How many days should I stay on Rousay?
We suggest three full days for Rousay’s walks, wildlife and archaeology. Allow five to seven full days if you also want to visit Orkney Mainland, Egilsay or Wyre, with more room to adjust plans around the weather. Add your arrival and departure days, and check ferry times before choosing day trips.
Three days on Rousay
Day 1 · Three Neolithic tombs
Taversöe Tuick, Blackhammer and Knowe of Yarso are three of Rousay’s Neolithic tombs. Our Rousay island map shows their locations and links to visiting information. Each one is different, with its own history and views along the way.
Day 2 · Midhowe and the Westness coast
Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Chambered Cairn sit close together beside the coast, so you can visit both on the same walk. They are separate sites, reached across steep agricultural ground. The cairn’s raised walkways give a clear view of its interior. HES has the current visiting details.
Day 3 · Trumland or Faraclett Head
Trumland is a lovely choice for a hill walk, while Faraclett Head takes you around the coast. Our walking guide has routes of different lengths through these landscapes.
Five days: Mainland, Egilsay or Wyre
With a couple more days, you can explore some of the other islands too.
Day 4 · An Orkney Mainland day
The ferry to Tingwall makes Mainland an easy day out. If you enjoy archaeology, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney has plenty to see in a day.
Day 5 · A half-day on Egilsay or Wyre
Ferries run every day, making Egilsay or Wyre an easy half-day trip from Rousay. You’ll have time to explore and be back on Rousay for the rest of the day. Our Wyre day-trip guide introduces Cubbie Roo’s Castle and the nearby chapel. The island guide on Orkney.com has more about both islands, and current timetables show the daily sailings.
Seven days: more of Orkney
Day 6 · Kirkwall, or more time on Rousay
Kirkwall’s cathedral, museum and shops offer plenty for another Mainland day, with the return ferry bringing you home to Rousay. Or you might fancy another day here on Rousay.
Day 7 · A day of your own
Perhaps another walk, an afternoon with a sketchbook or a good book from the shelves. Both cottages have sea views and well-stocked bookshelves.
Travel days and length of stay
These are ideas for full days on the islands, with arrival and departure days in addition. A three-day trip including travel may leave one full day to enjoy Rousay; a longer stay offers more room to explore.
These example days can be combined in any order.
A few more questions
Can I visit Orkney Mainland from Rousay for the day?
Yes. You can take the Rousay–Tingwall ferry for the day and book a vehicle space. Your return sailing determines how long you’ll have on Mainland.
Are all the archaeology sites easy to enter?
No. Some have steep approaches or narrow entrances. Each site guide describes the approach and links to visiting information.
Find out more
From Stay Rousay. Practical information checked 16 September 2026. The links go to the operators and local organisations for the latest details.