The Old Man of Hoy from Rackwick

This is the essential, classic walk on Hoy, following the clear coastal path uphill from Rackwick to view the spectacular sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy, before returning by the same route.

Terrain

Clear path, stony in places

Public Transport

Passenger ferry from Stromness to Moaness is met by mini-bus to Rackwick in the summer months (another possibility is to use the Rackwick Glen walking route between the two. Alternatively, a car ferry serves Lyness from Houton (mini-bus transport can be arranged to Rackwick).

Start

Rackwick, Hoy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.25km / 5.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours (return)
Ascent: 220m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: ND201992

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area in Rackwick where the minibuses from Moaness also drop off passengers (it is best to book transport in advance, especially outwith the summer months). The name Hoy comes from the Norse word for high, and here you can see the dramatic difference in landscape to the rest of Orkney, with the two high hills to the south of Rackwick and the deep glen in between. The high sandstone cliffs of Hoy and the 137m high sea stack of the Old Man have been a popular draw for visitors and climbers since Victorian times. The walk starts by following the track (signed for the Old Man) towards the sea.

Stage 2

Follow the main track as it bends right and heads inland. When it bends left, continue straight on (signed 'Old Man path') on a fainter, grassy track. The turf-roof buildings you can see up ahead are the Craa's Nest Museum, which together with the two buildings next to the hostel in Rackwick have displays about the heritage of the village and Hoy and are worth a visit on your return if time allows. However turn sharp left at a rock sign ('Old Man') to follow a grassy path, eventually passing through a kissing gate. The path continues beyond, climbing the open hillside with good views of the sandy beach at Rackwick Bay opening up behind.

Stage 3

Continue as the path climbs steadily and rounds the corner to follow the coast above high cliffs. Eventually the high point of the route is reached and you are rewarded with the first views of the Old Man itself.

Stage 4

The stony path descends to reach the cliffs where care should be taken. The 137m high sea stack was once part of the cliff from which it has gradually been eroded by the action of the sea. A sketch dating from 1814 shows it much wider and with two legs.

Stage 5

It was first climbed in 1966 by Chris Bonington, Rusty Baillie and Tom Patey over 3 days. The climb was repeated for a live TV broadcast the following year which attracted 23 million viewers. You are still likely to see climbers attempting various routes on all but the worst weather days.

Stage 6

It is possible to continue along the coast to the impressive cliffs at St John's Head (the highest vertical cliffs in the UK) although the path becomes increasingly rugged and waterlogged in places - this would take at least 2 hours round trip from the Old Man.

Stage 7

The return to Rackwick is by the same outward route - keep an eye out for skuas and peregrine falcons which hunt on the clilffs here. On the approach to Rackwick it is possible to detour to visit the museum buildings by continuing ahead when the path reaches the grassy track. Afterwards you can follow the road past the youth hostel and phone box - then turning right to return to Rackwick, or left to join the Rackwick Glen route to the ferry at Moaness.

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