What's here? at Hoy
Available on site
Car park at Dwarfie Stone and at Rackwick beach (both non-RSPB). No height restrictions or barriers, or bike rack. No lighting.
Guided Walks
There are three nature trails on the reserve of varying lengths, all of which cross rough moorland and can be exposed in bad weather conditions.
Old Man of Hoy: moderate terrain with steep uphill section at start, some rough, rocky sections and stone steps. One bench. Allow three hours for the round trip.
Post Road: moderate terrain with some rough, rocky sections and wooden boardwalks. Can be very muddy after a spell of wet weather. One bench. 2.5 miles (4km), 2 hours.
For more experienced hill walkers, there is also a rough cliff-top track between the Old Man of Hoy and St John's Head. Not recommended without a map and compass. No stiles or gates other than farm gates, but paths can be narrow.
See https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-hoy for detailed descriptions and images.
School visits are available on our Orkney reserves on a variety of topics. Please contact the Orkney Office for further details please call 01856 850176 or e-mail: orkney@rspb.org.uk.
Not available on site
There are no toilets at this reserve. The nearest accessible toilets are in the Hoy Kirk, 0.85 miles (1.4km) from the Moaness Pier, but not open 24 hours.
Nearest baby changing facilities at the Hoy Centre and Beneth 'ill cafe at Moaness.
See https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-hoy for detailed descriptions and images.
See https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-hoy for detailed descriptions and images.
There are no toilets at this reserve. Nearest toilets (without accessible facilities) are at Rackwick, on the western edge of the reserve. Open 24 hours.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
You'll get excellent views around all of the trails but there are no formal viewing points here.
As there is nowhere to shelter, we recommend you dress appropriately for the weather and the exposed nature of the landscape here.
There is no visitor centre here and this reserve does not have any staff on site.
There is no cafe or shop here, the nearest place for food and drinks is at Moaness (open summer months), 1.5 miles (2.5 km) away, and Lyness, 9 miles (15 km) away. Tea and coffee making facilities available for a donation at the Hoy Kirk 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away.
We recommend you bring your own food and drinks if this is likely to affect your visit.
No designated picnic area, but two benches on the reserve.
Restrictions
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.