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St. Johns Head

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs, Farmland

Walking, Photography, Climbing

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Anne Burgess via Geograph.org.uk

St John's Head is a sheer wall of red sandstone cliff on the north-west coast of the island of Hoy in Orkney, among the highest vertical sea cliffs in Britain at somewhere around three hundred and fifty metres. The horizontally bedded rock rises straight from the sea in bands of red and yellow, clos...

2

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

2 overnight parking

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is St. Johns Head?
Orkney's rugged island of Hoy holds this massive coastal landmark on its wild Atlantic edge. Walkers can spot the towering cliffside while taking the regional passenger ferry from the mainland.

What type of place is St. Johns Head?
St. Johns Head is a vertical sea cliff on the island of Hoy in the Orkney archipelago.

When is the best time to visit St. Johns Head?
Spring through to autumn offers the most reliable conditions for trekking along the open coastal paths G1318\. Clear afternoons during these months provide excellent natural light that makes the red sandstone face glow brilliantly G1318\.

What can you do at St. Johns Head?
Hiking to the grass-covered summit of Brae Brough rewards you with expansive marine views across the northern horizon G1318\. People also enjoy taking photographs of the nesting sea birds or climbing the challenging rock faces I1318, G1318\.

How long should I spend at St. Johns Head?
Allowing a few hours ensures you can complete the cliff walk and appreciate the coastal scenery safely. A full afternoon suits anyone planning to combine the journey with nearby paths G1318\.

Where do I park at St. Johns Head?
Spaces for vehicles include 2 overnight parking spots close to the trail. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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

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

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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