Westray and Papay

Westray is the far north west island of Orkney and we took a punt to head there - we couldn't make our mind up which island to go to. The crossing looked like it was going to be choppy and they put us a couple of inches away from an inside wall on one side and a great big lorry inches away on the other. We had to put the rear legs down and get straps added from the tow bar to prevent Muy getting damaged in the swell! In the end there was hardly any swaying because the captain decided to take a different route!

Chalmersquoy campsite

We stayed in a lovely campsite at Pierowall, the main village. The weather was looking up again after a few unsettled days.

Nortland Castle in the village

Castle O'Burrian (not a castle but a headland) was supposed to be the best place to see Puffins in Orkney - and so it proved! There we 200 - 300 on two small stacks just off shore as well as several on the banks near us. One flew in just a foot from Phil's feet so he got a good photo!

We took a short ferry to the nearby island of Papa Westray (Papay) for a day trip. We had planned a fairly long coastal walk - the weather sounded ideal - cloudy. It developed into a sunny day so Purdy was flagging a bit! We gave her plenty of rests!

We like to see Black Guillemot - they are
lovely birds close up

Loads of nesting Fulmars - one moved and
we saw a fluffy white chick underneath!

The rock here is like flagstone paving

Too hot for Purdy so a nap was called for

Lots of mudstone which shows ripples
and water marks

Luckily we took our swimming kit -
we had to go in here!

We're getting pretty hardcore -
straight into the very cold water!

Resting in the shade of a 5000 year old house

Dee stripped off - just holding the
shirt up for the photo!

The ruins are called Knap of Howar

Wetting Purdy down!

Ferry back to Westray

Weather was all change for a hike
on another day to Noop Head

And change again for a day exploring
another end of the island

Ruins of a Viking Longhouse

In the museum we found "The Westray Wife". This is a 5000 year old carving found of human form on a dig in 2009. We had heard about her but were very surprised to see she was only 4cm tall! We were visualising 5ft or something! 

The Westray Wife - she's tiny!

Delicious locally grown strawberries -
 how strawberries used to taste

We really enjoyed our week in Westray as it had a lovely friendly vibe and a good community. We even went to a bar (tiny), had a delicious cooked breakfast and evening meal - what a luxury! We had lots of interesting chats with locals and learnt a lot about island life.  Next, we return to mainland Orkney and onward to the island of Hoy.