At 10 o'clock, I board the peedie bus to the Rousay ferry terminal, on West Mainland. This follows a route I have not previously travelled. It heads north out of Finstown. The bus first of all drives past the Tingwall ferryterminal to go all the way to Newton, Grid Reference HY320284. The route gives a nice preview of the south coast of Rousay, as well as a glance over to Eynhallow. The latter has the remains of a monastery on it. Although the roadsigns point to villages like Evie, the A966 is lined with farms all the way. Arrive at Tingwall at 10.40. Weather is turning nasty, with a strong, very cold northwesterly wind and hefty showers. The crossing to Rousay is bumpy. We pass the western outlier of Wyre, then veer northeast to dock at Rousay. Chat to an older couple on the way there. They are going to walk at Westness; I'm heading into the island's interior. A steep road leads up from the ferry to the island's main road, the B9064, which circles Rousay. After a few hudnred yards, I come across Home Farm, which incorporates a hostel. Did contemplate booking into there, but decided not to. Signs along the road declare that Trumland House is now closed until March 2005. Other signs say "Private - Keep Out", but a belligerent Rambler has pasted a note saying that you have the right to roam here. Head up a track which winds up into the moors below the island's highest hills. It's quite an ascent, and the heavy showers detract from the enjoyment of the views. By 12.30, I've reached the exhilerating heights of 230 m. I'm not that far below the canopy of racing clouds. View pretty good, if limited by a herd of showers which keep clattering through. Buffeted by the wind, I balance my way across the moor heading more or less northwest for Muckle Water. My progress is impeded by a barbed wire fence, which I manage to cross eventually by laying the map across the barbs. At least it's no my private anatomy that gets impaled. Proceed downhill and gain a track that leads towards Peerie Water, the next loch. About a mile further down, the track rejoins the B9064. Private? Don't make me laugh. From Westness Farm, it's road walking all the way to the ferry, 6 km / 4 miles to the weast. Road follows the coast at a short distance. Pass some standing stones at Frotoft, and squat down for a cuppa near a farm at Nearhouse. Manage to hide myself in amongst the corn. Return to the ferry at 4 pm, which gives me enough time for refreshments and an internet session. The computer is located at the back of the craftshop, and I'm left alone int here - such trust! Back in the pub, I fall to chatting to some people and I'm offered a lift back to Kirkwall, which I'm more than happy to accept. They were the same couple I spoke to yesterday, on returning from Eday. The ferry for Tingwall leaves at 5, and after a bumpy crossing drops us off at Tingwall at 5.40. My lift saves me from waiting for a bus in less than pleasant conditions. Am dropped off outside Safeways just after 6. Return to the YH half an hour later, having done my shopping. Incidentally, I pay for the hostel on a daily basis. Come to know the wardens, Eileen and Tara, having stayed here for 3 weeks (on and off).
Weblinks: Rousay on Undiscovered Scotland: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/rousay/rousay/
Kirkwall Youth Hostel:
http://www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/web/site/Hostels/Kirkwall.asp
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