What's here? at Onziebust

Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Some of the trail has a loose surface. There are large loose stones along the trail and there is a narrow grass bank. There are two field gates along the track and a narrower pedestrian gate. The trail is sloped.

To reach the reserve from the pier, walk up the road to the crossroads at the centre of the island. From this point there are two options:

One trail of just over a mile (2km) each way from the pier leads straight ahead along an unsurfaced track past the Community Centre, across the centre of the island to the spectacular sandy beach on the eastern shore.

Alternatively, turn south (right) at the crossroads and continue along the road towards Onziebust Farm. This walk is 1.7 miles (2.7km) each way and offers fantastic views of the reserve.

Although the trail towards the beach is mainly level, the rough track is unsurfaced, uneven and narrow in places.

The walk towards Onziebust Farm is along a narrow, single-track, surfaced road with hills in places.

There is a bench at the beach on the eastern edge of the reserve. There are three wide farm gates and a smaller pedestrian gate on the trail to the beach.

A variety of birds, especially farmland birds and waders, can be seen from almost anywhere on the roads running through the reserve. A fine view of the reserve and of the surrounding islands can also be had from the Trig Point on the road to Onziebust Farm.

The RSPB Scotland field teacher uses the Orkney reserves for education visits throughout the year.

There are no baby changing facilities on Egilsay.

Please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Please check ahead for suitability for your access needs. There is no overnight accommodation available on the island. Some of the trail has a loose surface. There are large loose stones along the trail and a narrow grass bank. There are two field gates and a narrower pedestrian gate. The trail is sloped.

There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets, without accessible facilities, are at the ferry waiting room at the pier.

BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.

There is no visitor centre here and this reserve does not have any staff on site.

There is no cafe or shop here or on the island, the nearest places for food and drinks are on the neighbouring island of Rousay or Evie & Finstown on Mainland Orkney. We recommend you bring your own food and drinks if this is likely to affect your visit.

Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.