The best MTB trails in Orkney islands

There are 5 mountain bike trails listed in the Orkney Islands, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes allow you to explore the diverse landscapes and historical sites of the archipelago.

The Orkney Islands offer diverse terrain, from rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs to rolling hills and expansive moorlands. While much of the archipelago is relatively low-lying, the island of Hoy presents more challenging, hilly landscapes. You'll encounter quiet country roads, dedicated island routes, and some singletrack, often characterized by the Old Red Sandstone geology.

Yes, there are trails suitable for beginners and families. For example, the route Earl's Palace, Kirkwall – St Magnus Cathedral loop from The Pickaquoy Centre is rated as easy, covering 15.4 miles (24.8 km). Another easy option is the Standing Stones of Stenness – View of Loch of Stenness loop from Mill of Eyrland, which is 15.4 miles (24.7 km) and leads through ancient historical sites.

While there are no routes explicitly rated as 'difficult' in this guide, several moderate trails offer a good challenge. The From Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae loop is a moderate 35.3-mile (56.9 km) route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, connecting the coastal town of Stromness with ancient Neolithic sites. The island of Hoy also offers more rugged and hilly terrain for those seeking a greater challenge.

The Orkney Islands are rich in natural beauty and landmarks. You can encounter dramatic coastlines, sea stacks like the Old Man of Hoy and Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack, and unique geological formations. The From Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae loop passes by the expansive Loch Harray, a distinctive feature of West Orkney Mainland.

Absolutely. The Orkney Islands are renowned for their ancient history. The From Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae loop takes you past the ancient Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Another route, the Standing Stones of Stenness – View of Loch of Stenness loop, leads directly through the area of the Standing Stones of Stenness and near the Ring of Brodgar. You can also find chambered cairns like Unstan Cairn and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn.

Yes, the Orkney Islands are a haven for wildlife. The coastal cliffs provide vital nesting sites for numerous seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Offshore, you might spot seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Keep an eye out, especially on routes that hug the coastline.

Yes, all the mountain bike routes highlighted in this guide are circular. Examples include the From Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae loop and the Earl's Palace, Kirkwall – St Magnus Cathedral loop, both designed to bring you back to your starting point.

Parking availability varies by trail. Many routes start from towns or specific points of interest where public parking is typically available. For instance, the Kirkwall loops often start from The Pickaquoy Centre, which likely has parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking details before your ride.

While many trails in the Orkney Islands are suitable for dogs, it's important to be mindful of local regulations, especially concerning livestock and wildlife. Always keep dogs under control, preferably on a lead, particularly in farming areas or near bird nesting sites. Some routes may pass through nature reserves where specific rules apply.

The mountain bike trails in the Orkney Islands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 5 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique blend of rugged coastal scenery, diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to explore ancient historical sites while riding.

The duration of mountain bike trails in the Orkney Islands varies depending on the route length and your pace. For example, the moderate From Stromness to Loch Harray and Skara Brae loop, at 35.3 miles (56.9 km), typically takes around 3 hours 49 minutes. Shorter, easy routes like the Standing Stones of Stenness – View of Loch of Stenness loop (15.4 miles / 24.7 km) can be completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.

The best time for mountain biking in the Orkney Islands is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you'll experience longer daylight hours and more favorable weather conditions. However, be prepared for the 'Orcadian breeze' which can be a challenge at any time of year. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder, wetter, and windier conditions.