Absolutely stunning location full of history, wildlife and atmosphere.
1 / 10

Mull Head and The Gloup Deerness

4.7
·379 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore dramatic collapsed sea caves and rugged cliffs on Orkney's eastern tip. A stunning 7km walk reveals nature's raw power and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

High tide

Waves create a spectacular vision

CrowdLow
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Absolutely stunning location full of history, wildlife and atmosphere.

Mull Head and The Gloup Deerness

Best Time

High tide

Waves create a spectacular vision

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore dramatic collapsed sea caves and rugged cliffs on Orkney's eastern tip. A stunning 7km walk reveals nature's raw power and abundant wildlife.

4.7
(379 reviews)

"The Gloup is quite a sight, but not nearly as amazing as the views up to the Viking church on top of the head!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be rocky and slippery, especially in wet or windy conditions. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Orkney winds are no joke! Be prepared for strong gusts on the cliff tops. :cloudwithwind_face:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gloup

The Gloup

Deerness

A spectacular collapsed sea cave, a giant hole in the ground offering a unique glimpse into nature's architecture.

Viking Church Viewpoint

Viking Church Viewpoint

Mull Head

The dramatic cliffside views near the Viking church are even more breathtaking than The Gloup itself.

Coastal Wildlife

Coastal Wildlife

Cliffs and shorelines

Keep an eye out for nesting birds and other fascinating wildlife along the rugged coastline.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Orkney weather is famously unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes for cliffside paths. Wind can be intense, so be prepared for a bracing experience!

Circular Walk Strategy

The 7km circular walk offers stunning views. Consider going clockwise for clearer paths on the return leg, as some sections can become vague. Allow ample time to soak in the scenery.

Best Times

When
High tide
Why
Waves create a spectacular vision
Crowd
Low
When
Dusk
Why
Torchlight adds to the mystery
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny, less windy days
Why
Enjoy cliff tops safely
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be rocky and slippery, especially in wet or windy conditions. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Orkney winds are no joke! Be prepared for strong gusts on the cliff tops. :cloudwithwind_face:

Consider walk direction

Walking clockwise may offer clearer paths on the return leg of the circular route. :arrowheadingup:

Bring a flask

Find sheltered spots to enjoy a warm drink and snacks with incredible views. :coffee:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be rocky and slippery, especially in wet or windy conditions. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Orkney winds are no joke! Be prepared for strong gusts on the cliff tops. :cloudwithwind_face:

Consider walk direction

Walking clockwise may offer clearer paths on the return leg of the circular route. :arrowheadingup:

Bring a flask

Find sheltered spots to enjoy a warm drink and snacks with incredible views. :coffee:

Check tide times

Visiting at high tide enhances the spectacle of waves crashing against the rocks. :ocean:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(379 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, dramatic coastal scenery and the unique geological wonder of The Gloup. The 7km circular walk is highly praised for its breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife, though some note the paths can be vague on the return leg. The powerful winds are a notable feature, adding to the wild atmosphere.

"Free parking for about 15 cars or a dozen vans at the start of a circular walk of just over 7km. We went on a fairly windy day and OMG was it windy on them cliff tops! It definitely BLE off the cobwebs and we had a great walk. The Gloup is quite a sight, but to be fair, not nearly as amazing as the for up to the viking church on top of the head further around the walk!"

Colin Wood

"A real hidden gem of a place to walk. I would walk the circular walk clockwise when I do it again as the path becomes a bit vague on the way back to. Did a few wrong turns. Some really amazing views and some lovely little sheltered spots to sit with a flask and snacks for a while. Well worth a few stops just to take it all in. Loads of wildlife. I reckon some of the rockier parts near the cliff tops and shore would need some care in wet and windy weather although I was very lucky and got a sun tan....."

jon shannon

"A prime example of a collapsed sea cave on the west coast of Orkney. Unlike previous visits, the weather wasn't good enough for us to jump/dive in, but the views were lovely."

Rory Alsop

What People Like

Spectacular coastal views
Unique collapsed sea cave
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Vague paths on return
Intense wind

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mull Head and The Gloup are located on the eastern tip of the Orkney Mainland. The easiest way to reach them is by car, with free parking available for around 15 cars. The area is well-signposted from local roads.

Public transport options are limited. While local bus services may run in the general area, it's advisable to check current Orkney bus timetables for specific routes and schedules. A car is generally recommended for ease of access.

The most popular way to explore is via the 7km circular walk that encompasses both Mull Head and The Gloup. This walk offers diverse scenery and access to the key viewpoints.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The ruins of the Viking church at Mull Head are a significant historical site. You can also explore other coastal areas and historical sites on the Orkney Mainland.

