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Birsay

Earl's Palace Birsay

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Earl's Palace Birsay

Cycling

4.7

(14)

Hiking

5.0

(10)

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  • Location: Birsay, Orkney islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    October 23, 2022

    Cycling

    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.

    April 25, 2023

    Hiking

    The Earls' Palace stands by the shore of Birsay Bay, and was constructed in the 1570-80's around a central courtyard and well, with large stone towers at three of the four corners, making it as much a fortress as a palace.

    The site is anaged by Historic Environment Scotland and is open all year and free to visit.

    August 15, 2024

    Hiking

    Place with a long history. A 15 minute stop is enough. When you're up there, be sure to check out Brough of Bersay and Barony Mill.
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near Earl's Palace Birsay

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    5.0

    (2)

    17

    hikers

    #1.

    Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop — Orkney Islands

    11.0km

    02:53

    80m

    80m

    Embark on a moderate hike around the Brough of Birsay and Earl's Palace loop, covering 6.9 miles (11.0 km) with a modest 261 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain. This…

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    Moderate
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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy
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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 10 m

    Weather

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    Tuesday 5 May

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    4°C

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    Location: Birsay, Orkney islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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