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Hoy
is one of seventy islands which make up the archipelago of
the Orkney Islands. Hoy from the norse 'Haey' meaning high
is the second largest island in the group. Unlike the other
islands Hoy is distinctive in being mountainous. The scenery
is spectacular, formed by shifting glaciars and the activity
of a long extinct volcano. The famous rock stack 'The Old
Man of Hoy' juts out of the sea to the south of the island
and is a popular destination for walkers and rock climbers.
St John's Head is reputed to be the highest shear cliff face
in the UK.
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| Much
of the north end of the island is owned by the RSPB and there
is a large and varied bird population including Arctic Skuas
or 'bonxies' as they are locally known. The island is a natural
habitat for many birds and mammals including Arctic Hares, otters
and seals. Rare and beautiful wild flowers and grasses can be
seen growing on the island. As a Site of Special Scientific
Interest, Hoy is protected for its environmental importance.
It also falls within the National Scenic Area and has the European
designation of Specially Protected Area. |
| Things
to do in Hoy |
| There
is a pub/restaurant which welcomes children within easy walking
distance. Groceries can be bought from the Lyness shop or the
Longhope shop or by telephone from Stromness where goods will
be delivered to the ferry for collection at Moaness pier. |
| There
is a sandy beach 50m from the cottages where you will see ducks,
oyster catchers and seals in season. There is a war time museum
(1st and 2nd world wars) at Lyness and a martello tower (Napoleaonic
wars) at Crockness. |
| There
is spectacular cliff scenery at Rackwick Bay, and the ancient
Dwarfie Stane between the hills. You can fish from the beach
or at Sandy Loch or Hoglands Water. |
