Hoy Island, Orkney Islands

Explore Hoy Island (Orkney Islands) Coast and Beaches

Hoy Island meaning "High Island" is the second largest island in the Orkney Islands archipelago after Mainland. A causeway links the island to South Walls. Hoy has a spectacular coastline with some of the highest sea cliffs in the UK, in particular St John's Head at 350 metres (1,150 ft). But the most known feature located on the west coast is the "Old Man of Hoy" which is a 137 m (449 ft) sea stack formed from red sandstone. People come from all over the world to see and climb the stack.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 18 beaches in Orkney Islands. You can even take a look at our list of Orkney Islands dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Hoy Island Orkney Islands Coast Map

Hoy Island Orkney Islands Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Scapa-Flow-Visitor-Centre

Scapa Flow Visitor Centre

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre is a museum located in the former fuel oil pumping station at Lyness Naval Base (HMS Proserpine). The exhibition illustrates the importance of Scapa Flow as a base for the British fleet throughout history, concentrating on its role during two world wars. Read more…
Longhope-lifeboat-station

Longhope lifeboat station

Longhope lifeboat station was established in 1874 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station and shop open daily in the mornings. Other times by apointment. Read more…
Dwarfie-Stane

Dwarfie Stane

The Dwarfie Stane is a chambered tomb carved out of rock situated in a steep-sided valley between Quoys and Randwick on the island of Hoy, in Orkney. Unlike other tombs on Orkney, the Dwarfie Stane is cut from a red sandstone block about 8m long. The remarkable thing about the Dwarfie Stane is that it was hollowed out using only stone Read more…
Rackwick-Bay-beach

Rackwick Bay Beach

Rackwick Bay beach is a sandy beach on island of Hoy. The beach although sandy has some large rounded pebbles and is overlooked by two high red sandstone cliffs at either side of the bay. Car parking but no other facilities so make sure you bring everything you need. Read more…
Hackness-Martello-Tower

Hackness Martello Tower

The Hackness Martello tower, together with another on the north side at Crockness, was built in 1815. Visitors can tour the tower, battery and reconstructed barracks. The towers were located to provide protection for British ships in the bay of Longhope against attack by American and French privateers, during the Napoleonic Wars. The towers were upgraded, with the installation of new guns and other structures, in 1866 Read more…
Ward-Hill

Ward Hill

Ward Hill is a curved ridge and is the highest hill in Orkney, sitting on the north of the island of Hoy. Ward Hill may be climbed from a variety of starting points. The northern side, directly above Hoy Village is steep and craggy, and thus presents the least appealing ascent route. Read more…
Old-Man-of-Hoy

The Old Man of Hoy

The Old Man of Hoy is a sea stack situated on the island of Hoy in Orkney, near to the Dwarfie Stane. Standing at 137m high, this red sandstone stack is perched on a plinth of basalt rock. It makes for a distinctive landmark when viewed from the Thurso to Stromness ferry. At around 400 years old, the Old Man Read more…
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