Cantick Head Lighthouse

Cantick Head Lighthouse stands at the south-eastern tip of South Walls, the part of Hoy in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It sits at the end of the long Cantick Head peninsula, facing the Pentland Firth and the Sound of Hoxa, the southern gateway into the natural harbour of Scapa Flow.

What is Cantick Head Lighthouse?

A whitewashed brick tower about 22 metres tall, designed by the Stevenson family, the celebrated Scottish lighthouse engineers. The Northern Lighthouse Commissioners first raised the need for a light here in 1854, but long correspondence delayed matters and building began in February 1856. The lamp was first lit on 15 July 1858. A fog signal was added in 1913 and stayed in service until 1987.

The station is a Category B listed building on the Historic Environment Scotland register. The listing covers more than the tower: the keepers' cottages, outbuildings, perimeter wall and a sundial are included too. The later principal keeper's house is not part of the listing.

What will you see?

Mainly the lighthouse itself, set among open cliffs and sea. Looking out, you can watch traffic on the Pentland Firth, one of the more demanding stretches of water around Britain, with the approach to Scapa Flow to the north. The compound keeps its original layout: the tower, rows of keepers' cottages and a low wall around the grounds.

The light became automatic in the early 1990s and is now monitored remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board from Edinburgh. The former keepers' houses were sold and converted into holiday lets, so an overnight stay is possible.

How do you get there?

A causeway links South Walls to the main body of Hoy, and the lighthouse lies close to the village of Longhope. Ferries serve Hoy from Orkney Mainland. The last stretch to the end of the peninsula is by minor road and then on foot. A car is the easiest option, as public transport on the island is sparse.

When should you visit?

Summer brings long days and the mildest weather, which suits a walk across open ground. Outside the season the wind off the Pentland Firth can be fierce, so pack windproof clothing whatever the month.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It shines today and is controlled remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Can you climb the tower? It is an operational navigation station, so the interior is not a visitor attraction. You can view the surroundings from the areas open to guests.

When was it built? The light was first shown in July 1858 to a Stevenson design.

Can you stay overnight? Yes, the former keepers' cottages operate as holiday accommodation.