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Rackwick Beach

Beach

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Woodland, Farmland

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching

Spring to Autumn

Des Colhoun / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Rackwick Beach lies at the mouth of a glen on the west side of the island of Hoy in Orkney, a wide bay of sand strewn with great rounded boulders, hemmed in by high sandstone cliffs and hills. A single-track road runs down to it, with a car park and an old bothy nearby, and the bay is the starting p...

1

Parking nearby

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Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 overnight parking

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Rackwick Beach?
Orkney's wild island of Hoy hides this remote coastal spot surrounded by massive red sandstone cliffs. Walkers usually reach the bay by tracking the coastal paths from nearby ferry terminals.

What type of place is Rackwick Beach?
Rackwick Beach is a secluded sandy bay with large boulders on the island of Hoy in Orkney.

When is the best time to visit Rackwick Beach?
Spring through to autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for tackling the long island walks. Clear autumn mornings bring excellent atmospheric clarity for viewing the surrounding cliffs and sea.

What can you do at Rackwick Beach?
People regularly explore the old stone bothy or photograph the giant ocean-smoothed boulders along the shoreline. Watching the massive Atlantic waves crash against the colourful cliffs provides a wonderful way to experience the area.

How long should I spend at Rackwick Beach?
Spending a full afternoon allows you to enjoy the deep sense of isolation and complete the long approach walk. A shorter stay of an hour or two works better if you only want a quick look before moving toward the Old Man of Hoy.

Where do I park at Rackwick Beach?
Spaces for vehicles include a single area that provides one overnight parking spot. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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

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

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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