Day 38 – To Bonar Bridge

Wednesday 2nd June

Another day another deserted beach. This time at Waulkmill.

I was recommended to visit the OrkneyInga Saga exhibition at Orphir, but it was closed for the day.. At the moment it’s all run by the local community. It’s at the site of The Earl’s Bu and church.

The Orkneyinga Saga, dates back to 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’, and the huge drinking session that was had by all, lasting several days. The remains of that round church survive today, and the ruin of the drinking hall.

Hardly unsurprising that things got a bit out if hand; there was an argument and a murder even..

There’s a good walk along the headland also, with oil tankers from the Flotta terminal in the sea in the background.

A late lunch and on westwards to Stromness, just as the sea haar arrived, and the fine day dropped at least 10 degrees in temperature.

I was supposed to be on tomorrow morning’s ferry, but the boat was there, in the Stromness harbour, so I brought my sailing forward, and left at 4.45 pm.

Once back in the mainland I was keen to stay away from the North Coast 500, and was headed for Ardgay. I drove for longer than I had planned, meaning that I could get on the bike at an earlier hour tomorrow.