Blogs from Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - page 6

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Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Orkney Islands August 9th 2007

On Friday, the 3rd we began our adventures by driving on the left (wrong) side of the road by driving North from Edinburgh across that long suspension bridge and on through to Perth. From Perth it was North-east to Aberdeen, then North-west to Inverness. Inverness is definitely in North Scotland but we still had to go further North. By-passing Wick we continued North and on to Thurso on the North Coast. From Thurso it was West about 20 miles to Strathy Point, then a right turn and a little further North to Aultivullin where we ended at the gate to the greatest B&B, the Catalina B&B and Guest House. Robb and I had stayed here for one night a couple years ago. I knew it was the type of place that Heather would like and ... read more
The Best Hosts
Stacks of Duncansby
A long way down

Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Orkney Islands August 7th 2007

On Sunday the 29th we met up with Jesse for coffee then toured the Princes Street Gardens before she went to work. Then we did one of the 'hop on / hop off' bus tours to get an overview of the City of Edinburgh and a little 'guided' information. But first, the Triumph Street Pipe Band won 1st in the North American championship competition on Saturday, August 4. Congratulations Robb, and all the band members. Next year, Grade 1 and qualifying at The Worlds, maybe ? After the tour which took just a little more than an hour we were off to explore on our own. Stangely enough one of the first sights we took in was on the Royal Mile, - - - Deacon Brodies Pub (just to strategize and plan). Just behind Brodies, which ... read more
Deacon Brodies
Front desk
St/ Giles

Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Orkney Islands July 10th 2006

Day 66: Tuesday 11th. July 2006: Clear and sunny: As we wandered out of the hostel we were amazed to see the condition of the driveway we'd negotiated very well in the dark the night before - it was full of potholes and water and slush. - then a short walk on level ground into town to the Earl's Palace and information booth so booked a tour with the Orkney Bus with Malcolm as our guide. The commentary was brilliant and informative as we travelled to Scara Brae, a Neolithic settlement dating between 3200 and 2200 BC; the 17th. century Skail House where they have Captain Cook's dinner set, the Ring of Bragdar- a place like Stonehenge then onto Scapa Flow - one of Britain's most historic waterways - it was the base of the ... read more
Day 66 Orkneys, Kirkwall
Day 66 Orkneys, Kirkwall
Day 66 Orkneys, Kirkwall

Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Orkney Islands September 18th 2005

Motorhome News from Europe 36 Orkney 13th September Orkney - Isles of History The morning sun shone in greeting as we approached the grey exterior of Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital. But once inside the town we were stunned by an unexpected air of affluence. The red sandstone Cathedral of St Magnus stands proudly above Broad Street, bright with hanging baskets on smart Victorian buildings and elegant modern shops. Shrubs, trees and flowers adorn the town’s gardens and mature sycamores surround the ruins of the Earl’s Palace behind the Cathedral. The shops portray immediate evidence of Orkney’s successful craft tradition; it is famed for its jewellery, knitwear, glass, art and textiles. At first sight, the mainland of Orkney is a green continuation of the shining sea, with broad fertile pastures, cows and sheep and fields of barley rising ... read more
Kirkwall
Stromness
The Old Man of Hoy

Europe » United Kingdom » Scotland » Orkney Islands May 11th 2005

Getting up at 6:30am, we skipped breakfast Wednesday so as not to miss the NorthLink Ferry in Scrabster to the Orkney Islands. The ride took 90 minutes and was also a car ferry. It was chilly out but amazingly no rain. To our right, the rock stack of the Old Man of Hoy was visible to us. It is the tallest stack in Britian at 450 feet high. Getting nearer to Stromness, we saw a few lighthouses. Approximately 70 islands make up Orkney, with only 16 being inhabited and most of the population living in Stromness or Kirkwall. Once we got off the ferry, we drove west to Skara Brae which is known as the "best preserved Neolithic village in Europe". It was uncovered by a huge storm in 1850 and is stone built with 8 ... read more
Holborn Lighthouse
Stromness
Skara Brae




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