Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
Step back 5,000 years into a Neolithic tomb with a unique ladder descent and ancient carvings, offering stunning Orkney views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more solitude
Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back 5,000 years into a Neolithic tomb with a unique ladder descent and ancient carvings, offering stunning Orkney views.
"An absolutely awesome experience! This should be right at the top of your list!"
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The path can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Waterproof shoes are a must!
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior. A working flashlight is often provided, but bring your own just in case.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Descent into the Cairn
Entrance
Slide open a heavy hatch and descend a ladder into a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb.
Neolithic Carvings
Interior chambers
Discover ancient carvings and graffiti etched into the stone walls by Neolithic people.
Panoramic Orkney Views
Hillside approach
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Orkney landscape on your walk to and from the cairn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Adventure
Timing is Key for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The path can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Waterproof shoes are a must!
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior. A working flashlight is often provided, but bring your own just in case.
🚗 Limited Parking
The small parking area accommodates only a few cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🚶♀️ Uphill Return
The walk down is easy, but the walk back up to the car park is more strenuous.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
The path can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Waterproof shoes are a must!
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior. A working flashlight is often provided, but bring your own just in case.
🚗 Limited Parking
The small parking area accommodates only a few cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
🚶♀️ Uphill Return
The walk down is easy, but the walk back up to the car park is more strenuous.
✨ Free Access
Enjoy this incredible historical site without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and awe-inspiring experience of entering the 5,000-year-old Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn, often having it to themselves. The scenic walk and panoramic views are significant bonuses, though the muddy path and small parking area are noted drawbacks.
"What an absolutely awesome experience!
This is one of many neolithic cairns in Orkney, but it should be right at the top of your list!
There is a small parking area (4 cars tops) and then a reasonable length walk on an undulating but well-marked track that gets you to the cairn. And, when you get there, you then have a glimpse of what it must have been like for those uncovering these tombs as you enter through the roof. There is a stiff sliding hatch and then a ladder to climb down and you're in.
Bring a torch as it is dark - there was a working flashlight at the site if you don't have your own - and there is graffiti to find and holes to explore!
Awesome views from the cairn and on the walk as an added bonus!
We saw one other couple on our visit, passing them on the walk, so had this incredible cairn to ourselves. You probably will too!"
Kieron Murphy
"Another of the famous neolithic chambered cairns of Orkney. Like the others it is well signposted. It is a fair walk from the parking spot to the cairn itself. The walk is undulating but scenic with great views of the island. For this cairn instead of entering via a tunnel, there is a hatch and steel ladder to descend."
James W H
"A decent walk from the carpark- I’d say allow at least 25 min each way it is very muddy and slippery at present, definitely don’t wear your dinner pants and ideally have waterproof shoes. Is it worth it? If you haven’t seen maeshowe then yes, if you have along with some of the other easier to get to Cairns then no. Definitely no if you’re cycle touring as after a steep ride up the hill you’re met with a challenging walk which you don’t want to do in cleats. The views are lovely."
Derek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cairn is located on Wideford Hill, accessible by car. There's a small parking area for about 4 cars. From there, it's a scenic but undulating walk to the site. +1
Yes, there is a small parking area, but it can only accommodate a few vehicles. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season. +1
The walk is well-marked and offers lovely views of Orkney. It's a downhill walk to the cairn, but be prepared for a more strenuous uphill return. +1
While you can cycle up the hill, the walk from the parking area to the cairn can be challenging in cycling shoes, especially if the path is muddy.
Information on direct public transport to the immediate vicinity of Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or as part of a guided tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn is free. You can explore this ancient site without purchasing a ticket.
The cairn is freely accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor historical site. However, daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
Entry is unique: you slide open a heavy hatch and then descend a steel ladder into the chamber.
While there isn't a formal guided tour for this specific site, many Orkney tours include visits to chambered cairns. You can also find local guides who offer personalized experiences. +1
Dogs are generally welcome on the walking paths around Orkney's historical sites, but they must be kept on a lead. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a central chamber with smaller side chambers, similar in design to Maeshowe. Look out for ancient carvings and graffiti on the stones. 
Yes, it is very dark inside. It's highly recommended to bring your own flashlight or use your phone's light. A working flashlight is often provided on-site.
The location offers stunning panoramic views across the Orkney mainland and surrounding islands, making the walk itself a rewarding experience. +1
There are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers directly at the cairn. Basic facilities might be available in nearby Kirkwall.
Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are essential due to potentially muddy and slippery paths. Layers of clothing are advisable as Orkney weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique entrance, the ancient carvings within, and the sweeping landscape views from the hillside. The contrast of the ancient stones against the natural scenery is striking.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cairn. However, be mindful of others and use your flashlight responsibly to avoid disturbing the site.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light for landscape shots. For interior photos, any time is fine as long as you have adequate lighting.
No special permit is required for personal photography at Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn. However, commercial or professional shoots may require permission.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the interior chambers and the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light interior shots, but ensure it doesn't obstruct others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site itself is free, the journey requires some effort. The uphill return walk might be challenging for very young children, so consider carrying them if needed. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce kids to ancient history in a hands-on, memorable way, sparking curiosity about Neolithic life.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site. The walk itself is a significant part of the experience and requires no additional cost. This makes it a perfect addition to an itinerary focused on exploring Orkney's rich history without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Neolithic Orkney
+1The cairn's construction is remarkable, featuring a central chamber with smaller side chambers radiating outwards. The entrance is particularly unique, requiring visitors to slide open a heavy stone hatch and then descend a ladder. This method of access, combined with the dark interior, creates a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel a connection to the past.
Beyond the cairn itself, the surrounding landscape plays a crucial role in the visitor experience. The walk to and from the site offers stunning panoramic views of the Orkney mainland and its neighboring islands. This scenic approach enhances the sense of discovery and provides a beautiful backdrop to this ancient monument.
The Practicalities of Visiting
Once you reach the cairn, you'll need a light source. While a flashlight is often provided in a box on-site, it's wise to bring your own or rely on your phone's flashlight. This will allow you to fully explore the interior chambers and spot the ancient carvings and graffiti etched into the stones.
Be aware of the parking situation. The designated parking area is quite small, typically accommodating only 2-4 cars. This means that arriving early, especially during busier periods, is recommended to secure a spot. The walk back uphill to the car park is also more strenuous than the descent, so factor this into your planning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit