We extended our stay on Hoy so we could have a guided tour of a Martello tower - I've seen the outside of several and fancied having a nose inside. Glen, our guide, is clearly as passionate about the history of the barracks and tower as he is knowledgeable. We arrived early, so he started … Continue reading Harkness barracks and Martello tower, Hoy
Author: patsy
Orcadian orchids and other purple wild flowers
There are several forms of orchid which grow on Orkney. The most common, and in flower right now, are the brilliant magenta/purple Northern Marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella), and the Heath Spotted Orchid, which can look very similar except for the spots on its leaves, but may also come in paler shades - all vaguely purple. … Continue reading Orcadian orchids and other purple wild flowers
The Old Man of Hoy
One of our main reasons for visiting Hoy (other than the excitement of the ferry crossing) was to see the 'Old Man' sea stack. From Rackwick where we stayed, it's a very pleasant (if steep in places) five and a bit mile walk. We liked it so much we went out one evening, and again … Continue reading The Old Man of Hoy
Rackwick Bay and Bothy
Rackwick bay is a popular place for people to stay on Hoy. One reason is the bothy - it's very basic accommodation, but there's a wood burner, table and chairs and camp beds - and a toilet next door. Perhaps, other than the lovely location, the main attraction is that it's completely free. We didn't … Continue reading Rackwick Bay and Bothy
Hoy ahoy!
We went over to the island of Hoy on a ferry. That was more 'interesting' than I'd anticipated. If you'd like, you can make the crossing with us. It started off very foggy, which goes some way to explaining why at three miles into a two mile circular walk to see the lighthouse we found … Continue reading Hoy ahoy!
Summer solstice at the Standing Stones of Stenness
It's the summer solstice today and it seems right to celebrate it at the Ring of Brodgar and nearby Standing Stones of Stenness. We won't be staying up until it gets dark, because that won't be happening here tonight, but we will walk amongst the stones and toast them (with something other than tea!). Here … Continue reading Summer solstice at the Standing Stones of Stenness
Wednesday word of the week – Peedie
Peedie is a word used on Orkney, and probably much of the rest of Scotland, meaning little or small. It's used affectionately, rather than derogatorily. So I might refer to a friend who isn't tall as peedie, but not to a less than generous piece of cake - such as all that remained of the … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Peedie
Deerness, Orkney
There's a nature reserve walk at Deerness, which includes a collapsed sea cave called The Gloup, dramatic scenery and good opportunities to see interesting birds, so obviously, despite the rain, we had to go. After The Gloup, there's the option to negotiate a really scary path to reach the brough of Deerness. All that remains … Continue reading Deerness, Orkney
Earl’s Bu and round church, Orphir, Orkney
One of the many Earl's of Orkney, built a Bu (which seems to have been a fancy farmhouse with a massive drinking hall) and a round church in Orphir. He then got a rival Earl of Orkney drunk and murdered him as he left the church. That kind of thing seems to have been typical … Continue reading Earl’s Bu and round church, Orphir, Orkney
Cuween Hill – and Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn, Orkney
After visiting the chambered cairn on Cuween Hill, we carried on up to the top, where we found some piles of stones, which were possibly a ruin recently rearranged, and some orchids. After that, we returned to the van for a cup of tea and piece of cake whilst we decided what to do next … Continue reading Cuween Hill – and Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn, Orkney