Located on the island of Hoy in Orkney, this towering sea stack stands about 137 meters (449 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest in the UK. It rises from the wild waters of the North Atlantic, carved by millennia of erosion from the cliffs of red sandstone.
Formation
The Old Man of Hoy is relatively young in geological terms, believed to have formed around 250 years ago. Originally part of the mainland cliffs, continuous wind and wave erosion isolated the stack from the rest of Hoy, leaving the pillar-like structure we see today. It’s composed of red sandstone atop a base of harder volcanic rock, making it vulnerable to future erosion. In fact, old maps from the 19th century show it as a two-legged formation, indicating that it has already lost significant portions of rock.
Climbing History
The Old Man of Hoy has become a legendary destination for rock climbers. The first successful ascent was made in 1966 by a team led by Sir Chris Bonington, a feat that brought widespread attention to the stack. The climb was famously televised by the BBC in 1967, sparking further interest. Today, the Old Man of Hoy remains a challenging climb due to its exposed position and the crumbling nature of its sandstone surface.
Wildlife and Scenery
The Old Man of Hoy is not only a climber’s paradise but also a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding cliffs are home to seabird colonies, including guillemots, puffins, and fulmars. The area offers stunning views of Orkney’s rugged coast, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Visiting the Old Man of Hoy
To visit the Old Man of Hoy, visitors typically take a ferry from Mainland Orkney to Hoy and follow a scenic 3-hour round-trip hike to the viewpoint. The walk offers breathtaking views of Orkney’s wild landscapes, and on clear days, the Old Man of Hoy can be seen from the ferry itself.
The Old Man of Hoy is an iconic feature of Orkney’s natural beauty, symbolizing both the power of nature and the timeless, rugged charm of the Scottish coast.
