What's here? at Marwick Head
Available on site
Ample car parking at Marwick Bay. Alternative car parking for around 6 cars at Cumlaquoy.
No height restrictions. No lighting. Marwick Bay car park has a rough, hardcore surface. Cumlaquoy car park has a rough surface.
Guided Walks
Information boards in both car parks. Circular walk, 2.5 miles (4 km) from Marwick Bay to the cliff top and return along single track roads. A shorter walk, 0.5 miles (0.8km) one way, to the clifftop can be accessed from the Cumlaquoy car park. The path up to the cliff top on this reserve is grassy with some steep inclines. It can be wet and slippery. One seat on trail near the Choin. Two narrow kissing gates on second half of the trail.
The Orkney RSPB field teacher uses the reserve for education visits throughout the year.
Not available on site
The nearest RADAR scheme accessible toilets are at the Bay of Skaill, 4.1 miles (6.6km) to the south of the reserve.
No known baby-changing facilities nearby.
The path up to the cliff top on this reserve is grassy with some steep inclines. It can be wet and slippery. Two narrow kissing gates on second half of the trail.
The path up to the cliff top on this reserve is grassy with some steep inclines. It can be wet and slippery. Two narrow kissing gates on second half of the trail.
Nearest toilets, without accessible facilities, are at Palace Village in Birsay, 4 miles (6.5 km) away. Open 24 hours.
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.
The low-tide lagoon called the Choin at Marwick Bay attracts a wide range of wading birds and ducks which can easily be seen from the car park. There are no formal viewing points here. As there is nowhere to shelter, we recommend you dress appropriately for the weather.
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 Birsay or Skara Brae, both 4 miles (6.5km) 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.