Hackness: Military History and Views over Scapa Flow

Hackness combines a notable military history with a site that remains visible in the landscape to this day. At its centre are Hackness Martello Tower and Hackness Battery. The tower offers views over Scapa Flow, while the battery and a nearby decoy installation at Newhouse, which is still visible today, reveal different chapters of the area's military past. Hackness is therefore particularly interesting for your travel planning if you want to do more than simply name historical sites and would like to learn about their construction history, former use, and specific access arrangements.

From Coastal Defence to Historical Evidence

Hackness Battery was built between 1813 and 1815. Its purpose was to protect the anchorage in Longhope Sound from attacks by American privateers. Originally, the battery was equipped with eight 24-pounder guns. In 1866, it was rebuilt for four 68-pounder guns. These two phases of equipment make clear that the site represents not just a single historical moment, but changes in military technology over several decades.

Hackness Martello Tower also has a complex history. The tower is approximately 10 metres high and was used as a naval signal station during the First World War. During the same period, naval personnel used Hackness Battery to operate boom defences protecting an entrance to Scapa Flow. At the same time, the Hackness Martello Tower and Battery site was never put into action. Today, it is regarded as a well-preserved example of the military fortifications of its era. Hackness Martello Tower is also one of only three surviving Martello towers in Scotland.

On Foot, by Bicycle, and with Views over Scapa Flow

Visitors can explore the exterior of Hackness Martello Tower on foot through a pedestrian access gate. The Hackness Martello Tower and Battery site is not accessible by vehicle. This access situation is one of the most important practical points for a visit: plan to explore the site on foot and organise your day accordingly, rather than assuming that you can drive directly there.

Another option is the Lyness to Longhope Cycle. On this route, after a further 1.5 kilometres, a road leads right to Hackness Martello Tower and Battery. This also makes it possible to include the site in a cycling tour. For families and groups with differing interests, this combination of historical sightseeing, exploring on foot, and a cycling route can support a varied day plan without requiring a particular pace of visiting.

Details That Put the Visit into Context

In addition to the tower and battery, the decoy installation near Newhouse in Hackness remains visible to this day. It broadens the view of the site's military use and shows that defence involved more than just massive structures. Together with the views over Scapa Flow, it creates a visit that combines historical orientation with an appreciation of the landscape. Anyone wishing to focus on the history of fortifications and the military landscape will find a clearly defined destination here.

When choosing a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Hackness, you can therefore consider how much of a role these topics should play in your trip. The focus is on the historic site, its visible details, access on foot, and the cycling route. Choosing Hackness is particularly well suited to travel plans in which a specific cultural and historical site helps shape the rhythm of the day.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also explore Kirkwall, Burray Village, Tingwall, Orphir, Stromness, Orkney, Westray and Finstown.

For the overarching travel overview: Orkney Islands.