Old Man of Hoy

rock, Hoy, Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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The Old Man of Hoy is a famous natural landmark located on the island of Hoy, which is part of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, United Kingdom. Hoy itself is the second-largest island in the Orkney archipelago and is known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs that rise over 1,000 feet. The Old Man of Hoy is a detached sea stack, standing 450 feet tall, and is a distinctive feature of the island's rugged coastline. The primary economic activity on Hoy is tourism, drawing visitors to its unique geological formations and scenic beauty.1

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Hoy
The Old Man of Hoy, a detached pillar of rock 450 feet (137 meters) high, is a famous landmark. Hoy is 14 miles (23 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide with an area of 53 square miles (137 square km). The island’s main economic…
Read More
The Old Man of Hoy, a detached pillar of rock 450 feet (137 meters) high, is a famous landmark. Hoy is 14 miles (23 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide with an area of 53 square miles (137 square km). The island’s main economic…
Read More