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Old Man of Hoy

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs, Moorland

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching, Climbing

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Mick Garratt via Geograph.org.uk

The Old Man of Hoy is a slender sea stack of red sandstone off the west coast of the island of Hoy in Orkney, one of the tallest in Britain at around 137 metres. It stands on a plinth of harder rock, a fairly young feature carved by the sea from the cliffs over the last few centuries. Most people se...

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Parking nearby

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Food Spots nearby

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Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 overnight parking

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Old Man of Hoy?
Orkney's western coastline hosts this remarkable landmark on the wild edge of Hoy. Hikers usually follow the coastal path from a nearby bay to find the viewpoint.

What type of place is Old Man of Hoy?
Old Man of Hoy is a sandstone sea stack on the island of Hoy in the Orkney archipelago.

When is the best time to visit Old Man of Hoy?
Spring through to autumn brings the finest weather for tackling the exposed cliff paths. Clear morning light during these seasons provides excellent visibility across the Atlantic waves.

What can you do at Old Man of Hoy?
Walking along the cliff edge provides spectacular views across the water toward the massive pillar. Climbers also enjoy scaling the vertical sandstone slabs to conquer the historic routes.

How long should I spend at Old Man of Hoy?
Allocating roughly three hours gives ample time to enjoy the coastal walk and admire the massive structure. A longer stay suits anyone wanting to watch the seabirds wheeling through the chasm.

Where do I park at Old Man of Hoy?
Vehicles can use the single available space nearby, which provides one overnight parking spot. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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

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

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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