The Old Man of Hoy

One of Scotland’s most famous sea stacks, the Old Man of Hoy rises a dramatic 137 metres (449 ft) straight out of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Hoy, the second largest island in the Orkney archipelago. This towering red sandstone pillar, sculpted by wind and waves, is one of Britain’s tallest sea stacks and a magnet for walkers, climbers, and photographers alike. The walk begins from Rackwick Bay, a wild and beautiful beach framed by cliffs. A well-marked clifftop path leads you across heather moorland with superb coastal views before arriving at the breathtaking viewpoint opposite the Old Man. From here, the stack appears in full glory—standing isolated against the sea, with seabirds wheeling around and waves crashing at its base. In the right light, the contrast of red sandstone, green cliffs, and deep blue ocean is unforgettable. Although first climbed in 1966, the Old Man remains a legendary challenge for rock climbers. For most visitors, however, the joy lies in the walk and the views: one of Scotland’s most iconic natural landmarks in a setting of raw, elemental beauty.