Fibla Fiold and Mid Tooin

This easy moorland outing on Orkney Mainland links the broad rise of Fibla Fiold with Mid Tooin, giving a walk of about 9 km / 5.6 miles with roughly 200 m / 656 ft of ascent. The terrain is generally gentle rather than steep, so the challenge comes less from climbing and more from exposure, wet ground, and route-finding once you leave the clearer vehicle track. Mid Tooin stands at about 224 m / 735 ft, making it one of the higher inland points on Orkney Mainland, and the walk has a very open, spacious feel with long views across the East Mainland and surrounding low hills. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The start is best described as being near Graemeshall House, Holm, Orkney, KW17 2RX, on the East Mainland of Orkney, where walkers commonly use roadside space near Graemeshall before following the obvious track uphill toward the masts on Fibla Fiold. Graemeshall sits in the wider St Andrews and Deerness area of East Mainland, a part of Orkney known for its mix of farmland, moorland, wartime heritage, and archaeological sites. (orkney.com)

If travelling by car, the simplest approach is from Kirkwall across Orkney’s East Mainland roads toward Holm and the Graemeshall area; from there, minor roads lead to the roadside start used for the hill track. If using public transport, Orkney’s mainland bus network is the place to check current services, and bus availability can be affected by weather warnings, so it is worth confirming timetables and service notices before setting out. Because the walk begins in a rural area rather than at a formal trailhead with facilities, most hikers will find a car the more straightforward option. (orkney.gov.uk)

What the route feels like

The first section is usually the easiest underfoot. From near Graemeshall, a clear land track climbs steadily toward the transmitter masts on Fibla Fiold. This opening stretch gains height gradually and is well suited to warming up, with broad views opening behind you as you rise. Reports of the route consistently describe this track as obvious and straightforward, making it the most navigationally simple part of the outing. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

At around the midpoint, near the masts on Fibla Fiold, the character changes. The firm track gives way to rougher moorland, and the crossing toward Mid Tooin is often the part hikers need to respect most. Even in relatively dry weather, the ground here can be mossy, spongy, and boggy, with wetter patches that may force small detours to find firmer footing. That means waterproof footwear is strongly recommended, and gaiters can be very useful after rain or during cooler months. (mountainsofscotland.co.uk)

The final approach to Mid Tooin is not especially steep, but it can feel slower than the map suggests because of the peat and uneven moor. The summit area is broad and understated rather than dramatic, marked by a trig point and nearby summit mound. In poor visibility, this is the section where careful navigation matters most, so carrying and checking the route on HiiKER is sensible, especially if low cloud or mist is forecast. (commons.wikimedia.org)

Terrain, conditions, and preparation

Although the walk is rated easy overall, it is best thought of as an easy hill walk with moorland complications. There are no major technical obstacles, but the route is exposed to wind, and Orkney weather can change quickly. Strong winds can make the open ground feel much more serious than the modest elevation suggests. Low cloud can also flatten the landscape visually, making the crossing from Fibla Fiold to Mid Tooin less obvious. (commons.wikimedia.org)

Expect a mix of estate track, rough grass, heather, peat, and bog. After wet spells, progress can be noticeably slower than the distance suggests. For most hikers, a realistic plan is to allow extra time beyond what a simple 9 km / 5.6 mile distance might imply. Waterproof boots, windproof layers, and spare warm clothing are all worthwhile, even on a relatively short outing. Trekking poles can help with balance on saturated ground.