Outer edges of Scotland 2014: Tongue to Finstown (Orkney)

Silke’s B&B at the Bothy in Tongue is very good. Not only did she do our laundry and deliver it the next morning fresh and dry but she let me have an extra large bowl of porridge for breakfast and then took photos of us in her garden. The ride from Tongue to Thurso (where the ferry goes to the Orkneys) is quite hilly, with most of them loaded in the first half. We had a cafe stop in Betty Hill with top class cheese scones fresh from the oven and planned a lunch stop at the hotel/bar in Melvich, however it was closed. Luckily the village has the West End Stores, a small shop but enough for lunch and what’s more the owner was happy for us to picnic out of the wind by the shop. The hills gradually gave way to slightly flatter countryside though also slightly dull stuff. Down Reay nuclear power station and one section dominated by over hanging trees and the sound of crows. The 3pm rain settled in as we approached Thurso and it was heads down to grind out the last few miles. Stocked up with supplies at Tescos and then found a cafe in a bakers shop in town. Another trip to the nearby co-op to get the things forgotten at Tescos and then we were ready for the ferry - in fact about 2 hours ready. It’s only a short ride to Scrabster and we arrived before the ticket office was open, however it was quite sunny and warm outside the terminal building so we didn’t mind.

The ferry to Stromness arrived around 6:30 and we were soon on board. The ferry men were most particular about securing the bikes with ropes, which was a bit ominous. Evening meal on the ferry was excellent - I don’t think anyone didn’t enjoy their meal. Also, fantastic views of the Old Man of Hoy and the Hoy cliffs (all 330m high of them). Arrived in Stromness around 8:30 and straight out on to the busy road. Had expected a much quieter place but it seemed as busy as most places in England. Beautiful sunset to our left as we cycled over to Finstown (about half way between Stromness and Kirkwall). The Atlantic apartments are very nice - clean and well equipped. Quick supper and straight to bed.

All photos courtesy of Ian today...