Short birdwatching visit · RSPB
North Hill
- Tier
- Worth a special trip
- Best season
- spring and summer
- Headline birds
- Black Guillemot · Puffin · Razorbill
- Parking
- There is limited parking for one or two vehicles at the reserve entrance.
- Hides
- The coastguard observation hut provides an enclosed watching space.
- Step-free
- Not stated by the operator
Papa Westray · KW17 2BU
North Hill on Papa Westray combines maritime heath with low sea cliffs and an open coastal walk. Puffin, Black Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake are among the seabirds named by the RSPB. The wildflower-rich heath provides further spring and summer interest, including Scottish Primrose. Coastal routes and the coastguard observation hut give different ways to appreciate the setting. The terrain is rough and exposed, and visitors should follow the marked public trails around sensitive wildlife areas.
When to go and where to look
North Hill on Papa Westray is most naturally planned around its spring and summer seabird interest, including Puffin, Razorbill and Kittiwake in the RSPB notes. Use the circular coastal trails and the permitted coastguard observation hut for a patient watch from public positions. The terrain includes unsurfaced slopes, boggy ground and ladder stiles, so the route requires more preparation than a level hide visit. Black Guillemot adds a broader recorded season. Confirm island travel, current access and the return plan before committing to the outing, and stay well back from the cliff edge.
Sources: RSPB visitor information — Confirmed · Visitor routes and access. Planning reviewed 2026-10-25.
Birds and seasons
- Black Guillemot · Headline bird — Typically year-round Source for Black Guillemot
- Puffin · Headline bird — Typically spring and summer Source for Puffin
- Razorbill · Headline bird — Typically spring and summer Source for Razorbill
- Kittiwake — Typically spring and summer Source for Kittiwake
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- The coastguard observation hut provides an enclosed watching space.
- Paths
- Circular coastal trails cross unsurfaced slopes, boggy ground and ladder stiles.
- Toilets
- No reserve toilets; facilities are listed at the hostel and Kelp Store.
- Parking
- There is limited parking for one or two vehicles at the reserve entrance.
- Dogs
- Keep dogs close, preferably on a short lead, during breeding season and around cattle.
- Access notes
- The hut approach is steep and grassy, with a narrow gate and doorway.
- Step-free access
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
Getting there: Arrange travel to Papa Westray first; the reserve has only limited entrance parking.
Sources
Social preview photograph: Common Starling standing in grass in Oxfordshire. Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted for the preview.
Nearby special trips
- Birsay Moors · 20.3 straight-line miles
- Pool of Virkie · 66.5 straight-line miles
- Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve · 106.4 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Noup Cliffs, 6.8 miles away in a straight line.
- Onziebust · 14.8 miles in a straight line
- Trumland · 16.4 miles in a straight line
- Birsay Moors · 20.3 miles in a straight line