Can you stay on Hoy?

Hoy makes for an ideal day trip from Orkney Mainland, but is also a great option for longer stays. There is a fantastic open bothy and an informal campsite at Rackwick Bay, as well as some unique island accommodation options which include a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage and a magnificent kirk.

Is Rackwick bothy open?

The bothy at Rackwick in Hoy. (Picture: Craig Taylor) For the first time since it opened to visitors over 40 years ago, the popular bothy at Rackwick in Hoy is now locked, following an act of mindless vandalism which took place last week.

Does anyone live on Hoy?

The majority of Hoy’s 400-strong population live here, surrounded by green fields and fertile farmland – a dramatic contrast to the rest of the island.

Do I need a car on Hoy?

There is often a minibus to transport visitors from the pier to Rackwick during summer. There is also a car ferry which travels from Houton in Orphir to Lyness. Lyness is around ten miles from Rackwick, and to see all that Hoy has to offer, you may need to take a car (or be a keen cyclist!)

How do I get to Rackwick Bay?

Get the passenger ferry to Moaness Pier on Hoy and pick up the minibus to the Rackwick Bay Hostel. The village itself is a scattered crofting community that sits in a brooding valley surrounded by towering heathery hills and closed off at one end by the wild Atlantic.

Can I take a car to Hoy?

You have two choices to get to Hoy. There is car ferry from Houton on the mainland to Lyness on Hoy several times a day – some services also stop at Flotta. The second option is a passenger only ferry from Stromness to the north of Hoy. Both timetables and prices are available on the http://orkneyferries.co.uk website.

Can you walk around Hoy?

The Old Man of Hoy – a famous 450 foot sea stack- is perhaps Orkney’s most famous landmark. Allow 3 hours for the round trip walk from Rackwick to the Old Man of Hoy. Please take note that the walk follows a rough track and is demanding.

Can you go to a hoy?

To get to Hoy you’ll need to take one of two ferries. A foot passenger (and bicycle) ferry leaves from Stromness (at the pier opposite the Stromness Hotel) and lands in Moaness. It is called MV Graemsay. Tickets are purchased on board and there’s no need to book ahead.

How do you find the Old Man of Hoy?

You can see the Old Man of Hoy from MV Hamnavoe, or you can take an Orkney Ferries ferry from Stromness to Moaness on Hoy (foot passenger only) or from Houton in Orphir to Lyness on Hoy (cars and foot passengers).