Cra'as Nest Museum: Traditional Orcadian Croft Life on Hoy
Discover the authentic 18th-century Orcadian croft life at Cra'as Nest Museum, perched above scenic Rackwick Bay on Hoy Island.
Nestled on the hillside of Rackwick Bay on the island of Hoy, Cra'as Nest Museum preserves an 18th-century traditional Orcadian croft and farmstead. This restored complex of stone buildings, including a crofthouse, barn, kiln, and net store, offers a rare glimpse into historic rural life in Orkney. Surrounded by dramatic red sandstone cliffs and sweeping views of Rackwick Bay, it is a quiet cultural gem on the walking route to the Old Man of Hoy sea stack.
A brief summary to Cra'as Nest
- Stromness, Rackwick, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes as the museum is accessed via a hillside path on the Old Man of Hoy walking route.
- Visit in spring or summer for the best weather and to enjoy the surrounding wildflowers and wildlife.
- Combine your visit with a hike to the nearby Old Man of Hoy sea stack for spectacular coastal views.
- Take time to explore other community museums and the bothy at Burnmouth in the Rackwick area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and Walking
Take the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness (approximately 1.5 hours). From Stromness, travel by local bus or taxi to Moaness Pier on Hoy, then walk about 4.5 miles (2 hours) along the marked path through Rackwick Glen to reach Cra'as Nest Museum. The walk involves uneven terrain and moderate elevation gain.
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Car and Hiking
Drive from Stromness to the Rackwick area on Hoy Island via the single minor road (about 30 minutes). Park near Rackwick Bay car park, then follow the footpath uphill for 20 minutes to Cra'as Nest Museum. Parking is limited; the road is narrow and winding.
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Local Bus and Footpath
Use the community bus service connecting Moaness, Lyness, and Longhope on Hoy Island. From Moaness, walk the Old Post Road and Old Man of Hoy path to Rackwick and the museum. Bus frequency is limited; check schedules in advance. Walking involves rural paths with some steep sections.
Cra'as Nest location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Cra'as Nest
A Window into Orcadian Crofting Heritage
Cra'as Nest Museum, also known locally as the Crow's Nest, is an exceptional example of an 18th-century crofting settlement on the island of Hoy, Orkney. The museum comprises a small cluster of traditional stone buildings, including a crofthouse with adjoining barn, a circular kiln for drying oats, and a detached net store or bothy. Restored in the early 1990s, these structures retain their original layout and architectural features, such as local flagstone walls and floors, and turf and straw roofs crafted from hand-sawn larch cabers. The site vividly illustrates the rural lifestyle and farming practices of Orkney's past, preserving techniques and materials typical of the region's pre-Improvement era.Historic Roots and Cultural Landscape
The earliest settlers at Cra'as Nest are believed to have arrived following a shipwreck in 1679, with the current buildings among the oldest surviving in Rackwick. The croft's name derives from Orcadian dialect, meaning “crow’s nest,” a lookout point on a whaling ship, reflecting the maritime heritage of the area. Positioned on the lower slopes of Moor Fea, the croft overlooks the wide arc of Rackwick Bay, framed by striking red sandstone cliffs and hills. This prominent hillside location not only provided strategic views but also connected the croft visually with other historic thatched buildings nearby, such as Burnmouth Bothy and Muckle House, underscoring the communal nature of crofting settlements.Exploring the Museum and Surroundings
Visitors to Cra'as Nest can explore the crofthouse interior, which features traditional furnishings including box beds and a dresser, evoking the domestic life of past inhabitants. The adjoining steading buildings demonstrate agricultural functions, with spaces for livestock and grain processing. The museum’s setting on the walking path to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack offers a serene and scenic experience, combining cultural heritage with natural beauty. The surrounding landscape invites quiet reflection and appreciation of Orkney’s rugged coastal environment, with opportunities to observe local wildlife and panoramic views of the bay.Community and Conservation Efforts
Cra'as Nest is part of a broader effort to preserve Orkney’s rural heritage and maintain the character of historic crofting communities. The restoration work in the 1990s was carefully undertaken to respect traditional building methods and materials, ensuring authenticity. Today, the museum serves not only as a cultural landmark but also as a symbol of the resilience and continuity of Orkney’s crofting way of life. Nearby, other community-run museums and archives in Rackwick complement the experience, providing deeper insights into the island’s history and traditions.Access and Visitor Experience
Situated near the Rackwick Hostel and along the Old Man of Hoy walking route, Cra'as Nest is accessible by a scenic footpath through the crofting township of Rackwick. The walk offers a chance to experience the tranquil atmosphere of one of Orkney’s most picturesque bays. While the museum buildings are modest, their authenticity and setting provide a unique, immersive glimpse into a vanished rural lifestyle. The site is quiet and often overlooked, making it a peaceful retreat for those interested in history, architecture, and nature.Architectural and Environmental Significance
The museum’s buildings exemplify traditional Orcadian vernacular architecture, with stone construction and turf roofs that blend harmoniously into the landscape. The preservation of the narrow closs (passage) between the linear ranges of buildings reflects historic spatial organization. The surrounding environment, including the nearby RSPB Hoy nature reserve, enhances the site’s ecological and scenic value, making Cra'as Nest a place where cultural heritage and natural beauty intersect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Old Man of Hoy
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Hoy
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Dwarfie Stane
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RSPB Scotland Hoy nature reserve
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Hoy High Lighthouse
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Ness Battery
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Stromness Museum
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Pier Arts Centre
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Essential places to dine
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Emily’s
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Ferry Inn Stromness
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Julia's Cafe Bistro
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Adam's Place
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Leigh's Real Taste of Orkney
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The Skerries Restaurant
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The Foveran
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The Murray Arms Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
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Sakura Kitchen
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Happy Haddock
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Empire Chinese Restaurant
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The Orkney Hotel
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Lucano
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Cream
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Waterfront Gallery
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Heksmoar
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Workshop & Loft Gallery
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Starlings
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Logo Orkney
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Grove Lounge
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Mr C's Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Skinandi's Nightclub
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The Waterfront
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
