Accessibility Guide for RSPB Scotland Brodgar

Travel by public transport

You can get to RSPB Scotland Brodgar by bus.

The nearest bus stop is on the A965 road at the junction with the B9055 road to the Ring of Brodgar. There is no marked bus stop - just ask the driver to let you off at the turn for the Ring of Brodgar. The bus stop is 1.6 miles / 2.6 km from RSPB Scotland Brodgar.

Bus route X1 passes the end of the B9055 road to the Ring of Brodgar near Stenness. The 8S route also passes the same way, but does not  operate daily. Alight at the road end by the brown tourist sign for the Ring of Brodgar and there is a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) walk along a road to the car park at the Ring of Brodgar, from where the reserve can be accessed. The nature trail around the reserve can also be accessed at its southern end, 0.9 miles (1.4 km) from the bus stop along the same route - look out for the RSPB sign on a fence post which leads you onto the trail. Up to date travel information can be found at https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/Bus-Services.htm

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Orkney Cabs by calling 01856 875000. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

You can get a taxi with Craigies Taxis by calling 01856 878787.

Parking

There is parking near the venue. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.

There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point has a dropped kerb.

From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The route is 1900mm wide, or more.

There is a main car park at Ring of Brodgar with designated accessible parking spaces. There are an additional two designated accessible parking spaces on the road edge by the Ring of Brodgar which shortens the journey distance to the Ring of Brodgar and to the nature reserve trail.

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

Designated Walking Trail

RSPB Brodgar Nature Reserve Footpath

The trail is 3300metres long. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats.

The nature trail around Ring of Brodgar reserve is unsurfaced in most places. There is a short section of wooden boardwalk leading from the car park to the road, but the trail once the road has been crossed is generally unsurfaced. The boardwalk can be avoided by using the designated accessible car parking spaces by the roadside, which also shortens the length of the trail. The bulk of the trail is wide and grassy and although not level, most inclines are gentle. A short section between the road and the Ring of Brodgar has additional geogrid embedded matting. The trail can be wet and muddy in places, particularly in winter. There are two benches situated along the trail. There are kissing gates where the trail starts from the road at the north end of the reserve, but these are wide.

Designated Walking Trail

Ring of Brodgar Footpath

The trail is 1100metres long. The trail is sloped.

There is a shorter trail around the Ring of Brodgar, which is not on RSPB land.  The trail around Ring of Brodgar is unsurfaced in most places. There is a short section of wooden boardwalk leading from the car park to the road, but the trail once the road has been crossed is generally unsurfaced. The boardwalk can be avoided by using the designated accessible car parking spaces by the roadside. Much of the trail is wide and grassy (some sections with additional geogrid embedded matting), and although not level, most inclines are gentle. It can be wet and muddy in places, particularly in winter. There are kissing gates where the trail starts from the road at the north end of the reserve, but these are wide.

Accessibility equipment

There is no designated toilet area for assistance dogs. Any rough ground by the sides of the trail or car park can be used, but please remove any dog waste from the site.

You can hire mobility equipment from Orkney Disability Forum by calling 01856 870340.