Ward Hill and the Dwarfie Stane, Hoy

Visit the remarkable rock-cut tomb of the Dwarfie Stane before making an extremely steep ascent of Ward Hill to reach the highest point on Orkney. The return is via the glen path. The route is described as a circuit from Moaness Pier where the passenger ferry from Stromness arrives.

Terrain

Minor roads, moorland path, extremely steep ascent/descent on pathless heather moorland, navigation skills needed

Public Transport

Passenger ferry to Hoy from Stromness, vehicle ferry from Houton.

Start

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

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Walk Description

Stage 1

If walking to the Dwarfie Stane from Moaness Pier, follow the road inland, past the cafe, and take the next road on the left. Pass the Bay of Quoys and climb gently to a road junction. Go straight across here towards Rackwick. Eventually the parking for the Dwarfie Stane is reached on the right below the steep flanks of Ward Hill. The path to the Dwarfie Stane is just a short way further along the road on the opposite side.

Stage 2

The Dwarfie Stane is a unique neolithic tomb carved out of a single large sandstone rock. The block stone used for sealing it up lies next to it so you can crawl in to the space where there are two cells on either side, one with a clear rock 'pillow' - note the graffiti here by the geologist Hugh Miller and others who visited in Victorian times.

Stage 3

As no remains were found in the tomb (it was robbed long ago by raiders who broke through the roof which has since been repaired) its not certain it was a neolithic tomb and could possibly have housed an early Christian hermit. Local folklore suggests it was either the home of a giant or a dwarf. Return to the parking area, go through the gate in the fence opposite and head directly up the open slopes of Ward Hill.

Stage 4

The climb is relentless - and extremely steep higher up - and in the summer months you may have the company of sweeping arctic skuas who breed near the summit. It is with some relief that the gradient eases off onto a moorland ridge; follow this to the summit of Haist at 333, a good viewpoint in itself.

Stage 5

From here it is a straightforward short descent west to the col before the last steep climb to the top of Ward Hill (479m) where there is a large cairn and excellent views over to Stromness and much of Mainland Orkney.

Stage 6

From the summit bear west initially, then WNW down open slopes - less steep than the ascent, but more vegetated. Aim to cross the glen floor well south of Sandy Loch to avoid boggy ground, reaching the Rackwick Glen path at its highest point, which is marked by a cairn. Turn right to follow the glen path past Sandy Loch (look out for red throated divers as well as skuas).

Stage 7

Cross the outflow of the loch and follow the track which leads to the minor road. Go straight down this ignoring any turnings, to pass the cafe and reach Moaness Pier.

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