On Westray, historic remains range from traces of prehistoric settlements to churches and buildings from later centuries. The coast offers another highlight: the Westray West Coast Walk follows cliffs and sea-sculpted rocks to the island’s highest point. The Westray Heritage Centre complements your exploration with information about walks and a collection of finds from Westray.
Archaeological Sites and Building History
Noltland Castle was built from 1560 by Sir Gilbert Balfour. The Z-shaped castle is of national importance for understanding domestic and military architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its main building has 71 gun loops arranged in rows—a striking detail for anyone interested in the construction of historic castles.
Links of Noltland is a well-preserved agricultural settlement dating from a long period: its dates range from around 3300 BC to 800 BC. Neolithic remains include twelve buildings and the figurine known as the “Westray Wifie.” This is distinct from the Bronze Age settlement at Grobust Bay, considered the largest Bronze Age settlement in Orkney. Westray therefore offers a chance to explore different archaeological periods without confusing the two sites.
The churches also tell different stories of construction. Westside Church is a roofless medieval church with an adjoining graveyard; its oldest section is believed to date from the 12th century. It is of national importance as one of several surviving small Romanesque churches in Orkney. Pierowall Church was first built in the 13th century and extensively rebuilt in the 17th century. Its old graveyard lies in an area that had been inhabited at least since the Norse settlement of Orkney.
Discover the Heritage Centre and Galleries
The Westray Heritage Centre serves as an information point for the island. At reception, you can get information about walks and other offerings on Westray. The collection includes fish and plant fossils as well as geological finds; all were collected on Westray. All public areas of the centre are wheelchair accessible.
The Westray Gallery showcases work by local artists. Near the airfield, the Wheeling Steen Gallery displays works by local artist Edwin Rendall. Opening arrangements may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Cliffs, Seabirds and Fitty Hill
The Westray West Coast Walk follows the Atlantic-facing cliffs, past sea-sculpted rock formations and seabird colonies. The route leads to Fitty Hill, the island’s highest point. From there, the view extends as far as the Shetland Islands. Noup Head Lighthouse is another notable coastal landmark: the Stevenson lighthouse, built in 1898, stands almost 80 metres above sea level.
Numerous seabirds can be seen below the lighthouse, including kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. Puffins can be seen there in summer; the presence and abundance of species may vary. If you would prefer to explore the coastal landscape as part of a guided tour, you could consider tours with Westraak Tours to highlights such as Noltland Castle and Noup Head. Confirm availability before your trip.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
Orkney Ferries operates daily return sailings between Kirkwall and Westray. Check the latest timetable before travelling. Daily passenger sailings to Papa Westray run between Gill Pier on Westray and Papa Westray. The scheduled flight between the islands normally takes about 90 seconds; check the latest flight and ferry timetables here too.
The Westray Bus operates as a hail-and-ride service: passengers can get on and off along the route. Check the latest service information before travelling. If you are looking for a holiday rental on Westray, it may help to decide on your priorities first: would you like to focus on archaeological sites and churches, or are you mainly interested in the coastal route and seabirds? You can also factor the connection to Papa Westray into your plans.
More Activities and Local Produce
Paddling is possible at Grobust Beach; suitable conditions depend on the weather and tides. The Westray Golf Club course offers sea views and is about a ten-minute walk from Pierowall. Confirm visitor arrangements locally. To sample local produce, Pierowall Fish Ltd. sells traditionally smoked salmon and scallops. Westray Chutney makes chutneys and preserves from local vegetables and other ingredients. Product availability may change; check locally for details.
Discover more destinations: Finstown, Orphir, Burray Village, Orkney, Stromness, Hackness, Tingwall, Kirkwall.
Return to the main travel guide: Orkney Islands.
