Sandy Loch and Ward Hill Loop

This medium-grade loop on Hoy packs a lot into roughly 11 km / 6.8 miles, with about 500 m / 1,640 ft of ascent: a lonely loch, the highest hill in Orkney, broad moorland views, and a landscape shaped by both ice and centuries of island life. Ward Hill rises to about 479–481 m / 1,572–1,578 ft and is widely described as the highest point in Orkney, while the route around Sandy Loch gives the walk a quieter, wilder feel before the steeper climbing begins. (orkneylandscapes.org)

The usual start for this outing is Moaness Pier, Hoy, the passenger-ferry landing on the northeast side of the island, or the nearby roadside approach toward Sandy Loch if arriving by car. Moaness Pier is the clearest significant landmark for the trailhead area, and it is the standard start used in established route descriptions. From there, the walk heads inland on minor road and track toward the gap between Cuilags and Ward Hill, then loops back by a different line. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Expect a route that feels more serious than the “medium” label may suggest. The distance is moderate, but the terrain is not especially forgiving: there are sections of rough moorland, potentially boggy ground near the glen floor, and a very steep climb and descent on open hillside where path definition can be weak or absent. Walkhighlands specifically notes pathless heather moorland, steep gradients, and the need for navigation skills. Using HiiKER to study the loop in advance is a smart way to understand the shape of the circuit, especially where the line leaves clearer tracks and crosses open ground. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Getting to the start

If using public transport, the most practical approach is to first reach Stromness Ferry Terminal, Ferry Road, Stromness, Orkney, KW16 3BH, then take the passenger ferry from Stromness to Moaness on Hoy. NorthLink notes that buses stop opposite the Stromness terminal, and Orkney Ferries operate the regular passenger service to Hoy. Travel onward from Moaness to the walking start is sometimes helped by a seasonal minibus toward Rackwick, but availability can vary, so it is best treated as a bonus rather than something to rely on. (northlinkferries.co.uk)

If arriving by car, the usual island access is the vehicle ferry from Houton to Lyness on Hoy, then a drive across the island toward Rackwick and the Ward Hill/Sandy Loch area. NorthLink notes that vehicle space can be limited and advance booking is advisable. Another useful landmark on the approach road is the Dwarfie Stane car park, which sits on the road around the base of Ward Hill and is often used for nearby hill routes. (northlinkferries.co.uk)

Facilities are sparse. Rackwick has no dependable shop or café service for walkers heading into the hills, so carry all food, water, and spare layers you need for the day. (northlinkferries.co.uk)

What the route feels like

From the Moaness side, the opening section is comparatively gentle, following road and then track toward Sandy Loch. This first part lets you settle in before the hill work starts, and it also gives a good sense of Hoy’s character: bigger, steeper, and more rugged than many people expect from Orkney. The loch sits beneath the dark slopes of Ward Hill and Cuilags, and the route near it can be sandy in places, with rougher, wetter ground beyond. (stromnessmuseum.org.uk)

After the loch, the walk becomes more committing. The ascent of Ward Hill is the crux: steep, sustained, and exposed to wind. Even though the total distance is only around 11–12 km / 6.8–7.5 miles, the climb can feel much bigger because the gradient bites hard and the ground can be uneven underfoot. On a dry, clear day the hill is straightforward for experienced walkers; in mist, rain, or strong wind, it becomes a route where careful line-finding matters. �