Yes, the area is accessible year-round. However, winter weather can be harsh, with strong winds and potential for icy conditions, so extra caution and appropriate gear are essential.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mull Head and The Gloup are natural attractions and are free to visit. There is no admission fee required.

As an outdoor natural site, Mull Head and The Gloup are accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the views.

No booking is necessary as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.

Yes, there is free parking available at the start of the circular walk, with space for approximately 15 cars or a dozen vans.

There are no specific facilities like visitor centers or restrooms directly at Mull Head and The Gloup. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Gloup is a spectacular collapsed sea cave, essentially a large, dramatic hole in the ground formed by the roof of a sea cave caving in. It's a prime example of coastal erosion.

The viewpoints near the Viking church ruins at Mull Head offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline. The Gloup itself is also a major viewpoint.

The circular walk is just over 7km and can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views and wildlife.

The walk involves uneven terrain, cliffside paths, and can be windy. While not overly strenuous, it requires a moderate level of fitness and good mobility. Sturdy footwear is essential.

You can often spot nesting birds on the cliffs and in the sea cave. The coastal environment also supports various marine life and seabirds.

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic collapsed sea cave of The Gloup, the rugged cliff formations, panoramic coastal vistas from Mull Head, and the ruins of the Viking church all offer fantastic photographic potential.

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for landscape photography. Visiting at high tide can add drama with crashing waves, while dusk offers a unique, atmospheric light, especially if using a torch.

Be mindful of the strong winds, which can affect camera stability. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. Capturing the scale of The Gloup by including a person in the frame can be effective.

Yes, but it requires patience and a good zoom lens. Be respectful of the birds and their nesting sites, and maintain a safe distance.

Always check local regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas and near wildlife. Respect any signage or restrictions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mull Head and The Gloup offer an adventurous outing for families, with the dramatic landscape providing plenty of 'wow' factor. The circular walk is a great way to burn off energy, but parents should be mindful of the cliff edges and the strong winds. Sturdy footwear is a must for little ones, and bringing snacks and drinks is highly recommended as there are no facilities. The sheer scale of The Gloup can be fascinating for children, sparking their imagination about natural wonders. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the cliff tops and The Gloup itself.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love a good coastal hike, the 7km circular walk at Mull Head and The Gloup is a must-do. The terrain offers a good mix of challenges, from exposed cliff paths to more sheltered stretches. The abundant wildlife, including nesting birds, provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The unique geological formations, particularly The Gloup, are a significant draw. Experienced hikers might appreciate the less-defined paths on certain sections of the walk, adding to the sense of exploration. Remember to pack binoculars and a good camera to fully capture the experience.

📸 Photographers

This location is a photographer's dream, offering dramatic landscapes and unique geological features. The collapsed sea cave of The Gloup is an iconic subject, especially when viewed from above. The rugged cliffs, expansive sea views, and the ancient Viking church ruins provide endless compositions. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Visiting during high tide can add dynamic waves to your shots. Be prepared for wind, which can be a challenge but also adds a sense of movement to your images. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the scenery.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of The Gloup

The Gloup is a striking example of a collapsed sea cave, a geological feature formed by the relentless power of the ocean. Over time, waves erode weaknesses in the coastline, creating sea caves. When the roof of such a cave becomes unstable and collapses, it forms a dramatic, often deep, chasm like The Gloup. This process is a vivid illustration of coastal erosion in action, showcasing how the sea shapes the land over millennia. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of this natural phenomenon, imagining the forces that carved out this impressive spectacle.

Unlike some sea caves that remain hidden, The Gloup's collapsed roof makes its interior accessible to view, albeit from above. This offers a unique opportunity to see inside a cave without the need for caving equipment. The sheer drop and the intricate rock formations within are a testament to the ongoing geological processes. It's a prime spot for understanding how Orkney's dramatic landscapes are formed and continue to evolve.

Navigating the Circular Walk

The 7km circular walk at Mull Head and The Gloup is a rewarding experience, offering diverse scenery from dramatic cliffs to more sheltered coastal paths. Many visitors recommend walking the route clockwise. This direction is often preferred because the path on the return leg, after passing The Gloup and heading back towards the starting point, can become less distinct and more challenging to follow compared to the initial stretch.

While the walk is generally well-trodden, some sections can become vague, especially in less-trafficked areas or after periods of poor weather. It's wise to have a map or GPS device handy, or at least pay close attention to landmarks. The walk presents opportunities to find lovely little sheltered spots perfect for a break with a flask of tea and some snacks, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking views and the abundant wildlife. Be prepared for the wind, which can be particularly fierce on the exposed cliff tops, making sturdy footwear and layered clothing essential for comfort and safety.

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