Scotland
Wideford Hill
225M
738FT
About Wideford Hill
Overlooking Kirkwall, this heathery Marilyn provides a straightforward ascent with a significant historical reward. Its gentle slopes lead to a summit crowned by communication masts, but the real draw is the Neolithic chambered cairn on the western flank, offering a tangible link to Orkney’s ancient past and panoramas across the archipelago.
Key Statistics
Rank
14th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Southern Hebrides
Prominence
?
169m
Nearest Town
Kirkwall
Geology
You are walking on the Upper Stromness Flagstone Formation. This foundation is made of layers of hardened sand and mud.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
HY411116
Latitude
58.9877°N
Longitude
3.0257°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is of Old Norse origin, likely meaning 'Wide Fjord' or 'Willow Fjord', describing the hill's position above the broad waters of the Bay of Firth.
- •On the western slopes sits a Neolithic chambered cairn dating back to roughly 2000 BC; its interior is accessed by a modern hatch and ladder, revealing three distinct side-chambers similar to Maeshowe.
- •The 225-metre summit offers an expansive view of the North Isles, including Shapinsay, Rousay, and Egilsay, as well as the historic naval anchorage of Scapa Flow to the south.
- •As the primary site for Orkney's radio and television transmitters, the hill serves as the central hub for the archipelago's modern communications.
- •It is perhaps the only place in the world where you can explore a 4,000-year-old burial chamber while enjoying remarkably consistent 4G mobile reception.