Legend:
Easy = an urban site, or a rural site directly by the side of the road.
Moderate = up to 1 Km walk over fairly level ground.
Difficult = up to 1 Km walk over hilly ground, or more than 1 Km walk over fairly level ground.
Very Difficult = more than 1 Km walk over hilly ground, or some scrambling involved.
NB. For sites rated as “Difficult” and “Very Difficult” you are strongly advised to wear proper walking boots and to carry a large scale map and compass, or GPS device.
The Brough of Deerness is a very interesting Viking settlement site off the east coast of Orkney mainland. Unlike the Brough of Birsay, access to Deerness is not limited by the tides. It should be noted, however, that access is relatively difficult (see photo). You must first negotiate a slippery and sometimes muddy path down to the bottom of Little Burrageo and then a steep narrow path up to the Brough. It's worth it, though! There is a viewing point from the mainland if you do not wish to attempt the climb to the Brough.
The Brough is a c. 30 m high sea stack separated from the mainland by a narrow neck of land. The top of this 80 m wide sea stack has the remains of a small church, surrounded by remains of c. 30 buildings, set within an encircling bank.
The most recent excavations took place in 2008 and 2009.
