Orkney is Scotland's best-kept secret: a supreme outdoor destination that is more accessible than you expect, by ferry or plane. It offers world-class prehistory, approachable wildlife and welcoming Orcadian hospitality.

This pilgrimage walk celebrates Orkney's patron saint, Magnus, some 900 years after his martyrdom. The 60-mile St Magnus Way has it all: manageable daily distances, stunning coastal vistas, unique wildlife, tidal islands, historic interest and great variety of terrain. It starts from the site of Magnus' martyrdom on Egilsay and culminates at his cathedral in Orkney's capital Kirkwall.

For cyclists, the 67-mile (108 km) St Magnus Cycleway visits the same places as the Way. However it runs almost wholly on tarmac and is readily split into two circuits of 27 and 40 miles respectively (44 km and 64 km respectively).

This essential trail guide contains all you need to plan your visit on foot or bike:

• Foreword by Magnus Linklater
• biography of St Magnus and his cathedral
• planning info for travel by car, ferry and plane
• richly illustrated sections on history, geology and wildlife
• visit info for museums, distilleries and the World Heritage Site
• concise step-by-step directions
• 14 pages with route mapping at 1:30,000
• in full colour, with 101 photos.

About the Author

David Mazza is a doctor who has worked in New Zealand, Scotland, India and York before moving to Orkney to work as a GP in 2016. He now provides holistic health care for about 700 inhabitants of Westray and Papa Westray, two of Orkney's remote outer isles.

His writing career includes medical articles, a book on the growth of palliative care in the developing world and a number of plays. His play The Three Peaks addressed the themes of walking, bereavement and pilgrimage, and was performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2014. He is also a member of a ceilidh band, and believes that ceilidhs promote inclusiveness and fun.

David is a trustee of Orkney Pilgrimage which supported the creation of the St Magnus Way. He is also a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild.


Book Information
ISBN 9781913817107
Author David Mazza
Format Paperback
Page Count 72
Imprint Rucksack Readers
Publisher Rucksack Readers
Weight(grams) 179g
Dimensions(mm) 220mm * 130mm * 7mm