St Magnus Way: Walk or cycle Orkney Mainland

Orkney might just be Scotland’s best‑kept secret — wild coastline, rich history, friendly locals and a sense of peace you don’t find many other places. Whether you arrive by ferry or plane, the islands feel both remote and surprisingly easy to reach.

The St Magnus Way is a 60‑mile pilgrimage route celebrating Orkney’s patron saint, tracing his story from the tiny island of Egilsay, where he was martyred, all the way to his magnificent cathedral in Kirkwall. Expect big coastal views, tidal islands, wildlife encounters, ancient sites and varied terrain that keeps every day interesting.

Cyclists can follow the 67‑mile St Magnus Cycleway, which visits the same iconic locations but sticks mostly to tarmac. It’s easily split into two manageable loops of 27 and 40 miles, making it perfect for a long weekend on the bike.

This beautifully illustrated guide gives you everything you need to plan your trip — whether you’re walking or cycling. Inside you’ll find:

• A foreword by Magnus Linklater
• A biography of St Magnus and the story behind his cathedral
• Travel info for car, ferry and plane
• Rich sections on Orkney’s history, geology and wildlife
• Details on museums, distilleries and the UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Clear step‑by‑step directions
• 14 pages of full‑colour mapping at 1:30,000
• 101 stunning photos

It’s the complete companion for exploring Orkney at your own pace — thoughtful, practical and full of inspiration.