Hoy, Orkney Island
Large Orkney island with dramatic sea cliffs
The Orkney island of Hoy offers high sandstone sea cliffs, the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack, and sheltered bays such as Rackwick. Walkers tackle Ward Hill, while birdwatchers and photographers visit for coastal scenery and wartime relics in nearby Scapa Flow.
Hoy, Orkney at a Glance#
About Hoy, Orkney#
Hoy is an island in the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, rugged interior and maritime scenery. It is among the larger Orkney islands and combines crofting communities, wartime heritage and prominent coastal landmarks.
The island’s best-known feature is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack on the west coast rising to about 137 metres that formed from coastal erosion and is a popular subject for climbers and photographers. Hoy also has towering cliffs such as St John’s Head which support large seabird colonies.
Hoy has a long human presence with scattered settlements and historical sites including remains related to World War I and II in the Scapa Flow area. The island’s landscape is a mix of moorland, sandstone cliffs and narrow bays used for fishing and recreation.
Hoy lies at the southern end of the Orkney Islands, reachable by a regular ferry from the mainland town of Stromness; it forms part of the Orkney island group off Scotland’s northern coast.
- Cliffs and wildlife: Hoy is the most dramatic of Orkney’s islands for cliffs and seabird colonies, with high sea cliffs such as St John’s Head that host significant seabird populations.
What to See#
- Old Man of Hoy (c. 137 m): The Old Man of Hoy, a detached sea stack rising about 137 metres from sea level on Hoy’s west coast, is one of Britain’s most photographed rock formations and a classic sea-cliff climbing objective.
How to Get to Hoy, Orkney#
Orkney Ferries operate regular services to Hoy from Stromness; the crossing takes about 40-60 minutes depending on the route. Roads on Hoy link ferry terminals to walking trails for the Old Man of Hoy and other sites.
Tips for Visiting Hoy, Orkney#
- Bring sturdy footwear for cliff paths and layered clothing-the wind can be fierce on Hoy even in summer.
- Take the ferry from Stromness to Lyness; timetables vary seasonally so check Orkney Ferries in advance.
- Hike to the Old Man of Hoy early in the day to avoid afternoon winds and to catch the sea stack in softer light.
Best Time to Visit Hoy, Orkney#
Summer months offer the best access and ferry frequency, with long daylight for hikes to the Old Man of Hoy and other coastal features.
Weather & Climate near Hoy, Orkney#
Hoy, Orkney's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1288 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 135 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 103 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 123 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 79 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 7° | 66 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 88 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 13° | 7° | 120 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 10° | 4° | 142 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 153 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 139 mm | overcast | 83% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
