- Archeology
- Arts & Crafts
- Badminton
- Beaches
- Birdwatching
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Dwarfie Stane
- Eating & Drinking
- Fishing
- Gable End Theatre
- Geology
- Guided Walks with Hoy Ranger
- Hill of White Hamars - Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve
- Hoy Half Marathon
- Kirks/Churches
- Lifeboat Museum
- Northern Lights/Merry Dancers/Aurora Borealis
- Old Man of Hoy
- Sea Life
- Scapa Flow Visitors Centre/Lyness Interpretation Centre
- Shiatsu (Massage & Relaxation Therapy)
- Swimming
- Traditional Scottish Dancing
- Walking
- Wildflowers
WHAT WE THINK ABOUT HOY
General Information
The only word to describe our reaction on our first visits to Hoy was speechless and even now it's hard to put into words this amazing island of contrasts. But here is our best attempt to highlight some of its features.Hoy is really made up of two islands which have now been joined by a causeway. To the south, the island is called South Walls where Old Hall Cottage is located. Hoy and North Walls are on the North side of the causeway.
The whole island has an unspoilt natural environment with building and development strictly regulated ensuring it stays as beautiful as it was many hundreds of years ago.
The Landscape
In the South, the land is gently sloping and mostly farm-land growing barley or is used for sheep and cattle grazing. The spring time is a special delight, be ing able to watch the lambs prancing and playing with each other and hearing them bleating happily, or not too happily if they stray too far from their mums. Old Hall Cottage is surrounded on three sides by sheep grazing land belonging to The Scottish Wildlife Trust, so you can be sure to get a close up.
The North is wild and hilly, extremely dramatic and great for hiking. The highest point on Orkney is Ward Hill (481m or 1579ft in old money). Your climb will be wonderfully rewarded with uninterrupted vi ews of Orkney and beyond.
A well laid path marks the way from lovely Rackwick with its white sandy beach and its dramatic high cliffs (our son runs up those, for fun would you believe, though we personally wouldn't recommend that) to the Old Man of Hoy - a giant sea stack rising 450ft out of the Atlantic and depicting an old man's face. Experienced climbers - will you take up the challenge to climb to the top? Nearby, you can find St John's Head with some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain at 350 metres (1100ft) so maybe one for vertigo sufferers to avoid.
The Coastline
The coastline is equally dramatic on the South side with spectacular views over the Pentland Firth to Scotland and over the Scapa Flow to the other islands of Orkney. A coastal walk will be rewarded with sights of seals, who may come onto the shore to get a better look at you, porpoises, the occasional orca and basking shark, dolphins and a vast range of birds. The distinctive puffins make their nests to the North and there are many more fascinating and often rare birds to be seen on Hoy. You will also find white sandy beaches, and in particular Kirkhope Bay, which is just five minutes walk away from Old Hall Cottage. The water all around is crystal clear and very inviting.There are a few safe swimming spots on the Scapa side of the island, including Kirkhope. If you are lucky, the curious seals will swim with you. This is the highlight of our daughter's visits to Orkney. There are many marked coastal walks, The Gloups is our favourite, the start of which is 10 minutes walk across the fields from Old Hall Cottage. A gloup is a collapsed sea cave, coming from the norse word "gluppa" which means chasm, of which Hoy boasts some magnificent examples. This is where you will also find the Hill of White Hamars, a SWT reserve which is great for walking, birdwatching, wildflowers, geology and breathtaking scenery.
Birds
Having come from the city where pigeons and magpies dominate, we have been delighted at the variety of birds on Orkney. The pretty barnacle geese, majestic falcons, funny puffins and shy corncrakes are just a few of the many residents as well as the myriad of species which stop for a rest on their migration passages. There is an RSPB reserve in North Hoy. Their website may have information on birdwatching events taking place on Hoy.
Free Ranger Guided Walks
There is a regular timetable of ranger guided walks which is a great way to view the island and obtain detailed and expert information about the island. These are free and all walks are graded and mileage noted. If this is something you are interested in and would like to do some some advance planning, please let us know and we will send you the timetable.Please note that these walks may not be wheelchair or buggy friendly but you could always check this out with the ranger before planning your outings.
Cycling
Cycling is very popular and is a great way to see a lot of the island. If you are like Sandra then "push bike" is a very apt as she will "push" up hill and "bike" down.You may call that cheating but it's good fun all the same. Cycles are available to hire in Stromness at Orkney Cycle Hire or in Kirwall from Cycle Orkney.
Fishing
There are plenty of great fishing spots on the island. Mark enjoys fishing (spinning) off the cliffs near to Old Hall and there is excellent trout fishing at Heldale Water also near to Longhope. Fishing rods are available for hire at CJ Patersons on the mainland. We would love to be able to display photos of our visitors with their prize catch or maybe publish those stories about "the one that got away!"
