Rackwick Beach, Orkney Travel Guide

4.9 (44)

Remote and scenic Rackwick Beach on Hoy offers dramatic cliffs, rich wildlife, and access to Orkney’s iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack.

Nestled in the scenic Rackwick Valley on the island of Hoy, Rackwick Beach offers a stunning sandy and boulder-strewn shoreline framed by towering 200m cliffs and heathery hills. This tranquil coastal spot is part of a vast RSPB-managed nature reserve, home to diverse seabirds including puffins. The area is a gateway to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers seeking remote beauty and dramatic landscapes.

A brief summary to Rackwick Beach

Hoy, Stromness, GB
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rackwick Beach.

Bring sturdy walking shoes for trails around the beach and to the Old Man of Hoy.
Check ferry schedules in advance as Hoy is accessible only by ferry from Orkney Mainland.
Stay at nearby Rackwick Hostel for a peaceful, nature-immersed experience with basic self-catering facilities.
Pack binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially to spot puffins and seabirds.

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Getting There

Ferry and Bus Combination

Take the ferry from Stromness on Orkney Mainland to North Hoy (foot passengers only), then use local bus services or taxi for approximately 20-30 minutes to reach Rackwick Valley. Ferry crossings take about 30 minutes and buses run several times daily during summer. Costs range around £10-£15 for the ferry and £5-£10 for bus fares.
Ferry and Car

Drive or take a taxi to Houton on Orkney Mainland, then board the vehicle ferry to Lyness on Hoy. The ferry crossing lasts about 60 minutes. From Lyness, Rackwick Valley is a 20-minute drive by car. Ferry fares for vehicles are approximately £25-£35 one way, depending on vehicle size.
Walking from Hostel

If staying at Rackwick Hostel, the beach and valley trails are accessible on foot with easy to moderate terrain. Walking times vary from 5 to 30 minutes depending on destination within the valley and beach area.

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Discover more about Rackwick Beach

Wild Coastal Beauty and Dramatic Landscape

Rackwick Beach lies within the picturesque Rackwick Valley on Hoy, one of the Orkney Islands. The beach itself is a broad stretch of sand interspersed with boulders, bordered by steep cliffs rising up to 200 meters and rolling heathery hills. The rugged coastline offers breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean, with the sound of waves and seabirds providing a natural soundtrack. Its remote setting ensures a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for visitors seeking solitude and connection with nature.

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Birdwatching

Much of North Hoy, including the Rackwick area, is owned and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). This extensive reserve supports a rich variety of birdlife, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. Puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds breed along the cliffs, while upland heath provides habitat for rare species. The natural environment here is carefully preserved, offering visitors a chance to experience an important wildlife habitat in a relatively untouched state.

Gateway to the Old Man of Hoy

Rackwick Beach serves as a popular starting point for the walk to the Old Man of Hoy, a dramatic 137-meter sea stack and one of Orkney’s most famous landmarks. The trail from Rackwick winds through spectacular coastal scenery, making it a favorite for hikers and photographers. The imposing sea stack stands as a testament to the island’s geological history and is a striking feature on the horizon from the beach.

Rackwick Hostel and Visitor Experience

Close to the beach lies Rackwick Hostel, a small, welcoming accommodation favored by walkers and cyclists. The hostel offers simple, comfortable lodging with two bedrooms accommodating up to eight guests, a self-catering kitchen, and a communal area. With no TV or Wi-Fi, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the natural surroundings. The hostel operates year-round except during Christmas and New Year, providing a peaceful base for exploring the valley and coast.

Tranquil Ambience and Outdoor Activities

Visitors to Rackwick Beach can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including beachcombing, birdwatching, hiking, and photography. The valley’s serene ambience, combined with the dramatic cliffs and open sea views, creates a sense of timelessness and escape. The area is well-suited to those looking for a quiet retreat in a spectacular natural setting, with opportunities to spot wildlife and appreciate the rugged beauty of Orkney’s coastline.

Access and Practical Information

Hoy is accessible by ferry from the Orkney Mainland, with options for vehicles and foot passengers. The journey to Rackwick Valley requires some walking through rural terrain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Facilities at the hostel include laundry and kitchen amenities, but visitors should plan ahead as services are limited in this remote area. The natural environment is fragile, and visitors are encouraged to respect local conservation efforts.