Noup Head
Westray
KW17 2DW
A stunning lighthouse perched overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Noup Head in Westray is home to some of Orkney's wildest coastal scenery. Huge cliffs drop off into the sea, and on wild and windy days there is a real 'edge of the world' feeling.
Noup Head Lighthouse stands tall amongst it all, nearly 80 metres above sea level. This Stevenson lighthouse was built in 1898 with a principal lightkeeper, an assistant and their families living at the site until the light was automated in 1964.
Another attraction of visiting the lighthouse is the vast array of seabirds you can see packed onto the ledges below. Expect puffins during the summer as well as kittiwakes, razorbills and guillemots. A healthy gannet population is also present between May and September.
A rough track takes you to the lighthouse from the main road, but there is also a coastal walk option. It can be hard going in places, and do be sure not to get too close to the cliff edge.