Orkney - 24th-26th September
The ferry passed close to the sea-stack known as 'The old man of Hoy'. The cliffs of Hoy are an impressive sight. The Old Man of Hoy Then the boat swung around the north end of Hoy, past a seething tidal race and into Stromness bay. I cycled out of the town and found a fine campsite about to close for the winter in two days time, which suited me perfectly. I pitched my tent and set off to explore the excellent museum with displays about John Rae, the Arctic explorer, and a collection of artefacts from the archaeological dig at the Ness of Brodgar. Stromness A plaque in the main street marks the place where the Hudson's Bay Company ships took on water. The ships of Lord Franklin's ill-fated expedition in search of the North-West passage watered here too. Stromness After a very good coffee from a delicatessen I cycled off on a perfect morning to visit the Ring of Brodgar, and then on to the prehistoric village at Skara Brae. That evening I went to a...