FREE Rewilding walk and coastal forage with Malcolm Handoll – West Mainland coastal walk

Brough of Birsay car park (Grid Ref: 24,28)
Saturday 29th November 2025. Start 09.00am. End 4.30pm (return bus from Skara Brae to Brough of Birsay car park at 4.00pm)

A full day walk from Brough of Birsay to connect with nature, the Earth, Sun, wind and plants, guided by Malcolm Handoll.

If the weather allows you’ll walk onto the sands and explore tidal pools and food sources before making your way through the village of Birsay and southwards over Marwick Head and following the cliff top to Skaill Bay. You’ll be beachcombing close up, and opening your mind to the wind, sun and the earth’s rotation, putting yourself into the wider context.

Marwick Bay is an excellent location to try and find birch bark and heather amongst the rocks – precious, lifesaving materials for anyone shipwrecked on the coast!

On the way you’ll stop at the Fishermen’s Huts for shelter from the wild weather – which could be quite challenging! A survivor would be looking to find shelter from the elements and get a small fire going for warmth. Malcolm will recreate this scene if you’ve managed to find dry tinder.

The route: This walk is approximately 21kms and though/on short, cropped grass and paths. With ascent of 140m it will be surprisingly challenging with stiles to climb and uneven ground.

Duration: The walk is expected to take 5-5½ hours, arriving at Skara Brae Visitor Centre between 2.30-3.00pm, where the café should be open for refreshments.

A bus will return you to Brough of Birsay car park at 4.00pm.

Participants must be fit and able to walk in demanding conditions, potentially in challenging weather that is exposing you to cold, wet and the fatigue of walking into a strong wind. If lucky it will be a glorious day and we will see the sun for a lesson in natural navigation. Whatever the weather we will have a fun, stimulating, adventurous time, not just a walk!

Come equipped for the adventure:

• Full weatherproof clothing and footwear must be worn. Anyone not prepared for the conditions may be refused if conditions are difficult. Participants must be dressed for being exposed to Atlantic weather in winter!
• A packed lunch and snacks should be carried, plus water and a hot drink would be a good idea as the café at Skara Brae cannot be guaranteed to be open
• Toilets are available at Birsay village and Skaill Bay but not in between
• The shop in Birsay is worth leaving some money at, but don’t rely on it and bring supplies with you
• For the central section of the walk you will be out of phone signal so there can be a greater sense of wildness and challenge – fitting for a John Rae walk!

All participants will need to supply their full name, any relevant medical details, an emergency contact number and read and sign a consent form.

FREE
Booking essential: projectmanager@johnraesociety.com
Numbers limited: 12-15 maximum