Hoy, from the Norse Haey meaning 'high island', is the second largest island in the Orkney group. The terrain of the larger northwest area of the island is similar to the Northern Highlands and largely consists of peaty moors and heather clad hills. The highest point on Hoy (and Orkney) is the summit of Ward Hill at 479 metres. It is possible to see almost all of the islands in Orkney from this summit, and on a clear day, Fair Isle, sixty miles to the north, may be glimpsed. The Old Man of Hoy is a sandstone sea stack 137 metres high standing on a basalt base. It is the landmark most associated with Orkney, and is popular with climbers.
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