Northern Lights, Star Gazing & Skyscapes
When we first arrived on Hoy, one of the first things we noticed was how beautiful the sky is at night. Never before had we noticed stars so big and bright and seemingly so close that you could almost pluck them out of the sky.Sandra was very excited to be able to pick out clearly Orions Belt. Though her knowledge of the other constellations is a little shaky, we are just content to sit and gaze. We are also amazed at the vivdly coloured sunrises and sunsets which are picture postcode quality on an almost daily basis. Hoy is in a good location to get views of the Northern Lights, normally visible between mid November to mid March, weather conditions permitting.
Archeology
As one of the longer term residents of the island told us on our arrival, "you can't walk for more than five minutes without falling over something of archaeological interest" and it's true. Excitingly, recent excavations have taken place at the Cantick Green Hill Broch, a little way up the road from Old Hall. Early results show that this may possibly be a neolithic tomb or Norse Tower, rather than a broch, adding much weight to the Norse sagas detailing this area as a place of shelter during the many battles which took place. In the steep glaciated valley called Dwarfie Hamars between Quoy and Rackwick is the Dwarfie Stane, a neolithic chamber with a conflicting views as to who occupied it. Was it, as local legend believes, the dwarf called Trollid, or was it made by a giant and his wife? Why not do a little exploration and decide for yourself?
Eating and drinking
Within walking distance from Old Hall is The Stromabank Hotel with its cosy, friendly bar in which an impromptu folk evening may often arise. Open all year, you can spend winter evenings here by the real fire enjoying some of the locally produced beers. The Stromabank also has a conservatory restaurant with fantastic views to help aid the digestion of their mouth watering home cooked food.The ginger cheesecake, when available, is an indulgence worth going over the calorie count for! Book early to avoid disappointment. The Royal Hotel in Longhope and the Hoy Hotel in Lyness offer additional bars and restaurants where an equally warm welcome and real hospitality await as well as stories and legends of Hoy which can be heard from the locals.
Indoor Sports
The North Walls Community Centre is a modern well equipped centre which offers a superb gym. Non members are very welcome, though induction is required. There is a wonderful heated swimming pool with a number of sessions running through the week. Private pool hire and parties are also available with advance notice.
Also at the centre is badminton (Tuesdays and Saturdays) All abilities welcome at these activities. Advance booking is not required. A small fee will be charged to cover hall usage costs.
Dancing
Traditional Scottish dancing sessions are led by an expert teacher at the North Walls Community centre. Beginners are very welcome to try out this wonderful form of exercise. There are a range a dances try out, from the very gentle to the very energetic.
Theatre
The Gable End Theatre is a locally maintained and funded venue offering film nights (Friday's usually - timetable available upon request) as well as visiting bands, shows, acts and not forgetting the occasional home cooked am-dram performances. The 2009 panto displayed talents which would be the envy of the West End (we think!)
Artists and sculptors
Hoy is home to a number of very talented artists, including Chloe Jowett, Lesley Budge, Stephen J Seymour Clancy and Judith Easton. some of whom are willing for you to visit them in their studios, by prior arrangement. Some of Stephen's and Judith's work is on display in Old Hall Cottage and is available for sale.
Shiatsu
If the breathtaking scenery and tranquil walks are not enough to get you feeling completely chilled, why not try a Shiatsu massage at the Zendo in Longhope village? Shiatsu is a relaxing treatment and can be beneficial for back pain, stress, headaches, whiplash injuries, neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced mobility and many sports injuries amongst other ailments.
Treatment is carried out by Meg Webster-Gaertner, a qualified practitioner who also runs a Shiatsu training school.
Religious Activities
St Columba's Kirk (previously known as South Walls Kirk) is the only Kirk on Hoy now offering regular Sunday worship. St Columba's is a member church of The Church of Scotland which in the main is of a traditional nature with some of the younger members leading the sung worship from time to time. St Columba is credited with introducing Christianity to the Picts, who are believed to have occupied Orkney. Following its refurbishment and the reorganisation of parishes, St Columba's has been faithfully and lovingly restored. Open every day, it is a lovely place to sit quietly, especially when it is bathed in light from its huge windows all along one side behind the imposing pulpit. The two other churches on Hoy are St John's and Hoy Kirk, near Rackwick. Both are now maintained by trusts and open to the public with occasional events and services taking place.
General Information
The only word to describe our reaction on our first visits to Hoy was speechless and even now it's hard to put into words this amazing island of contrasts. But here is our best attempt to highlight some of its features.Hoy is really made up of two islands which have now been joined by a causeway. To the south, the island is called South Walls where Old Hall Cottage is located. Hoy and North Walls are on the North side of the causeway.
