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Old Man of Hoy

137m Elevation
118m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Overview

Old Man of Hoy: A Climbing Delight

Nestled on the breathtaking Orkney Islands, the Old Man of Hoy stands proud at an elevation of 137 meters. This iconic sea stack has become a must-visit landmark for hikers and climbers alike. Known for its dramatic appearance and towering presence, it is a favourite among adventurers striving for both challenge and views.

Geology

The Old Man of Hoy presents an intriguing geological story, primarily made up of Old Red Sandstone. This erosion-resistant stone has been sculpted by the elements over millions of years into the jaw-dropping cliffs we see today. Expect to be awestruck by its sheer scale!

Routes

One of the most popular routes is the Hoy Circular Walk. Covering approximately 5 km, this moderate loop gives you a chance to circle around the base of the Old Man itself while enjoying stunning coastal views and unique rock formations. It is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while keeping your hiking shoes busy.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, climbers are treated to spectacular vistas over the North Sea and the surrounding Orkneys. There's no such thing as being camera-shy at this point! Just be careful not to let the wind blow your hat away—it's known to happen.

Terrain

The terrain leading up to the Old Man is definitely rugged—think rocky pathways with a dollop of grassy patches that can turn a tad muddy after rainfall. The stunning contrast between the lush ground and the towering cliffs is something to marvel at, alongside keeping an eye out for sheep deciding to join you on your hike.

Views

From the top, the vistas are simply magnificent. Expect to peer out over the vast expanse of the North Sea, catching a glimpse of other islands in the distance. For the best views, aim for the spring or summer months when the visibility is often at its peak.

Hazards

It’s important to keep in mind the risks associated with hiking in this area. Be cautious of steep cliff edges, as one misstep could send you tumbling quicker than you can say 'top of the world'. Loose rocks and mud are also frequent companions on your journey, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Access and Facilities

The nearest parking area can be found at Rackwick Bay, equipped with some facilities for visitors. Public transport options are scarce, so consider bringing a friend along for the ride! In the nearby town of Stromness, you will find cafes and shops where you can refuel after your adventure—don’t forget to enjoy some local seafood!

Conclusion

So, if you're in the Orkney Islands and fancy a bit of adventure, don't miss the chance to visit the Old Man of Hoy. Pack your best boots, embrace the elements, and experience the beauty of one of Scotland's most iconic natural wonders!

Explore routes near Old Man of Hoy

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Rackwick Bay to the Old Man of Hoy

Starting from Rackwick Bay, this is the most popular route to the Old Man of Hoy. The route begins at the car park near the beach and follows a well-maintained path. The walk takes you through moorland with stunning views of the sea cliffs, leading to the viewing platform overlooking the iconic sea stack.

9 km ~3 hours Moderate

Moaness to Rackwick Bay via the Old Man of Hoy

From the ferry landing at Moaness, this longer route takes in the Old Man of Hoy en route to Rackwick Bay. The path leads across moorland and valleys, offering panoramic views of Hoy’s rugged landscape. It is a more challenging day hike due to its length, but it is well worth it for the dramatic scenery.

16 km ~6 hours Challenging

Circular Route from Rackwick Bay

This circular route starts and ends at Rackwick Bay, taking in the Old Man of Hoy and looping back via the nearby cliffs. This route allows walkers to explore more of the surrounding area while still enjoying the iconic sea stack as the highlight of the hike.

12 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Hoy High Route to the Old Man of Hoy

This alternative route starts from Moaness but takes a higher and less traveled path across the hills of Hoy. This route is ideal for experienced hikers looking for solitude and dramatic views. The path eventually descends to the Old Man of Hoy before returning by a lower route to Rackwick or Moaness.

18 km ~7 hours Difficult

Rackwick Bay to the Old Man of Hoy and Clifftop Exploration

This extended route starts at Rackwick Bay and leads to the Old Man of Hoy, with an optional exploration of the surrounding cliffs. This variation is perfect for those who want to spend extra time soaking in the views and exploring the dramatic coastline.

11 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill

Elevation

137m

449 ft

Prominence

118m

Coordinates

58.8865, -3.4308

HY176007

OS Map

7

Explorer: 462

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find the iconic sea stack with a stunning view down to the sea, along with some impressive rock formations worthy of a photograph or two.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with grassland leading to steep cliffs.

The Old Man of Hoy is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, showcasing dramatic sea cliffs and stunning features shaped by thousands of years of erosion.

Views & Scenery

The Orkney archipelago, the North Sea, and the mainland of Scotland on a clear day. Look out for seabirds swooping below!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hoy' is derived from the Norse word 'Hoy', meaning 'hill', while 'Old Man' refers to its stature and prominence.

Historical Significance

The Old Man of Hoy is not only a remarkable natural feature but also a significant point of interest in Orkney's maritime history and geology.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Car park at Rackwick Bay, with facilities available and a short walk to the start of the paths.

Public Transport

Limited bus services operate from Stromness to Rackwick, but services are infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain but cafes and shops can be found in Stromness.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep cliff edges, loose rocks and mud on certain paths, and changeable weather conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Old Man of Hoy?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Old Man of Hoy through the maps

Are there other walkers around Old Man of Hoy?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Old Man of Hoy search or of course create your own walk for Old Man of Hoy

Can I organise a walk to Old Man of Hoy?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Old Man of Hoy.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Old Man of Hoy?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Old Man of Hoy location map

Grid reference: HY176007

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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