JP Orkney - Stenness scenic neolithic tour view stone circle

This autumn, Orkneyโ€™s captivating landscapes have graced the big screen in The Outrun, based on Amy Liptrotโ€™s powerful memoir. Starring Saoirse Ronan, the film weaves together themes of resilience, recovery, and connection with nature, using Orkneyโ€™s scenery as the perfect backdrop.

The Outrun brings to life the wild beauty that has long inspired locals and visitors alike, from the rugged cliffs of Marwick Head to the tranquil shores of Skaill Bay. In tribute to this story and the land it celebrates, weโ€™re thrilled to soon be offering The Outrun Tour, designed to immerse you in Orkneyโ€™s landscapes, wildlife, and history.

The Outrun Tour Itinerary

Step into scenes from the film and experience the sites that inspired Amy Liptrotโ€™s journey.

Stop 1: Bay of Skaill โ€“ A Place of New Beginnings

Begin your journey at the Bay of Skaill, where waves crash dramatically on the shoreline, echoing the themes of renewal and inner strength that anchor The Outrun. Walk along this beach as your guide, Paul Hudd, introduces you to the geology, wildlife, and local stories that make the Bay unforgettable. Learn how the surrounding landscapes influenced Amy’s journey, symbolising both isolation and interconnectedness.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Highlights: Beach walk, wildlife spotting, personal reflections on themes from The Outrun

Stop 2: Marwick Head โ€“ The Cliffs of Recovery

Next, we head to Marwick Head (a 10-minute drive away), where seabirds soar above the cliffs and the North Sea winds weave through heather-covered hillsides. Here, you’ll be invited to reflect in the same quiet that frames The Outrun, overlooking waves that remind us of the elemental forces at play in Orkney. Marwick Headโ€™s towering cliffs and expansive views are some of the most iconic in Orkney.

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Highlights: Cliff walk, seabird colonies, breathtaking photo opportunities, insights into local wildlife and habitats

Stop 3: The Ring of Brodgar โ€“ History Meets Nature

A short 20-minute journey inland brings us to the mystical Ring of Brodgar, one of Europeโ€™s oldest and most remarkable stone circles. Learn about its significance as a Neolithic ritual site and its role in Orkneyโ€™s culture and history.

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Highlights: Guided history of the Neolithic site, views of Hoy hills, unique wildlife sightings

Stop 4: Birsay Causeway and Brough of Birsay โ€“ Crossroads of Ancient and Modern Worlds

Depending on tide times, visit the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island once home to Pictish and Viking settlements. This unique setting provides a look into Orkneyโ€™s layered history and offers a rare perspective on ancient coastal life. Feel the deep historical connections to land and sea that resonate through The Outrun, and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Orkneyโ€™s northern coast.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Highlights: Causeway crossing (subject to tides), Pictish and Viking history, scenic views and photo spots

The Outrun Tour: Wildlife and Local Experiences

Led by our knowledgeable local guide, Paul, The Outrun Tour also integrates moments of wildlife spotting and stories about the flora and fauna found throughout Orkneyโ€™s diverse landscapes. Paul is deeply passionate about Orkneyโ€™s natural heritage and will be on hand to guide you in your truly immersive experience.

For a truly immersive experience, we invite you to enjoy Orkney-made treats from local producers, including some of Amyโ€™s favourite spots, giving you a taste of the same welcoming community that plays a vital role in The Outrunโ€™s story.

Orkney Wildlife Walks

Complementing The Outrun Tour, we also offer Orkney Wildlife Walks which takes a closer look at Orkneyโ€™s ecosystems, designed for nature lovers and birdwatchers. These gentle walks span habitats ranging from heather-dappled cliffs to serene beaches, where you can spot curlews, seals, coastal wildflowers, and even puffins at the right time of year.


Whether youโ€™re a fan of the book, the film, or simply the spirit of the Orkney Islands, The Outrun Tour is an unforgettable way to connect with both the land and its stories.

For more details and to book, get in touch!

Useful Links

https://www.orkney.com/outrun

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jan/22/the-outrun-amy-liptrot-review-by-will-self