Hackness brings together the history of Hackness Battery and Martello Tower: the Battery was built to protect an anchorage, while the Tower served as a naval signal post during the First World War. The site also offers views over Scapa Flow and a specific wayfinding note for the Lyness to Longhope Cycle. If you are considering Hackness for a stay, you can weigh up its historical highlights and practical access information together.
Hackness Battery: Construction and Alterations
Hackness Battery was built between 1813 and 1815 to protect the anchorage in Longhope Sound from attacks by American privateers. It was originally equipped with eight 24-pounder guns. In 1866, the Battery was altered to accommodate four 68-pounder guns. The two armament details refer to different periods: the eight guns describe the original equipment, while the four 68-pounders refer to the later alteration. This makes it possible to place the Battery’s development in its historical context without conflating the two configurations. The site is a well-preserved example of military fortifications of its time.
Martello Tower and Military Use
Hackness Martello Tower is about 10 metres high and one of only three surviving Martello towers in Scotland. During the First World War, it served as a naval signal post. The Battery had a different role during the same war: naval personnel operated the blockships there, which were intended to protect an entrance to Scapa Flow. Signalling from the Tower and operating the blockships at the Battery were therefore distinct military functions. The Tower also offers views over Scapa Flow, adding a landscape perspective to its historical significance.
Longhope Sound and Scapa Flow
The two bodies of water are associated with different aspects of the site. Longhope Sound relates to the Battery’s original purpose of protecting the anchorage there. Scapa Flow is associated with the blockships operated during the First World War and with the views from the Tower. This distinction helps you understand the site’s original purpose, its later military use and its views as separate aspects of Hackness’s history.
A 2024 Wartime Heritage Trail describes the remains of a decoy installation near Newhouse in Hackness as still visible. This adds another historical point of interest to the Battery and Tower.
Access and Directions
Hackness Martello Tower and Battery is not accessible by vehicle. Visitors can explore the outside of the Martello Tower on foot through a pedestrian access gate. On the Lyness to Longhope Cycle, a road turns right to the site after a further 1.5 kilometres. For planning purposes, consider these details together: the directions identify a turn-off, but vehicle access to the site is not permitted. Conservation work may change the access arrangements, so check the latest information before your visit.
Hackness combines a clearly dated construction history with later military functions and views over Scapa Flow. The construction dates, the distinct roles of the Battery and Tower, and the information about the route and access give you specific points to consider when including the site in your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Finstown, Stromness, Burray Village, Tingwall, Westray, Orphir, Orkney, Kirkwall.
For the wider travel overview: Orkney Islands.
