The Old Man of Hoy is a famous rocky pillar located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, standing roughly 137 meters (449 feet) tall. The name “old man” comes from its resemblance to a bearded old man.
It’s made up of red sandstone layers that sit on top of a base of basalt, a type of volcanic rock. This mix of rocks gives the Old Man of Hoy its distinctive reddish color.
The formation process started with the natural forces of wind, rain, and waves gradually wearing down the surrounding cliffs. Over time, these forces carved out the stack, separating it from the mainland. This erosion continued until the sandstone layers were left standing on their own as a tall, freestanding pillar. Although relatively young in geological terms (around 250 years old), the Old Man of Hoy is expected to keep changing as erosion slowly wears it down.
With its imposing height and unique, slender shape, the Old Man of Hoy is popular among climbers. Its first recorded ascent was in 1966, led by renowned mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, and since then, it’s become one of Britain’s most iconic climbing destinations. It also attracts photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who journey to Hoy to see this natural marvel against the dramatic North Sea backdrop.
