Photos and the City

Tag: Orkney

  • Good Bye Orkney

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    It was time to say bye to Orkney and to island life, for now, it was a hard goodbye but the views from sailing away from Stromness made it easier. I always wondered how it must feel to live on that little island in the bay of Stromness.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    The Pelican of London was also ready to sail on.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    Bye to my lovely little home with the best view and to lovely Stromness.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    One last view back and then forwards to Hoy, without a cloud on that day!

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    There is also a view of the coastal walk from the day before.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    The first glimpse of the Old Man of Hoy, as I wasn´t able to hike there, I was happy to see it at least from the ferry!

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

    Around that corner to the left would be Rackwick beach.

    A few hours later we arrived back on Mainland Scotland and I drove to Stoer to start my week in Assynt, another place with amazing views.

    Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.Leaving Orkney and sailing next to the Old Man of Hoy.

     

  • 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.