A Stroll around Shapinsay
Summer:
- Beautiful wildflower meadows
- Natural soundscape
- Variety of birds including waders, ducks and raptors
- Harbour seals
- Visit the RSPB Mill Dam hide and reserve
Winter:
- Winter migrants including Whooper swans, Long-tailed ducks and Goldeneyes
- Visit the RSPB Mill Dam hide and reserve
- Look for Turnstones, Redshanks and other waders on the rocky shores
- Natural soundscape
- Harbour and Grey seals
A Stroll Around Shapinsay is a lovely day trip to an island which we can visit all year round as the wildlife changes with the seasons. Shapinsay is only a short ferry crossing from Kirkwall, making it easily accessible especially for those using public transport.
Our day will begin with the ferry crossing from Kirkwall where we will look out for ducks and seabirds, while admiring the views of Kirkwall behind us and Shapinsay ahead.
“Fascinating trip with Megan to Shapinsay”
“Great day in Shapinsay. A peaceful and gentle excursion”
Whatever the season, or weather, there is always something interesting to see on the island of Shapinsay, including the Harbour seals around the village.
We will meet at 9.30am at the Shapinsay pier, Kirkwall. Please wait at the top of the pier and do not board the ferry without me. There is a waiting room with toilets, if the weather is too bad to wait outside. We will board the ferry as a group and weather permitting, we will be out on deck on the crossing (approx 25 minutes) looking for seabirds.
When we arrive on Shapinsay, we will make our way to the waiting room where we can use the toilets and I will go through some information with you before we set off on our walk.
Summer – Between April and October our route takes us along quiet farm tracks with colourful verges to a secluded beach where we can enjoy our picnic lunch listening to the waves lapping, and the sounds of nature. Our return route takes us off-piste through wildflower meadows, and we will visit the RSPB Mill Dam reserve on our way back to the ferry. Length approx. 6 miles 1st April to 23rd October 2026– meet 9.30am and return 5.10pm
Winter – We will follow a route which includes Balfour village, a visit to Vasa Loch, where we can see winter visitors such as Whooper swans, Long-tailed ducks, Goldeneyes and Turnstones, and we will also visit the RSPB Mill Dam reserve where we can sit in the comfort of a hide and watch the ducks, geese and swans. Length approx. 5 miles. 26th October 2026 to 26th March 2027 – meet 9.30am and return 3.40pm
- Walking boots/shoes - preferably waterproof
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing/layers including hats & gloves
- Walking poles - if you normally use them
- Binoculars and a camera if you have them
- A packed lunch and plenty of fluids
Q. Are there public toilets nearby?
A. Yes, there are public toilets beside the Shapinsay Pier in Kirkwall, on board the ferry and in Balfour village on Shapinsay. Once we set off on our walk there are no public toilets until we return to the pier.
Q. Can I use public transport for this walk?
A. Yes, this day trip starts from Kirkwall so you can use the public bus service to get to Kirkwall. The Shapinsay pier is just a 5 minute walk from the bus station.
Q. Do we need to book the ferry ourselves?
A. No, your ferry ticket is included in the price and we will book the ferry for the whole group so you don't need to worry about it.
Q. Is there a minimum number of people required for this walk?
A. No, we do not require a minimum number for the Shapinsay trip.
Q. Can we take our dog on this walk?
If you need to cancel your wildlife walk, please let us know at least 7 days in advance by email. The following will apply according to the date we receive your email:
- If notified 7 days in advance of your booking you will receive a full refund
- If notified less than 7 days in advance of your booking you will not receive a refund
- If you fail to show up for your wildlife walk at the agree time/meeting location you will not receive a refund
- If your clothing/equipment is deemed to be inadequate or unsafe, Wild Orkney Walks reserves the right to cancel your walk/tour without a refund.
Wild Orkney Walks reserves the right to change or cancel walks if there is bad weather forecast. Please be aware that we will only cancel if the weather forecast will make it unsafe to be out. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered a choice:
- An alternative time/date
- A walk in a different location
- An alternative activity, ie a visit to a hide
- A full refund if none of the above is suitable
We reserve the right to change walks or itineraries in the light of prevailing weather or other safety reasons. Being on foot in remote and/or rugged country is potentially hazardous by its nature and participants must accept a certain element of risk. In the interest of safety, you must agree to abide by the decisions of your Walking Guide, who has full liability insurance.
Wild Orkney Walks shall not be liable for any consequential loss or damage arising from the cancellation, interruption, delay or alteration of or to any walk.
You are advised to take out travel insurance to cover any cancellation fees.
All refunds will be £ sterling and any fluctuation in exchange rates will not be our responsibility.
