Aberdeen

By train to the well-named Granite City.
Staying in the grand and fairly central youth hostel. £31 a night for a private room.
A heatwave is in progress.
Tree roots growing between graniteRead more
To Rousay

Overnight thunderstorms and a wet and windy start from Aberdeen. Flight to Orkney not as bumpy as we were warned.
Warm and shower in the pm. Now comfortably installed in Julia’s camper van.
Orkney and Rousay

Mural celebrating the making of granite city in Aberdeen. Plenty of rain in the morning for the flight to Kirkwall.
Then a sunny afternoon and the little ferry to Rousay.
Walked along the coast toRead more
First day at Swandro

A stiff breeze on the beach, but dry.
Wheelbarrowing in the morning, working in the Finds Hut in the afternoon.
Steve Dockrill being ably supported by Bonny and Rose taking photos of the newRead more
Last day at Swandro

All day working in the Finds table. Spotted this worked bone (some kind of needle?).
Pint of Scapa Flow at the Taversoe - a pub and restaurant with a fabulous view.
Day in Kirkwall

Sad to leave our perfect camping spot on Jacqui‘s hillside ruined mill.
Turning up early at the quay allowed us to be put on an earlier ferry to mainland Orkney. The knock on effect was to allowRead more
Tongue, Sutherland

Lumpy ferry to mainland Scotland plus heavy rain, which soon abated.
Drive across the top to Durness and Balnakiel Estate where Cocoa Mountain and craft shops are located. This is a former militaryRead more
Angela SmithAre pensioners allowed in YOUTH hostels? Don't forget the sunscreen today! x