The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Loch of Wasbister

This guide highlights three family-friendly hiking routes in the wider Orkney Islands area, offering a mix of easy and moderate options suitable for various family abilities. These include coastal walks and island explorations.

The island of Rousay, where Loch of Wasbister is located, offers a diverse landscape. You can expect undulating moorland, coastal paths with cliffs and arches, and old peat tracks. While the specific routes in this guide are located elsewhere in the Orkney Islands, they feature varied terrain from sandy beaches to gentle inclines, ensuring an engaging experience for families.

Yes, the Orkney Islands are rich in history and natural beauty. For example, the routes near Evie feature the impressive Broch of Gurness, an ancient Iron Age settlement. The island of Rousay itself is known for its archaeological sites, including crannogs on Loch of Wasbister and other Neolithic and Iron Age structures, earning it the nickname 'Egypt of the North'. While the specific routes in this guide are not directly on Rousay, they offer similar historical insights.

Spring and summer are generally the best times for family walks in the Orkney Islands. During these months, you can enjoy milder weather, longer daylight hours, and the chance to spot unique flora like wild squill and primula scotica. It's also a prime time for birdwatching, with species like red-throated divers breeding on Loch of Wasbister.

Yes, this guide includes circular routes perfect for families. For instance, the Broch of Gurness – Sands of Evie Beach loop from Broch of Gurness settlement is an easy circular hike, and the Sands of Evie Beach – Broch of Gurness loop from Evie offers a slightly more moderate circular option.

Many trails in the Orkney Islands are dog-friendly, but it's always important to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. On Rousay, where Loch of Wasbister is located, responsible dog ownership is encouraged to protect wildlife. Always check local signage and consider keeping your dog on a leash.

The Orkney Islands are a haven for wildlife. Around Loch of Wasbister and Rousay, you might spot red-throated divers, arctic skuas, hen harriers, and short-eared owls, particularly in areas like Trumland Nature Reserve. Seals are also prominent at nearby Saviskaill Bay. On coastal walks, keep an eye out for various seabirds.

Access to Rousay, where Loch of Wasbister is located, is primarily via ferry from Tingwall on Mainland Orkney. Once on Rousay, public transport options are limited, so having a car or planning for local taxis might be necessary to reach specific trailheads. For the routes listed in this guide on Mainland Orkney and Egilsay, local bus services might be available, but checking schedules in advance is recommended.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in this region, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the rich historical sites encountered along the way, and the peaceful, unspoiled nature of the trails, making them ideal for family adventures.

For families looking for a longer adventure, the Egilsay Island tour — Orkney Islands offers a moderate 10.6 km hike. This route provides a comprehensive exploration of the island, combining scenic views with a good physical challenge suitable for older children and active families.

While Rousay itself has limited facilities, there are local shops and cafes available. For more extensive options, you'll find a wider range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation on Mainland Orkney, particularly in towns like Kirkwall and Stromness. It's advisable to check opening times, especially during off-peak seasons.