YOUR ROUSAY HOLIDAY
Plan your stay.
Here you’ll find our favourite walks and places to visit, along with help getting here and answers about the cottages.
How should I plan a holiday on Rousay?
We suggest three full days for Rousay, or five to seven if you want island and Mainland day trips. A car makes exploring easier; without one, arrange transport in advance. Book your journey to Orkney and onward ferry to Rousay around your cottage dates.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
Our island map.
Our favourite walks on Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, with archaeological sites and birdwatching spots along the way. Loch of Wasbister is a short walk from the farm.
Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Walking lines use Orkney Islands Council core paths and the sources linked with each walk. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0. Archaeology locations contain Historic Environment Scotland and OS data © Historic Environment Scotland and Crown copyright and database right 2026. Bird hotspot locations: eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Planning & travel
When to visit and how to get here.
- Where to stay in OrkneyCompare Kirkwall, Stromness, rural Mainland and Rousay as bases for an Orkney holiday, with practical advice on ferries and self-catering cottages.
- When to visitChoose your season for an Orkney holiday, with spring walks, summer evenings and birds to look for on Rousay in each season, illustrated by eBird records.
- Getting hereThe journey from mainland Scotland to your cottage on Rousay.
- Getting to OrkneyFerry routes, flights and car hire, including our Drive Orkney recommendation.
- The ferry to RousayTingwall connections, ferry booking and the last part of your journey.
Explore Rousay
Walks, ancient places and time by the water.
- Things to do on RousayLocal activities, bike hire, tours and boat charter providers.
- Island map & archaeologyWalks, ancient sites and birdwatching spots on our island map.
- Walks on RousayChoose from 13 walks on Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, from short beach walks to hills and ancient sites. Compare distances and find each walk on our map.
- Wild swimming in OrkneyFind five places for a sea swim in Orkney, including Saviskaill Bay on Rousay. Includes beach access details and links to local guides.
Island day trips
Ideas for a day out, with Rousay as your base.
- Plan your island daysPlan three, five or seven full sightseeing days from Rousay, with archaeology, walks, Mainland options and time for the weather. Add your travel days.
- Walking on Orkney MainlandChoose from six walks on Orkney Mainland for a day out from Rousay. Compare distances and terrain, with links to route guides and ferry information.
- Wyre & Cubbie Roo’s CastleVisit Cubbie Roo’s Castle and St Mary’s Chapel on Wyre, a short ferry trip from Rousay. Read about their Norse history and the walk from the pier.
Life at the cottages
About the cottages and our farm.
- Bringing your dogPlan a dog-friendly holiday on Rousay, Orkney. Both cottages welcome one well-behaved dog on a lead. A dog cleaning fee applies. Neither has an enclosed outdoor space.
- Our farm and flockStay on our working sheep farm on Rousay. Read about our rare-breed flock, wool businesses and everyday farm life, with sea views from both cottages.
- Writing and creative staysPlan a writing or artist retreat on Rousay, Orkney. Sea-view cottages with very fast internet, space for your own project and corporate stays welcome.
A PLACE TO COME HOME TO