Tuesday 11 June 2013 – Papa Westray and Westray

We visited the nearby island of Papa Westray by the ferry Golden Mariane.  Biking and walking we visited Knap of Howar ancient farmhouse, which pre-dates the village at Skara Brae.  It did not have any guides or information, but we could walk inside an have a really good view of it.  Later at the nature reserve we came across the Scottish Primrose at last.  Did not see many seabirds as we were at the top of the cliff and they were on the cliff.  As the cliffs here are all undercut by the sea I did not feel inclined to go too near the edge!

Back on Westray in the afternoon we took a bike and walk to Noup Hd. Same problem with seeing the birds, except for a cliff full of guillemots.

Knap of Howar ancient house

Quern

Door posts include a slot for a bar to hold the door closed

Airport at Papa Westray

Short take-off. Flight to Westray takes 2 minutes

Scottish Primrose, Primula Scotica

Orchid

Orchid

Ferry coning to take us back to Westray

Thrift on the cliffs near Noup Hd

Guillemots on the cliffs near Noup Hd