Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay

Summary

A short clifftop walk visiting two WWII gun batteries and offering superb views over Scapa Flow, Flotta and Hoy. The walk could be done as an extension to the Sands of Wright route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grass/earth footpaths and good farm tracks. There are usually cattle present on the return leg. Farmer has placed private and warning signs but this is a publicly funded, access is legal, if you experience any access problems please inform Orkney Islands Council via href='mailto:[email protected]'>[email protected].

Getting there

Start

Car park at end of the road before reaching the Bu.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus is at St Margaret's Hope, 5km away.

Start Grid Ref

ND409933

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.6km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 26m (Profile)

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Explorer 461 - Orkney East

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park at the car park about 150m before the buildings at The Bu. If travelling by public transport, walk along the B9043 from St Margaret's Hope passing the Sands of Wright and continue onto the unclassified road towards Uppertown. From the car park begin the walk by heading along the track towards The Bu (private sign). Immediately after the buildings turn right onto a rougher farm track. There's a footpath sign and kissing gate hidden behind the bales - go through the kissing gate alongside a five-bar gate and continue along the track to the coast.

Stage 2

Passing through another kissing gate, the grassy path curves left and gradually climbs to tower over the rugged cliffs. The views over nearby Flotta and the Sound of Hoxa - the main entrance to Scapa Flow - are superb.

Stage 3

The path soon reaches Balfour Battery - gun emplacements built in WWII to defend the boom defence nets that crossed the Sound of Hoxa to Stanger Head on Flotta. The remains of a wartime signalling station are still visible on Flotta across the Sound, contrasting with the more recent dwarf lighthouse located amongst the concrete buildings and bunkers on this side. Follow the path through the 6-pounder gun emplacements beneath high director towers and continue along the clifftop.

Stage 4

Watch for the MV Pentalina ferry sailing between Gills Bay in Caithness and St Margaret's Hope, echoing the passage of the countless ships that have sought shelter in Scapa Flow over thousands of years. Pass a series of named geos - linear clefts in the cliff, common in gently dipping flagstones and sandstones that often result in spectacularly beautiful landforms.

Stage 5

Zig-zagging in and out of these features, the obvious path eventually rounds Hoxa Head, topped with the sprawling Hoxa Battery. Whereas Balfour Battery was designed to defend the Sound of Hoxa, this battery had a wider remit stretching out into the Pentland Firth.

Stage 6

There are usually cattle grazing on the return leg, but it is the official Core Path; if you wish to avoid the cattle - advisable if you have a dog - you can simply retrace your steps. For the official footpath return, head through the kissing gate and follow a farm track heading north-west. Take the second right-hand fork after (not before) the track passes through a series of concrete bases, all that remains of the accommodation that housed the 533 (Orkney) Coast Regiment RA (TA) when the battery was operational. Head through another gate on the hill and then follow the track as it continues back to the Bu and the start.

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