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Earl's Palace, Birsay

Castles

Earl's Palace, Birsay

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Earl's Palace, Birsay

Recommended by 14 cyclists out of 15

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Location: Birsay, Orkney islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Earl's Palace, Birsay

5.0

(1)

riders

1. Orkney Mainland loop from Finstown

65.6km

04:05

530m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0

(5)

riders

2. Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

49.9km

03:02

420m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

5.0

(3)

riders

3. Stromness Old Town – Earl's Palace, Birsay loop from Stromness

48.8km

03:05

490m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

Tips

51m

October 23, 2022

Built between 1569 & 1574 this was the palace, castle and home of the Earl of Orkney in the late 1500's. Its use was short lived however with the overthrow of the Stewart Earls in 1615. Records from Cromwell’s troops in 1653 suggest that the castle was already falling into disrepair and the roof was down by 1700.
Today it's a surprisingly intact ruin which you can explore. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland it's open all year and free to visit.

Thomas Sannemann

June 6, 2025

Nice stopover on a tour

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Details

Informations

Elevation 70 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 23 October

11°C

10°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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See rides here

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Location: Birsay, Orkney islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Kitchener Memorial and HMS Hampshire Memorial

Skara Brae Neolithic Village

Birsay Bay Tearoom

View of the Brough of Birsay

Stromness Harbour and Old Town

Marwick Head Cliffs and Tower

Barony Mill

Earl's Palace Birsay

Brough of Birsay Lighthouse

St. Magnus Church Birsay

Skara Brae Neolithic Village & Visitor Centre

Skara Brae

Earl's Palace, Birsay

1. Orkney Mainland loop from Finstown

2. Skara Brae, Birsay & the Ring of Brodgar loop from Stromness — Orkney

3. Stromness Old Town – Earl's Palace, Birsay loop from Stromness

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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