escaping
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| Shapsinsay (I think) overlooking Mainland Orkney |
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| Balfour Castle |
To avoid the large people filled town we decided to explore a smaller island, Shapinsay (population around 300). First time on a ferry - quite exciting - nice views of other islands over the water. Arrived on Shapinsay and headed straight towards this grand castle, within about two minutes we arrived at the locked gatehouse and realized we couldn't enter the castle.. Crossed back past the still-docked ferry... what were we going to do all day on this island? (Ferry home at 5:30...) We walked through the village, with its historical salt water shower, gas building and old cannon things... Set off to the island's furthest most corner to see a 'broch' - an iron age (?) building, it's like a huge cone, and definitely appears very secure and defensive. I had slightly underestimated the length of Shapinsay... lunch on the beach beside the broch was lovely, the broch was quite nice to see and then we started the long way back (12miles in total we walked!) Welcome cup of tea in an empty cafe, quick look around the craft and heritage centre and a wander before the return ferry... walked though a minatute 'forest' - quite possibly the private castle grounds... and onto a sunny beach looking back over Kirkwall - lovely. Shapinsay was a flat island with beautiful views over to Rousay, Westray, Sronsay, Eday and the Mainland but also very quiet - I think we saw less than ten people in total... Home again (with a big blister) for courgette curry and crochet lessons, crochet is so hard!! First day in hospital tomorrow... still not sure where/what I'm doing...
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