Geographer’s paradise

It was meant to be either Rousay or Graemsay today. In the event both lost out to a last minute itinerary around the western side of the mainland.

Another cold haar greeted us this morning borne on a strong south easterly breeze. I reasoned that inland and on the northwest coast would be a better option and so it proved.

The first stop was Yesnerby some 6 or 7 miles north of Stromness where we followed the cliffs for around 2.5 miles winding around headlands and geos which gave an ever changing panorama of coastal scenery.

The main blip is so typical of the features of coastal erosion that I taught to generations of reluctant students over the years. It is classic coastal erosion with the sea exploiting weaknesses in the rock first to form caves, which joined to create an arch, which collapsed to form a stack which wore away to leave a stump. All these features can be see on this shot. The stack even has an arch through it.

The whole coastline is just sublime. I’m like a kiddie in a sweet shop, so exciting as were the wild flowers and birds. In a place of epic coastal scenery many say this is the best of all. It was hard to have to turn around and come back.

For lunch we returned to the Orkney Brewery Visitors Centre for soup and a seafood platter. Both of which were excellent.

Then it was on to Kirbuster Farm Museum which was an intimate and very interesting museum. The smells and rooms took me back 60 years to my uncle and aunt’s cottage near Bridgnorth in Shropshire. In the sheltered gardens bluebells were in full flower and there were trees too.

Our final stop was at the Harray Potter’s studio in the parish of Harray (good play on words there). Andrew Appleby was at work at his wheel turning pots as we spoke and turning back time for me to when I did pottery as part of CSE Art in the 1970s. Two very nostalgic visits.

There was just time to call in at the Stones of Stenness on the way back to Stromness. It was good to be able to touch the stone, something that was not possible at Brodgar.

The final event of the day was a farewell meal with our guide and mentor Elaine who was a fine companion and mine of information and stories.

So, we’re now pretty much packed ready to leave in the morning. Is for Sanday, Barbara and David for the journey back to Edinburgh.

Hope you enjoy the extras.