Old Man Of Hoy, Orkneys
The single stack once had two legs, hence its name, but a 19th century storm washed away the other leg. It is thought to be around 400 years old and, as some geologists suggest it is likely to collapse, it may possibly not be around for another 400 years.
The stack is a popular challenge with climbers and a distinctive landmark that can be seen from the Thurso to Stromness ferry. The first recorded climb of the Old man Of Hoy was in 1966 when Chris Bonington, Rusty Baillie and Tom Patey scaled the rock over a period of three days.
The Old Man Of Hoy is near to Rackwick Bay, on the west coast of Hoy. Rackwick Bay is at the end of the main road on the island. It has a basic campsite, a car park, toilets and a museum. The Crow's Nest museum is a preserved old 18th century croft. The croft is sparsely but authentically furnished with two box beds, a dresser, an open fireplace with a hook for pots and a laundry area. There is a barn there with a kiln, once used for drying oats, as well as a byre.
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