Ward Hill, Hoy
Mountain Highest summit on Hoy island in Orkney
Rising above Hoy, Ward Hill offers peat and heath moorland and long views over Scapa Flow and surrounding islands; hillwalkers visit for a raw, exposed summit and nearby coastal scenery, including the Old Man of Hoy.
Ward Hill is the highest hill on the island of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland, notable for its prominence within the island’s upland plateau. The hill is a common objective for walkers seeking panoramic coastal views.
The hill sits within an island landscape long used for crofting, grazing and wartime naval operations in nearby bays; the summit itself is a natural landmark rather than a site of known built monuments.
Ward Hill occupies the northern interior of Hoy, one of the larger islands in the Orkney group off Scotland’s north coast; access is by ferry to Hoy and local roads or footpaths across the island.
- Elevation: The summit rises to 481 metres and is the highest point on the island of Hoy, offering wide views over Scapa Flow and neighbouring islands.
How to Get to Ward Hill, Hoy #
Hoy is reached by a short ferry from Stromness on mainland Orkney to Lyness or Longhope, depending on service. From the ferry terminal, local tracks and roads lead toward Ward Hill; allow time for island travel and variable ferry schedules.
Tips for Visiting Ward Hill, Hoy #
- Weather can change quickly-carry layers and waterproofs.
- The summit is exposed; for photography aim for late afternoon light when the islands show stronger contrast.
- Respect archaeological sites-Hoy's landscape contains prehistoric remnants and scheduled monuments.
Best Time to Visit Ward Hill, Hoy #
Late spring to early autumn offers the most comfortable conditions and long daylight hours for hillwalking.
Weather & Climate near Ward Hill, Hoy #
Ward Hill, Hoy'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 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1326 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (157 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