The whole island has an unspoilt natural environment with building and development strictly regulated ensuring it stays as beautiful as it was many hundreds of years ago.
The Landscape
In the South, the land is gently sloping and mostly farm-land growing barley or is used for sheep and cattle grazing. The spring time is a special delight, be ing able to watch the lambs prancing and playing with each other and hearing them bleating happily, or not too happily if they stray too far from their mums. Old Hall Cottage is surrounded on three sides by sheep grazing land belonging to The Scottish Wildlife Trust, so you can be sure to get a close up.
The North is wild and hilly, extremely dramatic and great for hiking. The highest point on Orkney is Ward Hill (481m or 1579ft in old money). Your climb will be wonderfully rewarded with uninterrupted vi ews of Orkney and beyond.
A well laid path marks the way from lovely Rackwick with its white sandy beach and its dramatic high cliffs (our son runs up those, for fun would you believe, though we personally wouldn't recommend that) to the Old Man of Hoy - a giant sea stack rising 450ft out of the Atlantic and depicting an old man's face. Experienced climbers - will you take up the challenge to climb to the top? Nearby, you can find St John's Head with some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain at 350 metres (1100ft) so maybe one for vertigo sufferers to avoid.
The Coastline
The coastline is equally dramatic on the South side with spectacular views over the Pentland Firth to Scotland and over the Scapa Flow to the other islands of Orkney. A coastal walk will be rewarded with sights of seals, who may come onto the shore to get a better look at you, porpoises, the occasional orca and basking shark, dolphins and a vast range of birds. The distinctive puffins make their nests to the North and there are many more fascinating and often rare birds to be seen on Hoy. You will also find white sandy beaches, and in particular Kirkhope Bay, which is just five minutes walk away from Old Hall Cottage. The water all around is crystal clear and very inviting.There are a few safe swimming spots on the Scapa side of the island, including Kirkhope. If you are lucky, the curious seals will swim with you. This is the highlight of our daughter's visits to Orkney. There are many marked coastal walks, The Gloups is our favourite, the start of which is 10 minutes walk across the fields from Old Hall Cottage. A gloup is a collapsed sea cave, coming from the norse word "gluppa" which means chasm, of which Hoy boasts some magnificent examples. This is where you will also find the Hill of White Hamars, a SWT reserve which is great for walking, birdwatching, wildflowers, geology and breathtaking scenery.
Birds
Having come from the city where pigeons and magpies dominate, we have been delighted at the variety of birds on Orkney. The pretty barnacle geese, majestic falcons, funny puffins and shy corncrakes are just a few of the many residents as well as the myriad of species which stop for a rest on their migration passages. There is an RSPB reserve in North Hoy. Their website may have information on birdwatching events taking place on Hoy.
Free Ranger Guided Walks
There is a regular timetable of ranger guided walks which is a great way to view the island and obtain detailed and expert information about the island. These are free and all walks are graded and mileage noted. If this is something you are interested in and would like to do some some advance planning, please let us know and we will send you the timetable.Please note that these walks may not be wheelchair or buggy friendly but you could always check this out with the ranger before planning your outings.
Cycling
Cycling is very popular and is a great way to see a lot of the island. If you are like Sandra then "push bike" is a very apt as she will "push" up hill and "bike" down.You may call that cheating but it's good fun all the same. Cycles are available to hire in Stromness at Orkney Cycle Hire or in Kirwall from Cycle Orkney.
Fishing
There are plenty of great fishing spots on the island. Mark enjoys fishing (spinning) off the cliffs near to Old Hall and there is excellent trout fishing at Heldale Water also near to Longhope. Fishing rods are available for hire at CJ Patersons on the mainland. We would love to be able to display photos of our visitors with their prize catch or maybe publish those stories about "the one that got away!"
Northern Lights, Star Gazing & Skyscapes
When we first arrived on Hoy, one of the first things we noticed was how beautiful the sky is at night. Never before had we noticed stars so big and bright and seemingly so close that you could almost pluck them out of the sky.Sandra was very excited to be able to pick out clearly Orions Belt. Though her knowledge of the other constellations is a little shaky, we are just content to sit and gaze. We are also amazed at the vivdly coloured sunrises and sunsets which are picture postcode quality on an almost daily basis. Hoy is in a good location to get views of the Northern Lights, normally visible between mid November to mid March, weather conditions permitting.
Archeology
As one of the longer term residents of the island told us on our arrival, "you can't walk for more than five minutes without falling over something of archaeological interest" and it's true. Excitingly, recent excavations have taken place at the Cantick Green Hill Broch, a little way up the road from Old Hall. Early results show that this may possibly be a neolithic tomb or Norse Tower, rather than a broch, adding much weight to the Norse sagas detailing this area as a place of shelter during the many battles which took place. In the steep glaciated valley called Dwarfie Hamars between Quoy and Rackwick is the Dwarfie Stane, a neolithic chamber with a conflicting views as to who occupied it. Was it, as local legend believes, the dwarf called Trollid, or was it made by a giant and his wife? Why not do a little exploration and decide for yourself?
