay, birds such as curlew, wigeon and red-breasted merganser are noted, so it is worth scanning both the sea and the shore as you walk. Even outside peak seabird season, the headland remains rewarding for coastal views, changing light and the chance of seeing passing marine life offshore. (northlinkferries.co.uk)

Because this is an exposed headland, weather shapes the experience more than the distance does. Windproof layers are important year-round, and even on a mild day the clifftops can feel much colder than inland areas. In mist, navigation becomes less obvious across open ground, so carrying and checking the route on HiiKER is sensible before setting out.

Route character and what to expect

Although rated easy, this is best thought of as an easy walk in good conditions rather than