The Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney

Another beautiful day, we headed to some of the ancient sites. The oldest first, these standing stones have probably been here for over 5,000 years. Sitting near the lochs of Harray and Stenness, a very peaceful place. Views over to the hills on Hoy.

Beside them, the remains of Barnhouse Village, the bases of at least 15 free standing houses. Then some time in the bird hide overlooking the loch.

On to Maeshowe, a chambered cairn. After crouching down to walk along the entrance tunnel, we spent 40 mins inside with an excellent guide. Huge pieces of sandstone, with runes and carved drawings. The mound is positioned so that the sun shines right up the tunnel into the chamber at the winter solstice.

We passed by an area being prepared for an 8 week dig between Stenness and The Ring of Brodgar, and then to Skara Brae, situated in the sand dunes at the Bay of Skaill. A huge storm in 1850 revealed this Neolithic village. So interesting to see the living areas, bed boxes and even the dressers where bowls and pots were displayed and food prepared. There is a reconstructed house which you can go into. Glad we came on a quiet day, there had been more than 40 tour buses here on Saturday when the cruise liners were visiting.

We then headed north to Birsay, to enjoy more of the coastline, and return via The Ring of Brodgar, to get some long shadows at the stones. However, just after Twatt, the oil pressure warning light came on. We knew to stop, and a kind passing farmer confirmed we'd done the right thing. Called the AA, and nearly 2 hours later only phone contact. In that time only 12 vehicles had passed us. The advice - to restart the car, and if light wasn't showing, to try and return to Kirkwall. We did this, stopping at Finstown to let the engine cool again, and made it back to base. There is a fumey smell, but the light didn't come back on. AA have now seen the car, and we'll visit a local garage tomorrow.

So much for a stress-free holiday.