Old Man of Hoy, Iconic Sea Stack of Orkney
Soaring 450 feet above the Atlantic, the Old Man of Hoy is a breathtaking sea stack and iconic Orkney landmark beloved by climbers and nature enthusiasts.
The Old Man of Hoy is a dramatic 137-meter (450-foot) sandstone sea stack rising from the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland. Formed less than 400 years ago by coastal erosion, this towering natural monument is one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK and a magnet for climbers and nature lovers alike. Accessible by a demanding coastal walk from Rackwick Bay, it offers spectacular views and a glimpse into the raw power of sea and wind shaping the landscape.
A brief summary to Old Man of Hoy
- Stromness, GB
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for a demanding 3-hour round-trip walk on rough terrain from Rackwick Bay.
- The best views of the Old Man of Hoy can be enjoyed from the Scrabster-Stromness ferry—sit on the left side for optimal sightlines.
- Climbing the stack is for experienced climbers only; the sandstone is fragile and routes are exposed and challenging.
- Check ferry schedules in advance, especially if planning a day trip, as connections to Hoy can be infrequent.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing; Orkney’s coastal weather is often windy and can change rapidly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and Minibus
Take the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness (approx. 90 minutes, £20 foot passenger), then transfer to the Orkney Ferries service from Stromness to Moaness on Hoy (approx. 30 minutes, under £3). From Moaness, a local minibus or taxi can take you to Rackwick Bay trailhead (20-30 minutes). The minibus costs around £5 each way. The route requires booking ferries in advance and checking schedules.
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Car and Ferry
Drive to Scrabster and park (parking approx. £10 for up to 7 days). Take the ferry to Stromness, then ferry to Hoy as above. From the ferry terminal on Hoy, use local taxi or minibus services to reach the walking trail start. Roads on Hoy can be narrow and bumpy; drive carefully.
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Walking Trail
From Rackwick Bay, follow the marked coastal path to the Old Man of Hoy viewpoint. The walk is approximately 4-5 miles round trip, taking about 3 hours total. The path is rough and ascends steadily; suitable for fit walkers with good footwear. No public transport runs directly to Rackwick.
Old Man of Hoy location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Old Man of Hoy
Striking Natural Monument Born of Erosion
The Old Man of Hoy stands as a towering 137-meter (450-foot) sea stack composed primarily of Old Red Sandstone perched atop a basalt plinth. This imposing pillar was formed less than 400 years ago through relentless coastal erosion, which carved it from the mainland cliffs of Hoy. Originally an arch with two legs, a storm in the early 19th century washed away one leg, leaving the solitary column visible today. The stack’s striking silhouette, sometimes said to resemble a human figure, dominates the rugged west coast of Hoy and is visible from the Scrabster to Stromness ferry route.A Pinnacle for Climbers and Adventurers
The Old Man of Hoy is renowned as one of the UK’s premier sea stack climbing challenges. First ascended in 1966 by Chris Bonington, Rusty Baillie, and Tom Patey, it quickly gained fame through a live BBC broadcast in 1967 that attracted millions of viewers. The stack features seven climbing routes, with the original East Face route being the most popular, graded E1 5b. Climbers face technical difficulties compounded by the fragile sandstone and exposure to the elements. A summit cairn holds a logbook in a waterproof container, chronicling ascents. The stack has also seen daring feats such as BASE jumping and a historic blind climber’s ascent.Scenic Coastal Walk and Surrounding Landscape
Visitors can reach the Old Man via a demanding 3-hour round-trip walk from Rackwick Bay, following a rough path that ascends and contours around the headland. The trail offers breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and the stack itself, providing excellent photo opportunities. Beyond the Old Man, the coastline continues north to St John’s Head, home to the UK’s highest vertical sea cliffs. The area’s wild weather, strong winds, and rapidly changing sea conditions add to the dramatic ambience of this rugged coastal environment.Geological and Environmental Significance
The Old Man of Hoy exemplifies dynamic coastal geology, shaped by hydraulic action and powerful Atlantic waves. The sea depth around the stack quickly drops to 60 meters, intensifying erosive forces. Geologists monitor a large crack on the stack’s south face, predicting eventual collapse, which underscores the transient nature of this natural wonder. The surrounding marine and cliff habitats support diverse wildlife, contributing to the ecological value of the region.Access and Viewing Opportunities
The stack is best viewed from the coastal path near Rackwick or from the Scrabster to Stromness ferry, where it can be seen prominently on the starboard side. Visitors typically travel to Stromness via ferry from Scrabster, then onward to Hoy by local ferry. From the ferry terminal on Hoy, a minibus or taxi can take visitors closer to the trailhead. The walk requires good fitness and appropriate footwear due to rough terrain and elevation gain.Cultural Impact and Media Appearances
The Old Man of Hoy has captured the imagination beyond climbing circles, appearing in popular culture such as Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the Eurythmics’ music video “Here Comes the Rain Again.” Its dramatic form and remote location symbolize the wild beauty of Orkney’s coastline, inspiring artists, photographers, and adventurers worldwide.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Hoy
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The Murray Arms Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
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Empire Chinese Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Heksmoar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Tranquil
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
