Just after I finish breakfast, I meet some of the other guests in the hostel. They are here to meet family in Pierowall. The weather isn't too bad after last night's downpours. Walk down the village main street, then head off into th eback country. My mapreading leaves a lot to be desired when I end up on the shores of Loch of Burness. I have to retrace my steps to find a farm track that leads me west past the loch, next I go north. I finally hit the road just ¼ mile west of Noltland Castle. You can walk around the ruins of the castle. On the outskirts of Pierowall village, I once more turn north into the golflinks. Not in use as such due to sandblow and the activities of rabbits, who dig huge holes in the greens. I reach Grobust beach, then clamber back over all the barbed wires. Can see the lighthouse at Noup Head a few miles to the west. It's a grey, blowy sort of day, and rather cold. Next step on my expedition is a trip to Noup Head, along a winding road. It's quite pretty with some fantastic views. The road goes past the other Westray hostel, Bis Geo. This is fairly high up the slopes of Couters Hill. The formal road ends at Noup Farm, but a good farmtrack carries on up North Hill, past some derelict buildings. The wind is picking up. After I take a break, I press on to Noup Head, by the lighthouse. The full force of the westerly gale hits me there, and I have great difficulty keeping my footing. On this exposed headland, it's a full force 9. I manage to labour up the hill beside the lighthouse. This is where I stand 76 metres / 255 feet above the sea, being pummelled by the wind. Views very good, all the way down the west coast of Westray and as far as Rousay, 10 miles to the south. Very cautiously, I commence the coastline walk, southeast. It's up and down over stiles, along precipitous cliffs all the way to Bis Geos. Here the rain commences, and I turn inland past a pen full of bleating sheep and fields with cattle. Regain the road back to Pierowall. As I carry on back down the hill, it is positively pouring with rain and very cold with it. Walk into the village past the school. Dive into the loos, if only to be out of the relentless downpour. Return to the Barn at 4.30. Have to be very careful on the flagstones outside. Spend the rest of the evening inside. On arrival, I was welcomed by the daughter of the proprietrix, with her brood of young kids. She told stories of spring nights spent on the island of Faray, between Westray and Eday. There are buildings on that island, but only one is habitable. The rainfall today was painful in the wind.
Weblinks:
Bis Geos Hostel: http://www.bisgeos.co.uk/
Westray on Undiscovered Scotland: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/westray/westray/
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