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, Hoy at a Glance#
Address: Ward Hill, Hoy, Orkney, Scotland
About Ward Hill, 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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 141 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 106 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 124 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 80 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 7° | 68 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 11° | 76 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 91 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.1h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 12° | 7° | 125 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 10° | 3° | 147 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 7° | 5° | 157 mm | overcast | 84% | 9.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 145 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.2h |
