Westside
Westside is a district on the west side of Rousay, with a population of approximately 6.
Muckle Water and Peerie Water are lochs within Westside, which are both known for their trout. The walk to the Peerie Water is approximately one mile (about 1.7
kilometres) off the main road, while the Muckle Water (Rousay's largest loch) is slightly further uphill. The walk along this old peat track takes you past heather-lined hills.
Westness Walk is a mile-long rough coastal path, from which some of Rousay's most important archaeological sites can be seen. The walk starts from the car park, on the main
road, taking you down a steep hill, towards the shore. As you descend, there are views across to the Mainland of Orkney, and the uninhabited island of
Eynhallow.
The first archaeological site encountered on the Westness Walk is Midhowe Cairn, a communal tomb, the excavation of which found the remains of 25 people. Please click
here for more information and photos of Midhowe Cairn.
Just a few yards from Midhowe Cairn, you will discover Midhowe Broch; one of Orkney's best-preserved brochs. Please click
here for more information and photos of Midhowe Broch.
Not far from Midhowe Broch and Cairn is St Mary's Church, a roofless ruined church built on the site of an earlier, medieval church. It is thought that St. Mary's Church
could date back to as far as the 1600s. In the 1800s, large stone buttresses were added - a successful attempt to prevent the church from sliping down into the sea! The church was
abandoned in the 1820s, as the Westness landowner ordered a clearance.
Not too far from the Church lies The Wirk - a large, rectangular building, adjoining a a square tower, which is thought to have been a grand ceremonial hall, dating back to
the 1300s.
Nearby, are the shells of the building which were once part of the farm at Skaill. These buildings have remained derelict since the eviction of the inhabitants in the early 1800s.
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