Rackwick Glen - Moaness to Rackwick, Hoy

A popular option for those using the passenger ferry from Stromness, this route links Moaness ferry pier with Rackwick, start of the route up the Old Man of Hoy, via Rackwick Glen. The distance and time given are for the one-way walk only; unless you have pre-booked a taxi then you many also need to return the same way.

Terrain

Clear path, mostly dry and stony, can be slightly boggy in places

Public Transport

Passenger ferry to Hoy from Stromness. Mini-bus from Rackwick back to ferry at Moaness (should be booked in advance outwith the summer months).

Start

Moaness Pier, Hoy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The passenger ferry from Stromness alights at Moaness Pier. From here follow the road, pass the cafe, and continue straight uphill ignoring the two turnings to the left. The great dome of Cuilags, with a cairn visible on the top, looms ahead matching its higher twin, Ward Hill which is to the left.

Stage 2

When the road bends right stay straight ahead onto a track and soon cross the burn just below the dam for Sandy Loch and follow the path which climbs gently. The loch is home to red throated divers and is also popular with the large population of skuas (known locally as bonxies) which live on Hoy. A small cairn marks the high point of the path.

Stage 3

The path undulates as it descends, crossing and re-crossing a sunken old track, keep to the left on the main path at the one place it splits. Eventually the trees of Berriedale Wood can be seen over to the right. This is the most northerly native woodland in the UK (containing downy birch, hazel, rowan, aspen, and willows and roses) with pollen analysis suggesting that this type of woodland would covered much of Orkney and Shetland at least 7,000 years ago.

Stage 4

The path crosses the Rackwick Burn on a footbridge and emerges on the minor road to Rackwick. Follow this to the right. If you are heading directly for the Old Man of Hoy (2-3 hours round trip from here) keep right the road forks, passing a telephone box and Rackwick Hostel. Go through the gate here and between the two buildings making up part of the heritage museum (these, together with the turf roof buildings passed a little way further on, are well worth a visit if you have time).

Stage 5

To continue to Rackwick, however, simply keep left at the fork and follow the road down to the car park. Rackwick is a delightful spot, with fine cliffs rising above the south end of the bay; formerly the village was a haunt of artists. The near part of the beach is pebbles, but there is a good sandy stretch at the far end. The time and distance given here assume a return using a pre-booked taxi or arranged pick-up; to reverse the walk back, allow the same time again.

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