Welcome
Noup Cliffs on the west coast of Westray holds Orkney's largest seabird colony. This spectacular series of sea cliffs is home to guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, puffins, gannets and fulmars. Visit in June to enjoy the frenetic activity of the seabird city at its best with the sights, sounds and smells of thousands of seabirds rushing to raise their chicks before returning to sea for the winter. The sea cliffs are also a good place to watch for passing whales and dolphins.
Getting here
For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.Travel by public transport
Westray is reached by a roll on-roll off ferry from Kirkwall, which can take passengers and vehicles - visit http://orkneyferries.co.uk/ for more information. The ferry arrives at Rapness at the south end of the island and there is no timetabled public transport to the reserve, however a minibus service operates between Rapness and Pierowall and where possible within the timetable, will accommodate pick ups/ drop offs away from main route by request. The minibus is not wheelchair accessible. Contact M& J Harcus 07789 034289 to book. To reach the reserve, travel north toward Pierowall village then turn left at the school and follow the signs for Noltland Castle and then Noup Head/Cliffs. From Noup Farm the road is very rough and potholed and is only suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. Transport to Westray is also possible by Loganair flight from Kirkwall or by passenger ferry from Papa Westray (via Pierowall pier).
Travel by taxi
Parking
There is a car park at Noup Cliffs. However, please note that the track from Noup Farm to Noup Cliffs is very rough and is only suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. For other vehicles, please park at Backarass Farm, 3 km away from Noup Cliffs.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Please note that there is no Visitor Centre and there are no buildings at the reserve. There are no staff based at the reserve.
Getting around inside
Getting around outside
Noup Coastal Trail
The Noup Coastal Trail on the reserve forms part of the larger West Westray cliffs walk (5 miles from Noup Head to Kirbest). The route is unsurfaced with rough vegetation. This is a linear walk and the length given refers to the return journey if accessing from the car park at Noup Head lighthouse and cliffs. If parking at Backarass Farm, a circular route of 6.8 km is possible along the road and track to Noup Head lighthouse and returning along the Noup Coastal Trail, heading inland close to Backarass to arrive back in the car parking area.