Walk this way... Orkney
Stand face to face with the Old Man of Hoy on this idyllic island walk over heather moorland and seabird-rich sandstone cliffs
The route: The walk begins at the hostel in Rackwick. (If you’re arriving on Hoy by ferry at Moaness, you can make the five-mile journey to Rackwick either on foot or by taxi.) Then follow the signposted route over peat and heather moorland. The track is uphill for the first ¾ mile after which it drops down through a boulder field, where the going is moderately challenging. The footpath eventually leads to the end of a promontory, for breathtaking views of the Old Man of Hoy. Why go? The imperious Old Man of Hoy – Britain’s tallest sea stack – is Orkney’s best-known landmark and its 137-metre height is a challenge to even the most seasoned climber. Situated on the second-largest island in the archipelago, it can be more comfortably viewed from land on a scenic walk through the RSPB reserve on Hoy.
How long will it take? Allow three hours for the journey.
Wildlife highlights? On a clear day, mainland Scotland is visible, too. Look out for puffins, guillemots and fulmars at the coast. Along
the route (after you’ve enjoyed the Old Man’s company, simply head back the way you came), you may also catch sight of leaping mountain hares and interesting flora, such as orchids and alpine plants.
Don't miss… At the Old Man, you should be able to see St John’s Head – the highest vertical sea cliff in Britain.
Getting there Hoy is reached by passenger ferry from Stromness. For a more detailed route, see OS Explorer Map 462: Orkney, Hoy, South Walls and Flotta.
There are guided walks available on Hoy – contact Lee Shields at the RSPB reserve on 01856 791298 for details. Ferries to Orkney depart from Aberdeen and Scrabster, Gills Bay or John O’Groats and there are direct flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. To find out more, call 01856 872856 or see www.visitorkney.com.
OS maps Explorer Active Map 462: Hoy, South Walls & Flotta; Landranger Map 6: Orkney - Mainland; Landranger Map 5: Orkney - Northern Isles; Explorer Map 465: Orkney - Sanday, Eday, North Ronaldsay & Stronsay. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service
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