Attractions and Places To See in Hoy And West Mainland - Top 20

Hoy is home to the dramatic Old Man of Hoy, a spectacular 137-meter sea stack, and the towering cliffs of St. John's Head. In West Mainland, you can explore the dramatic Cliffs of Yesnaby and the impressive North Gaulton Castle sea stack.

West Mainland is renowned for its prehistoric sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'. This includes the well-preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the majestic Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn. You can also visit the Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement. On Hoy, don't miss the enigmatic 5,000-year-old Dwarfie Stane, a unique rock-cut tomb.

Yes, both areas offer options for families. In West Mainland, the Neolithic sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are generally accessible and fascinating for all ages. The Kirbuster Museum, a preserved traditional farmhouse, also offers a glimpse into Orkney's past. On Hoy, the Scapa Flow Museum provides an engaging look at wartime history, and the beaches at Rackwick Bay are great for exploration.

Hoy and West Mainland offer a variety of outdoor activities, primarily hiking and running. You can find easy hikes like 'The Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness' and 'Yesnaby Trail' in West Mainland. For more challenging options, Hoy offers routes such as 'Rackwick to Old Man of Hoy' and longer runs like 'Cuilags, Old Man of Hoy and Rackwick running loop'. For more detailed routes, explore the easy hikes, general hiking, and running trails guides.

The hike to the Old Man of Hoy from Rackwick Bay is a popular moderate route, typically taking a few hours round trip. The 'Rackwick to Old Man of Hoy' route is approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) long. The best view can also be had from the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness.

The summer months are generally considered the best time to visit, especially for Hoy, which is a favorite with visitors during this period. The weather is milder, and the days are longer, making it ideal for exploring natural landscapes and historical sites. Spring and early summer also offer the chance to see wildflowers, including the Scottish primrose, at reserves like Hill of White Hamars.

Hoy played a significant role in both World War I and World War II. You can visit the Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness, which tells the story of the area's naval importance. The Lyness Naval Cemetery is a poignant site, and Hoy also features one of the best-preserved World War Two defense landscapes in the UK, with remnants of military buildings and gun batteries scattered across the island.

Absolutely. Hoy is home to the RSPB Hoy Nature Reserve, crucial for birdlife, with populations of great skuas, red-throated divers, fulmars, and puffins. The ancient woodland at Berriedale is also within this reserve. In West Mainland, the Cliffs of Yesnaby and Marwick Head are excellent for observing seabirds like fulmars, razorbills, and gannets. The RSPB Loons & Loch of Banks is Orkney's largest remaining wetland, perfect for spotting various waders and wildfowl.

Stromness Harbour and Old Town is a charming settlement known for its narrow, winding streets and traditional stone houses. It has retained its maritime character for centuries, offering a poetic and melancholic atmosphere. It was historically important as a safe haven for Vikings and a significant port for whaling and fishing. You can explore its unique architecture and enjoy the lively pubs.

Yes, beyond the major historical sites, you can visit the Hoy Heritage Centre, housed in the Hoy Kirk, which features exhibitions about the island's history. The Longhope Lifeboat Museum in South Walls highlights the bravery of lifeboat crews. In West Mainland, the Kirbuster Museum showcases life in a traditional Orkney farmhouse, and the Click Mill is a fully restored old water mill, the last of its kind in Orkney.

In West Mainland, amenities can be found in nearby towns like Stromness. For the Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites, there are usually facilities available at the visitor centers. On Hoy, Rackwick Bay offers camping, and there are cafes and pubs in areas like Lyness and Longhope. For more comprehensive options, Stromness, with its Harbour and Old Town, provides a range of cafes, pubs, and accommodation.

Yes, the Brough of Birsay is a tidal island in the northwest of West Mainland. It's accessible by a 150m causeway at low tide. Here you can find a lighthouse, cliffs perfect for puffin spotting, and the ruins of both a Norse and a Pictish settlement dating back to 700AD. Always check tide times before planning your visit.