Eating and drinking
Within walking distance from Old Hall is The Stromabank Hotel with its cosy, friendly bar in which an impromptu folk evening may often arise. Open all year, you can spend winter evenings here by the real fire enjoying some of the locally produced beers. The Stromabank also has a conservatory restaurant with fantastic views to help aid the digestion of their mouth watering home cooked food.The ginger cheesecake, when available, is an indulgence worth going over the calorie count for! Book early to avoid disappointment. The Royal Hotel in Longhope and the Hoy Hotel in Lyness offer additional bars and restaurants where an equally warm welcome and real hospitality await as well as stories and legends of Hoy which can be heard from the locals.
Indoor Sports
The North Walls Community Centre is a modern well equipped centre which offers a superb gym. Non members are very welcome, though induction is required. There is a wonderful heated swimming pool with a number of sessions running through the week. Private pool hire and parties are also available with advance notice.
Also at the centre is badminton (Tuesdays and Saturdays) All abilities welcome at these activities. Advance booking is not required. A small fee will be charged to cover hall usage costs.
Dancing
Traditional Scottish dancing sessions are led by an expert teacher at the North Walls Community centre. Beginners are very welcome to try out this wonderful form of exercise. There are a range a dances try out, from the very gentle to the very energetic.
Theatre
The Gable End Theatre is a locally maintained and funded venue offering film nights (Friday's usually - timetable available upon request) as well as visiting bands, shows, acts and not forgetting the occasional home cooked am-dram performances. The 2009 panto displayed talents which would be the envy of the West End (we think!)
Artists and sculptors
Hoy is home to a number of very talented artists, including Chloe Jowett, Lesley Budge, Stephen J Seymour Clancy and Judith Easton. some of whom are willing for you to visit them in their studios, by prior arrangement. Some of Stephen's and Judith's work is on display in Old Hall Cottage and is available for sale.
Shiatsu
If the breathtaking scenery and tranquil walks are not enough to get you feeling completely chilled, why not try a Shiatsu massage at the Zendo in Longhope village? Shiatsu is a relaxing treatment and can be beneficial for back pain, stress, headaches, whiplash injuries, neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced mobility and many sports injuries amongst other ailments.
Treatment is carried out by Meg Webster-Gaertner, a qualified practitioner who also runs a Shiatsu training school.
Religious Activities
St Columba's Kirk (previously known as South Walls Kirk) is the only Kirk on Hoy now offering regular Sunday worship. St Columba's is a member church of The Church of Scotland which in the main is of a traditional nature with some of the younger members leading the sung worship from time to time. St Columba is credited with introducing Christianity to the Picts, who are believed to have occupied Orkney. Following its refurbishment and the reorganisation of parishes, St Columba's has been faithfully and lovingly restored. Open every day, it is a lovely place to sit quietly, especially when it is bathed in light from its huge windows all along one side behind the imposing pulpit. The two other churches on Hoy are St John's and Hoy Kirk, near Rackwick. Both are now maintained by trusts and open to the public with occasional events and services taking place.
HOY - A-Z
We have compiled a list of things to do and see on Hoy which includes some links to appropriate websites.
Below the list are our own ramblings on things that we find interesting about Hoy which we hope are of interest to you. We think
that there is something to suit all tastes all the year round.We have also included some comments that a few of our recent guests
have made.
We have compiled a list of things to do and see on Hoy which includes some links to appropriate websites.
Below the list are our own ramblings on things that we find interesting about Hoy which we hope are of interest to you. We think
that there is something to suit all tastes all the year round.We have also included some comments that a few of our recent guests
have made.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY:
- "Thankyou Mark & Sandra for a fantastic holiday. Weather has been perfect too. Sure we will see you soon." - Mike & Sonia Howell, Nairn - Jul -09
- "Lovely cottage and had a great week in South Walls in spite of the weather! Many thanks for everything." - Marshall Family, Leamington Spa - Aug 09
- "Lovely long walks, beautiful skyscapes and the days got lovelier. Wonderful hospitality. Thankyou! - Jane & Andrew Reid, Argyll - Sep 09
- "Nice to meet you both. A beautiful place to stay.Thanks" - Rose & Daniel Sargent, Rendall - Sep 09
- "A fantastic welcome, and a beautiful clean, well planned cottage. A great break for us. Very many thanks.Kevin Ward, mum & Billy boxer, Peterborough, Sep 09
- "Huge thanks for such luxury at such short notice - good to know you're here." - Jay Fairbairn, Harray - Dec 09
