by Lee Helen » Wed Oct 09, 2019 12:48 pm
Sub 2000' hills included on this walk: Ward Hill (Hoy)
Date walked: 08/10/2019
Time taken: 5.5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 479m
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Leaving Moaness Pier Ward Hill stands there almost surreal with its imposing steep sides. We picked a good Autumns day for the challenge with a relatively gentle wind (17mph gusting at 30mph) for Orkney anyways and only a 10% chance of rain. The walk to the Dwarfie Stone was very pleasant and peaceful and the path leading to the Dwarfie Stone was very well maintained. After a quick refresh we put our gaiters on and removed a warm layer in readiness for the climb before us. The climb that I heard described as 'relentless'. I myself would describe it as brutal with steep heather covered loose rock steps but this gives plenty of opportunity to rest and enjoy the magnificent views. Reaching the 333 meter summit of Haist feels great and the views here are as breathtaking as the climb itself. The panorama encompasses South Ronaldsay to The Broch of Birsay as there is nothing taller on the mainland (Ward hill on the mainland only being 269 meters). The short decent to the final ascent is easy going though care should be taken not to twist an ankle as you look back at the Howes of Quoyawa. The last 160 or so meter climb is steep in places with loose rocks and steep heather steps. The sight of the cairn is a very welcome one and the stone built wall around the trig-point is a more than welcome shield from the wind and the inevitable driving rain. The descent off to the West can be a steep and slippery one so best to stick to the stone covered ridge a little further South that leads down to the Glen floor and the footpath, turn left for Rackwick and right for Moaness. From here it is a short pleasant walk to the loch and the road back to Moaness pier. For those in need of a refreshing cuppa pop in past the kirk and make yourself one while you read about some Hoy history though do remember to leave a donation. Hint, check the boat timetable before initially setting off.