The Old Man of Hoy is a famous sea stack located on the west coast of Hoy, one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It stands approximately 137 meters (449 feet) tall and is one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK. The stack is composed primarily of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it its distinctive reddish-brown color.

The Old Man of Hoy is thought to be relatively young in geological terms, forming less than 400 years ago. It’s believed that the sea stack was originally part of the mainland, but over time, wave erosion caused the softer rock to wear away, leaving the harder rock standing as an isolated pillar. Early records suggest that it once had a double-legged appearance resembling an old man, but erosion has since altered its shape, leaving a single column.

The stack is a popular destination for climbers and was first ascended in 1966 by a team that included the famous British mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington. The climb is challenging due to its height, exposure to the elements, and the loose, brittle nature of the sandstone.

The Old Man of Hoy is also a well-known landmark for hikers and can be viewed from a coastal path that offers stunning views of the stack against the backdrop of the North Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic scenery and the wild, rugged landscape make it a highlight for visitors to the Orkney Islands.