Photos and the City

Category: Sotland

  • Stromness Coastal Walk

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    There is a lovely walk starting in Stromness and going along the coastline toward the Sound of Hoy and some remains of World War II.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    Looking back towards Stromness and seeing all the houses nestled into the bay.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    The Island of Hoy, the very first and probably the only time I saw it without a cloud hanging above it.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    Along the walk, there are remains of batteries from World War II and also from earlier wars and also signs telling more about these times and the protection of Scapa Flow.

     

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

    Ness Battery is surrounded by a golf club and is one of the best-preserved wartime sites.

    During WWII Scapa Flow was the base for the Royal Navy and more than 40000 military personnel were based here.

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.
    Ness Battery

    Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.Walking from Stromness along the coast towards the Ness battery.

     

  • Stromness

    Stromness – my last stop in Orkney – is a very lovely town and my little cottage had the best views of the harbour and the boats going in and out.

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    The ferry was a constant visitor, but there was also a very special boat coming in and staying for a few days, this beautiful ship filled with trainees if I´d only could remember the name, as she was on an interesting journey around the UK.

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    My little home with a view:

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    Stromness is a lovely place for a little stroll, there is so much to see and explore. It is shaped by the sea and formed around its harbour. From the Vikings to a whaling and herring fishing port up to today.

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    Independent shops and restaurants, an amazing art museum and much more – Stromness is an amazing base for exploring Orkney.

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    And such a colourful place!

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

    This house in the middle of town was for sale and I did look it up, would be an amazing home!

    Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.Taking a walk through Stromness, the lovely town in Orkney, Scotland.

  • Earl’s Bu and Church

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

    Back on “mainland” Orkney I made one more stop before going back home and visited the Earl´s Bu and Church in Ophir. During the early period of Norse ruling, Ophir was a centre of power.

    The Orkneyinga Saga, dating to about 1136, tells of a great Yule feast given by Earl Paul at his bu, or residence, in Orphir. It describes a ‘large drinking-hall’ next to a ‘magnificent church’. The remains of that church survive today. (Historic Enviroment Scotland)

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

     

    The Earl´s Bu and church are strongly connected to the Orkneyinga Saga.

    The saga is an account of the history of Orkney from its capture by a Norwegian king in the 800s until about 1200.  (Historic Enviroment Scotland)

    Ophir is one of only two round medieval churches in Scotland, the remains of this church are still visible today.

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

    Ophir might have been a Pictish settlement that was overtaken by the Norse.

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

    Another connection to the Saga, after killing St. Magnus his cousin and co-ruler, Earl Hakon Paulson went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After his return in 1122, he built the Round Kirk.

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

    Ophir also offers stunning views over Scapa Flow and towards Hoy, again under a cloud. There is a lovely walk along the coastline.

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.

    Visiting Earl's Bu and Church in Ophir, Orkney.