Day 31 – To Kirkwall

Wednesday 26th May

The string northerly wind meant the ferry took fifteen minutes longer than usual, and it was a cold, but worthwhile trip to the outside deck as the ship passed close to The Old Man of Hoy.

It didn’t get above 6C all day, and as dull grey as if it was raining, when actually it wasn’t. The rather drab houses of Finnstown and Kirkwall were of a similar colour to the sky.

After a couple of hours walk I headed into Kirkwall. It was to be a day of chores, supermarket, refuel, van clean and even laundry, the first since Glenbrittle on Skye. I stayed at the Orkney Camping site at the leisure centre, which was very good value at £10 a night.

To celebrate completion of the laundry we wandered into town to find what was a really friendly pub with good beer, The Auld Motor Hoos, and even an Indian takeaway.