'Like being on a little satellite out in space, dropping away to nothingness on every side'-Tom Patey BBC Outside broadcast 1967.

'Old Man of Hoy'. Orkney.

The Old Man of Hoy at 137m high it is the Highest and Greatest of all the sea stacks of Scotland. It was first climbed by Tom Patey,Rusty Baille and Chris Bonnington. It was made famous by an ascent made by Joe Brown, that was filmed by the BBC. It could possibly be the UK's most famous rock climb.

Original Route on the Old Man of Hoy*** 135m E1 5b

Climbs the seaward face by 4 or 5 long pitches. The third pitch being the most difficult at 5b. Often a bit damp and will little protection. The original route is the easiest way up the Stack. Each pitch is fantastic climbing with added bonus of plenty of bird life.

Situation of the Old Man of Hoy

The Old Man is situated on the island of Hoy just off Orkney main island. A short boat ride from Stromness. To get to Stromness it is possible to fly from various UK Airports or take the boat from Scrabster. Once you leave Scrabster on the Scotish main land you dont need a car. There is  a regular ferry from Stromness to Hoy. From the drop off you take a local taxi to Ratwick Bay. Ratwick bay is a very spectacular hidden bay with a few small crofts. It is bounded on both sided by huge cliffs. The cliff path leads direct to the Old Man after about 1.5hrs walk. Ratwick bay has a fantastic bothy situated on the white sandy beach. It has a wonderfull fire and is a good spot for fishing and surfing.

Programme for climbing the 'Old Man of Hoy'

Suggested dates: 2nd October -4th October

• Day 1 Meet at common meeting place, suggested Inverness Airport. Travel up to Scrabster and take the ferry to Orkney Stromness. Either stay in Stromness or if possible go straight to Hoy.

• Day 2 Climb the Old Man of Hoy and stay in the bothy.

• Day3 Return to main land.

Ambuchille and Old Man of Hoy

Complete the 3 Famous Stacks of Scotlansd
Suggested dates: 5th and 6th October

• Day 4 Climb Ambuchille the second of the three Old Men.

• Day 5 Climb 'The Old Man of Stoer'

Skye Ridge 'Best Mountaineering Adventure in the British Isles'

4 days Trip dates 27th-30th September Climb the ind Pin and stash some kit. Complete the full Skye Ridge in 3 consecative Days. Staying in the Glen Brittle Youth Hostel. Self Catering.  Eating,Drinking and singing in local pubs!

Traverse
The 24 miles of ridge has scrambling, climbing and abseiling along its full length. It is an incredable journey weaving around difficult pinncles, over exposed ridges and along paths with amazing views of the Outer Hebrides and Main land Scotland. October is a great time from a weather point of view and post 'Midge'! The trip will need two nights biving on the ridge. Kit and water will be stashed on the first day onto the range.



Costs will be based on all customers sharing the fee of the Guide plus his expenses. Expected costs are split by clients:
Old Man of Hoy :3 days at £300  a day plus  expenses for the Guide(travel, food, all exquipment)
Old Man of Stoer and Am Buchille:2 days £300 a day plus expenses
Skye Ridge: trip 4 days at £300 a day plus expenses

Twids aim is to run all the trips consecutively. Expenses for Twid will be split amongst all clients keeping things as cheap as possible.

Climbing the Old Man of Hoy, Am Buchille, Old Man of Hoy and traversing the skye Ridge