What's here? at Birsay Moors
Available on site
1 Blue Badge space Five spaces (unmarked) at Hillside Road picnic area (B9057). Sloping tarmac surface. Ample free parking on flat concrete surface 60m on foot from Birsay Moors hide.
Drop off and parking by hide for visitors with restricted mobility. Two spaces (unmarked) at Durkadale lay-by. No height restrictions. No lighting
A table and benches at the picnic area on Hillside Road (B9057).
The Birsay Moors hide at the top of Burgar Hill overlooking Lowrie’s water. 60m on foot or drop off by vehicle at hide entrance.
Please note that the track up to the Birsay Moors hide is unsurfaced and can be quite rough in places. A section of seating can be moved to accommodate a wheelchair.
Much of the reserve's best birdlife can be easily viewed from a vehicle on Hillside Road (B9057) between Evie and Dounby.
One hide at Burgar Hill (Grid Ref: HY345259), turn west up the sign posted track which leaves the A966 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Evie at HY357266.
The Orkney RSPB field teacher uses the reserve and hide for education visits throughout the year.
Group visits are welcome. Care should be taken at the Birsay Moors hide to avoid disturbance to sensitive breeding species such as the red-throated divers by following the guidance on signs next to the hide.
There are no formal trails but there are rough unsurfaced tracks across the moorland with various inclines. These can be very muddy from autumn to spring.
Not available on site
The nearest RADAR scheme accessible toilets are at Aikerness, 1.75 miles (2.8km) from the reserve.
Baby Changing
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
The nearest toilets are at Dounby, 4.5 miles away (7 km) away. Open 24 hours, standard single sex.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
There is no visitor centre here and this reserve does not have any staff on site.
There is no cafe or shop here, the nearest place for food and drinks is in Dounby, 4.5 miles (7 km) away. We recommend you bring your own food and drinks if this is likely to affect your visit.
Restrictions
This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.