Scotland's National Tourism Organisation
Hoy
Islands
Overview
Hoy takes its name from the Old Norse 'haey', meaning 'High Island'. With an area of 57 square miles, it is the second largest island in Orkney. It is most famous for its towering sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy.
Hoy is steeped in history and has a variety of fascinating sites dating from prehistoric times and the Viking period. Here you'll find the only rock-cut chambered tomb in Britain.
The richness of heritage is equalled by a treasure trove of natural history. The north and west are hilly and more 'Highland' in character while the south and east are low-lying and fertile, more typical of Orkney in general. High sea cliffs offer excellent walking and the west coast in particular abounds natural beauty. The dramatic summits of Ward Hill and the Cuilags stand in splendid contrast to the rest of Orkney and can be seen from almost anywhere on the Orcadian mainland.
The richness of heritage is equalled by a treasure trove of natural history. The north and west are hilly and more 'Highland' in character while the south and east are low-lying and fertile, more typical of Orkney in general. High sea cliffs offer excellent walking and the west coast in particular abounds natural beauty. The dramatic summits of Ward Hill and the Cuilags stand in splendid contrast to the rest of Orkney and can be seen from almost anywhere on the Orcadian mainland.
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