West Scotland and Orkney Islands

We took the bikes back today to Stromness and then explored the town.  The weather was sunny and warm but clouded over at lunch time.   Stromness has a lot more character than Kirkwall and most of the buildings in the town centre are in good cared for condition.   Many buildings have a blue plaque and are have some historic importance.  There are no high street stores here except the Co-op and just local shops, most of which are selling souvenirs or local crafts.  There are only 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops, all on the harbour front.  Cruise ships do stop here as well as Kirkwall and there was one due in at 2pm today but we left before that.     Main Street in Stromness - no-one about. Cobbles in middle of the road   Stromness Baptist Church   Houses in the main street   Main street in Stromness - no one about Cobbles in centre of road   The Town House   Harbour building   The Stromness Hotel   Stro...

I started the day with a run around Finstown.  It was a lovely sunny morning.  The main road in front of the lodge is extremely busy and there is not much pavement.  I managed just under 5km on the pavements available.  It would not be safe to run on the side of the road.   View taken on my run, from other side of the bay to where we are staying The lodges are on the shore to the left.  We are in the leftmost one, upstairs   We took the ferry from Houton, on the south coast of Mainland to Lyness in the south of Hoy and cycled to Longhope on the island of South Walls.  The roads were good and most of the ride was by the coast, so not too hilly.  Hoy and South Walls are separated by a causeway.  Both Lyness and Longhope are served by the same ferry.  They are not far apart but separated by a stretch of water so you have to drive about 13km to get between them on the roads.     Hoy Head ferry from Houton to Lyness  ...