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Hoxa Head

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching

Year round

N Chadwick / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Hoxa Head is a clifftop headland on South Ronaldsay in Orkney, guarding the southern way into the great naval anchorage of Scapa Flow. A waymarked coastal walk leads out to well-preserved coastal gun batteries, mostly from the Second World War, with concrete emplacements, magazines, searchlight posi...

4

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

4 overnight parking

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Hoxa Head?
Orkney's southern island, South Ronaldsay, holds this coastal headland on its far western edge. Walkers reach the site by following an open track over farmland.

What type of place is Hoxa Head?
Hoxa Head is a historic coastal artillery battery and viewpoint on the island of South Ronaldsay in Orkney.

When is the best time to visit Hoxa Head?
Summer months offer your best chance to encounter hunting orcas or minke whales along the wild shoreline. Clear days during this season also provide maximum visibility across the ocean, though shifting northern winds require warm clothing.

What can you do at Hoxa Head?
Exploring the crumbling concrete military structures reveals an entire network of abandoned wartime lookouts and gun emplacements. People also love to sit near the cliff edge to photograph passing ferries or scan the grey waves.

How long should I spend at Hoxa Head?
Allocating roughly two hours allows plenty of time to wander through the massive ruins and enjoy the panoramic seascape. Anyone planning a complete coastal walk around the adjacent loop will need a full afternoon.

Where do I park at Hoxa Head?
Vehicles can use the four overnight parking spaces near the start of the trail. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Hoxa Head?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near Hoxa Head, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near Hoxa Head?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Hoxa Head, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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