Kirkwall 58:59.26N 02:57.52W
4-5 August
We finally managed to rent a car on Orkney and spent Tuesday
exploring part of the Mainland that we hadn't reached. Highlight of the
day was Broch of Gurness, a large complex broch on the edge of Eynhallow Sound
- whcih we sailed down the previous day. A great setting and an
impressive structure - not visited by the coach tours.
Peter and Clare arrived at 11pm on the ferry from Aberdeen
and we spent Wednesday seeing a more of Orkney and preparing for our next
passage south. The wind was still screaming through Kirkwall marina, but
the sun was out in force for another glorious day - all the better from seeing
a forecast for the rest of the UK. We joined one of the ranger lead walks
round the Ring of Brodgar and then went on to Skara Brae - the "best
preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe". We arrived
just as a fleet of coaches were leaving so had a fairly peaceful walk around
the site. Another great seaside setting - on fine white sand beach -
complete with 21st century stone circles and structures - the local version of
sandcastles.
After getting the latest weather we'd decided to go round Cape
Wrath rather than take the Caledonian Canal - so that meant refuelling on
Wednesday evening so we could make a 4.30am start to catch the westward tide
out of Eynhallow Sound and arrive in Loch Inchard, just around the corner from
Cape Wrath, whilst there was still good light.
