Hoy Island

Travel Guide

Old Man of Hoy which includes rugged coastline
Ward Hill which includes a coastal town and mountains
St. John\'s Head featuring rocky coastline
Old Man of Hoy featuring rocky coastline
St. John\'s Head which includes 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 meters). Its northern and western reaches are home to mountainous moorlands and glacial valleys, and contrast with the lowland landscape that characterizes 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-meter) high rock stack is one of the tallest in Britain. Hike along the scenic 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) 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 colors.

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 center provides fascinating insight into the island’s military history. The center 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
The price is NT$3,455 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
NT$3,455
NT$4,145 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Thurso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (326 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 2025/6/12

Pentland
Castletown Hotel
Castletown Hotel
3 out of 5
Main Street, Castletown, Thurso, Scotland
The price is NT$3,208 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
NT$3,208
NT$3,849 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Thurso. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 2025/6/26

Castletown Hotel
The Stromness Hotel
The Stromness Hotel
2 out of 5
The Pierhead, Stromness, Scotland
The price is NT$5,445 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$5,445
NT$6,534 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Stromness. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (64 reviews)
"close to sea port and right next to whole rows of shops bars places to explore- jut dandy"

Reviewed on 2025/6/30

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.
Castleyards Apartment 12
Castleyards Apartment 12
3.5 out of 5
12 Castleyards, Kirkwall, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kirkwall. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Orkney Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located ...
"Great location in Kirkwall, close to the information centre, supermarkets, abs the cathedral. Clean as a whistle too!"

Reviewed on 2023/5/27

Castleyards Apartment 12
Apartment 65B
Apartment 65B
3.5 out of 5
Princes Street, Thurso, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Thurso. Enjoy laundry facilities, premium TV channels, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Scrabster Ferry Terminal ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Apartment was clean and well-equipped. We loved our stay!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/25

Apartment 65B
Duart At The Sea
Duart At The Sea
3 out of 5
Duart Auckengill, Wick, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Wick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Caithness Broch Centre and Duncansby Stacks are located ...
Duart At The Sea
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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