Distance: 7.5km |
Ferry over to Orkney from Gills bay to St Margarets Hope. After visits to the Hoxa head battery and the Italian Chapel there was still plenty of time to get to the Gloup and see if a Kayak was possible. A Gloup is a collapsed sea cave (from the Old Norse "gluppa" - a chasm). Did the short walk to have a look - nice and calm and even Alfie agreed it looked safe. Back along the road to look for a place to pump up. Luckily Sandside Bay was accessible and only round the corner. Quick inflation and round to find the entrance - which was surprisingly small. Amazing feeling inside with lots of Cormorants keeping Alfie focused. Went on from the Gloup as Brough of Dearness was just up the coast. Parked and walked up to the 11th Century Norse Chapel. Beautiful views and the the Mull Head Nature reserve is stunning. Quick paddle back - into the Gloup again for a quick look. The days are long so there was no hurry. Onto Kirkwall campsite and to catch an early ferry to Sanday the following morning