View of Rackwick Bay
View of Rackwick Bay
Tips
July 6, 2023
Hiking
•July 6, 2023
Hiking
Besides a handful of tourist facilities, the village consists largely of small farms and other small dwellings. Most are now second homes. Rackwick has very few permanent residents.
•
February 8, 2019
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of Rackwick Bay
4.9
(32)
245
hikers
9.03km
02:32
190m
190m
The hike from Rackwick to the Old Man of Hoy offers a memorable journey across the dramatic Orkney Islands coastline. This moderate route covers 5.6 miles (9.0 km) with an elevation gain of 612 feet (187 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. You will start with a steep climb from Rackwick Bay, then traverse moorland with views of red and grey sandstone cliffs, leading you to the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack.
When planning your visit, be prepared for unpredictable coastal weather; sturdy footwear and layered clothing are highly recommended. While the main path is often well-maintained, some sections can be rough, rugged, and potentially boggy, especially after rain. The trail is generally well-trodden and easy to follow once you are on it, though multiple paths exist on the return to Rackwick Bay.
The Old Man of Hoy is the undeniable highlight of this trail, an impressive 137-meter (449-foot) sea stack formed from Old Red Sandstone. It is one of the tallest in the United Kingdom and a famous landmark, attracting climbers and photographers alike. As you hike, keep an eye out for diverse seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes, and you might even spot peregrine falcons or white-tailed eagles.
4.3
(10)
43
hikers
20.8km
06:00
600m
600m
This difficult 13.0-mile (20.8 km) hike on Hoy takes you through some of the Orkney Islands' wildest landscapes, climbing 1965 feet (599 metres) over roughly 6 hours. You will traverse steep, exposed hill ground and rough moorland, often pathless and wet underfoot. The route showcases dramatic coastal scenery, including the iconic red sandstone sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy, and the towering cliffs of St John's Head, the UK's highest vertical sea cliff.
This challenging route is best suited for experienced hillwalkers who possess good navigational skills and proper equipment. The terrain can be steep and exposed, with conditions on Cuilags' summit and around St John's Head often resembling those found at higher altitudes. Be prepared for unpredictable weather that can change rapidly; sturdy footwear and layers of clothing are essential for your safety and comfort.
Beyond the physical challenge, the trail offers a chance to witness the powerful natural forces that shaped these islands. Keep an eye out for seabirds like puffins and guillemots nesting in the cliffs, and you might even spot mountain hares or short-eared owls. The remote hamlet of Rackwick, with its unique character, has long inspired artists and poets, adding a cultural layer to this rugged adventure.
5.0
(7)
45
hikers
Embark on a difficult 13.2-mile (21.2 km) hike across the wild landscapes of Hoy, featuring a challenging 1267-foot (386 metres) elevation gain that typically takes 5 hours and 53 minutes to complete. The terrain is varied and demanding, with steep, exposed hill ground and high clifftops. You will traverse moorland that is often wet and boggy underfoot, requiring sure-footedness. The ascent towards Cuilags is notably steep, but rewards you with panoramic views across Graemsay to Mainland Orkney. The highlight is the iconic Old Man of Hoy, a dramatic sea stack rising from the Atlantic, and the tranquil Sandy Loch.
This difficult route demands good to very good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy footwear. Some sections are exposed, and conditions can be similar to higher altitudes, so good navigational skills and equipment are essential. While the trail officially starts from East Linksness Ferry Terminal, similar longer hikes often begin from nearby Moaness. Be prepared for varied terrain, including rocky areas and heather-clad hills. An easier, well-signposted route to the Old Man of Hoy is available if you start directly from Rackwick Bay, which is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip and takes around 3 hours.
The trail is notable for showcasing the dramatic and wild beauty of Hoy, often called Orkney's
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