Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Old Man of Hoy
Hoy's best-known sight is this spectacular 137m-high rock stack that juts improbably
from the ocean off the tip of an eroded headland. It's a tough ascent for experienced
climbers only but a great walk from Moaness or Rackwick. You can see the Old Man as
you pass on the Scrabster-Stromness ferry.
ROCK FORMATION
MUSEUM
Scapa Flow Visitor Centre
(
01856-791300;
www.orkney.gov.uk
; admission by donation; 9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri
Mar-Oct, plus Sat May-Oct & Sun May-Sep)
Lyness, on the eastern side of Hoy, was an
important naval base during both world wars, when the British Grand Fleet was based in
Scapa Flow. This fascinating museum and photographic display, located in an old pumph-
ouse that once fed fuel to the ships, is a must-see for anyone interested in Orkney's milit-
ary history.
Take your time to browse the exhibits about WWI and WWII, and have a look at the
folders of supplementary information: the letters home from a seaman lost when the
HMS
Royal Oak
was torpedoed are particularly moving.
Sleeping & Eating
Stromabank Hotel££
(
01856-701494;
www.stromabank.co.uk
; s/d £42/64; lunch Sat & Sun, dinner Fri-
Wed Jun-Aug, lunch Sun, dinner Sat & Sun Sep-May)
Perched on the hill above Long-
hope, the small atmospheric Stromabank has very acceptable, refurbished en suite rooms,
as well as an attractive bar, offering tasty home-cooked meals (£6 to £10) using lots of
local produce.
HOTEL, PUB
Wild Heather£
(
01856-791098;
www.wildheatherbandb.co.uk
; Lyness; s/d £38/60; )
Turn right
from the ferry to reach this great place right on the bay. Plenty of thoughtful extras add
value, and evening meals and cycle storage are available.
B&B
Hoy Centre£
HOSTEL
