HILLS, HISTORY AND WILDLIFE IN HOY
Of all the islands of Orkney, Hoy, with its towering hills, heathery moors and cliff-lined valleys, most resembles the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Home to the iconic Old Man of Hoy and Orkney’s highest peak, the island is a must for walkers and those seeking adventure. But Orkney’s second largest island has much more to offer.
The award-winning Scapa Flow Museum, just at the top of Lyness pier as you arrive, tells the story of Hoy’s involvement in both World Wars and beyond.
The museum expertly explains the vital role Scapa Flow played in both World Wars. Displays include a vast range of objects, from rare First World War warship guns, to simple tin cups which help to tell the tale of the thousands of men who were billeted to Orkney during the wars.
Having recently undergone a £4.4million refurbishment, the museum, which now contains state-of-the-art displays, a welcoming café and a visitors shop, is one of Orkney’s star attractions.
The north end of the island, which can also be accessed by a passenger ferry from Stromness, is home to one of the RSPB’S largest wildlife reserves, and is famous for its golden eagles, Arctic hares, and stunning scenery. This includes Rackwick, which is perhaps Orkney’s most magical beach.
The winding single track road and its spectacular views have recently been added to Orkney’s growing number of cycle routes, and was developed to mark the visit of Sir Chris Hoy to the island in 2023, to open the Scapa Flow Museum.
Hoy is also home to the Longhope Lifeboat Museum, run by local volunteers. It honours and celebrates the long connection the families of Brims and Hoy have had with saving those at sea.
The south end of Hoy — named the island of South Walls — is separated from Hoy by Longhope, a five-mile-long bay which each autumn plays host to the UK’S largest gathering of harbour porpoises.
Longhope is also the name of the village where the shop and most of the amenities can be found.
It is at the south end of the island that the impressive Martello Tower can be found, constructed to protect shipping from the French revolutionary wars — the south tower has been splendidly renovated and is open to the public.
This, and much more, all await on Orkney’s high island.