This is honestly the most glorious free attraction in Orkney!
If you crave a rugged landscape with wild waves, Yesnaby is it.
Park up and walk to the left, hugging the fence and keeping clear of the cliffside edge; be warned, people have lost their lives at Yesnaby.
After around 15 minutes of walking, you will arrive at the Yesnaby Stack, also known as Yesnaby Castle.
Don’t expect anything with a roof or fort; this is a sea stack.
If you have time, follow the trodden path in the grass to see more of the island’s edge, then return to the car park via the same path you walked in on.
There are no toilets at Yesnaby; it is probably the only Orkeny attraction without loos.
I was impressed with how many facilities are dotted around the island!
Tip: To get to the correct starting point, type “Yesnaby Car Park,” not just “Yesnaby,” into Google Maps. The map should show the sea straight ahead. Don’t turn left, as this takes you to a farm!
Getting There and Location
Yesnaby lies on the exposed west coast of the Orkney Mainland, roughly 15 minutes drive from Stromness and signposted off the B9056. There is a rough car park by a former wartime building, from where clifftop paths run north and south along the coast.
What You Will See
This is Orkney at its wildest – layered sandstone cliffs pounded by Atlantic surf, blowholes and geos, and the slender Yesnaby Castle sea stack a short walk south. In early summer the cliff-tops carry the rare Scottish primrose, a tiny purple flower found almost nowhere else. Seabirds crowd the ledges through the nesting season.
Who It Suits
Walkers, photographers and anyone who wants raw coastal scenery over a ticketed attraction will love Yesnaby. There are no barriers or facilities, so it suits confident, careful visitors rather than those wanting an easy stroll. Sunset here, with the stacks in silhouette, is unforgettable.
Practical Tips
Stay well back from unfenced cliff edges,Wear proper footwear – paths are rough and exposed,Look for the Scottish primrose in May and June,Time it for sunset over the Atlantic,There are no facilities – bring what you need
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yesnaby worth visiting?
If you enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, yes – Yesnaby has some of the finest sea cliffs and stacks in Orkney, including the Yesnaby Castle sea stack. It is free, open at all times and especially striking at sunset, though there are no facilities on site.
What is the rare flower found at Yesnaby?
Yesnaby is one of the few places to see the Scottish primrose, a small purple wildflower that grows almost nowhere else in the world. It flowers on the cliff-tops in late spring and again in high summer, so tread carefully to avoid it.
