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Hoy and Graemsay

Showcasing the joy of the great outdoors, Orkney’s second largest island Hoy rises dramatically from the sea with glacial valleys, huge hills and dramatic cliffs.

Named the ‘high island’ by the Vikings, Hoy really does live up to its name and is an incredible landscape to explore. Home to Orkney’s highest hill, Ward Hill at more than 1500 ft tall, whilst towering cliffs on the west coast include St John’s Head, the highest vertical cliff face in the UK at 1136 ft.

Visitors are attracted by the most famous landmark, the Old Man of Hoy, a sandstone sea stack just south of St John’s Head. This monolith has watched over Hoy for centuries and has been a popular mecca for climbers over that time. Nowadays, the tower is fragile and the best views can be gained from boat tours around the area coasting past the impressive Old Man.

AN EXPLORER’S PARADISE

Hoy is popular with walkers and adventurers who enjoy the easy access to many spots of natural beauty in the surrounding area, the history and wildlife. Hoy is also famous for having Britain’s most northerly natural woodland at Berriedale. The island offers a special alpaca experience too where you can share your outdoor adventure with a curious and cute companion!

History enthusiasts can explore the mysterious Dwarfie Stane, a 5000-year-old rock cut tomb unique to the area. The chambered tomb was looted in the 16th Century for treasure and was then subsequently repaired. The name is derived from local legend that a dwarf named Trollid lived there, although, ironically, the tomb has also been claimed as the work of giants. It was even featured in Walter Scott’s 1821 novel The Pirate.

Stepping off the ferry, Hoy Heritage Centre is your first stop to get a bigger picture of the island’s history. The newly open Scapa Flow Museum captures the important role the island played in both World Wars and offers experienced divers an opportunity to dive the historic wrecks which litter the seas around the island.

The tiny island of Graemsay is found in-between the Orkney mainland and the north end of Hoy. Graemsay offers peace and tranquillity for visitors and is a stop on the passenger ferry from Stromness. The island has beautiful views towards Hoy and the Orkney mainland off the rugged coastal walk, with plenty of birdlife and flora and fauna to spot along the way. If you’re planning to visit Graemsay, make sure you take your own food and drink as there are no shops or services available, and the only toilet is at the pier.

The southern end of Hoy is also well worth exploring. You can journey to South Walls, an island in its own right, where the majority of Hoy’s population live surrounded by green fields and fertile farmland which is a contrast to the dramatic cliffs and rocks of the northern end of the island. Enjoy the village of Longhope which has an excellent selection of shops and cafés and the distinctive orange form of the local RNLI lifeboat at the nearby pier.

Hoy is made for the outdoor adventurer so pack up your gear and explore the island on your next visit to Orkney.

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