Hoy Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Man of Hoy showing rugged coastline
Ward Hill showing a coastal town and mountains
St. John\'s Head which includes rugged coastline
Old Man of Hoy showing rugged coastline
St. John\'s Head showing rocky coastline

A prime hiking and bird-watching destination, Orkney’s second-largest island is home to some of the archipelago’s most spectacular scenery.

Hoy Island takes its name from the Norse word for “high island,” a reference to its red sandstone cliffs, which can reach heights of over 1,000 feet (300 metres). Its northern and western reaches are home to mountainous moorlands and glacial valleys, and contrast with the lowland landscape that chatacterises Orkney’s other islands. Hike along rugged sea cliffs, survey the island’s large population of seabirds and visit intriguing prehistoric sites.

No visit to Hoy would be complete without a trip to see its most well-known landmark, the Old Man of HoyOpens in a new window. This 450-foot (137-metre) high rock stack is one of the tallest in Britain. Hike along the scenic 3-mile (4.8-kilometre) path leading to the stack, which offers gorgeous views of Rackwick Bay and the chance to spot a variety of seabirds.

Continue along the trail from the Old Man of Hoy to St. John's HeadOpens in a new window, a vertical sea cliff that is among Britain’s highest. The cliff is best viewed in early evening, when the setting sun highlights its beautiful red and yellow colours.

Orkney’s highest summit, Ward HillOpens in a new window, offers yet another rewarding hike. From the hill peak, enjoy views over virtually the entire Orkney archipelago. Look for Dwarfie Stane near the beginning of the hill ascent. This compelling rock-cut tomb dates back over 5,000 years.

Travel to Lyness, which is located on the eastern side of Hoy, to explore the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre. Orkney was an important naval base for the British Grand Fleet during both world wars, and the centre provides fascinating insight into the island’s military history. The centre is set in an old pump house that once supplied oil to tankers moored off Lyness. Inspect war-time photos, the pump house’s well-preserved equipment, and read poignant letters sent home by seaman.

Hoy Island is connected by passenger/bike ferry to StromnessOpens in a new window. A car ferry runs to Lyness from Houton on mainland Orkney. Buses from the ferry docks transport visitors to the island’s main settlements. Discover the striking natural scenery of one of Orkney’s most unique islands.

Pentland
Pentland
3 out of 5
Princes Street, Thurso, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £108 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
£108
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Thurso. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (324 reviews)
"brief overnight stay en route home to Orkney. Arrived late but night porter was very friendly and helpful and had us checked-in quickly. Breakfast was good with plenty of choice and we were on our way in plenty of time for the ferry."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Pentland
Castletown Hotel
Castletown Hotel
3 out of 5
Main Street, Castletown, Thurso, Scotland
The price is £104 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£104
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Thurso. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
"Loved this place. The staff was so friendly and helpful. Great restaurant. Mostly modern rooms/bathrooms. Quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Parking is limited so get there early."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Castletown Hotel
The Stromness Hotel
The Stromness Hotel
2 out of 5
The Pierhead, Stromness, Scotland
The price is £134 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£134
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (63 reviews)
Stromness hotel
"The hotel car park has a skip full to overflowing, and this, as well as disused furniture and scrap metal reduced the hotel parking, on an island where parking spaces are hard to find. We were not given the code to the fire door but were lucky enough to meet another couple of guests who did and let ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

The Stromness Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spacious Apartment ideal for Families.
Spacious Apartment ideal for Families.
Keiss, Scotland
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Wick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and Old Wick Castle are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Home from home experience
"Lovely accommodation equipped with everything plus more. Clean and tidy with modern decor. Lots of extras towels and toiletries, games and TV practically in every room. 4 miles from Tescos and 6 miles from John O'Groats."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2021

Spacious Apartment ideal for Families.
Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .
Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .
St Margaret's Hope, Orkney, Scotland
Stay at this cottage in South Ronaldsay. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Hoxa Tapestry Gallery and Sand of Wright are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"This cottage is exactly as advertised. We enjoyed the location and view of the sea. We did have a little difficulty getting heat the first night but with Catriona’s instructions, it worked beautifully after it started up. We enjoyed having the washer, which enabled us to pack a little less and do ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Unique Seaside Cottage in a picturesque village .
Stromness Apartments
Stromness Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Milldam, Cauldhame Road, Orkney, Stromness, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Stromness. Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stromness Ferry Terminal and Piers Art ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"An awesome place!"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Stromness Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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