Andy's Chum Lord Kitchener had arranged to meet up with Las Ramblas Ramblers in Birsay but was distracted by a Woman's Institute Bake sale in Dounby. He did perform a specially Composed Calypso for the fair Sexed Ramblers
The clifftops of the western coast of
Orkney are home to many sea birds and Marwick Head is one of the three RSPB
nature reserves on the Orkney islands.
Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, the clifftops are home to the largest cliff nesting seabird colony on the Orkney mainland.
Some of the species you are likely to encounter in this seabird city include; Fulmars, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Puffins.
You may also see Hen harriers, Artic skuas and Red-throated divers. In a good season, over 25,ooo nesting birds use the sandstone cliff ledges of Mariwck Head
The beach of Marwick Bay attracts a wide range of wading birds and ducks, the reserve also extends to some of the wet meadows immediately behind the footpath where Short eared owls are often seen sitting on fence posts in the afternoon sun.
The Marwick Head circular walk along the cliff path, will lead to the Kitchener Memorial and gives stunning views over to the island of Hoy.
The grand, square stone tower was erected by the people of Orkney after the First World War, to commemorate Lord Kitchener and the crew of HMS Hampshire, sunk on June 5th 1916, leaving only 12 survivors. It is thought that the armed cruiser struck a mine laid by the German submarine U75,
Kitchener, the then British Minister of War was on his way to confer with the Czar’s government in Russia.
The imposing stone memorial was unveiled by General Lord Horne in June 1926 with a salute by HMS Royal Sovereign.
The inscription on the plaque reads;
“This tower was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshall Earl Kitchener of Khartoum on that corner of his country which he had served so faithfully nearest to the place where he died on duty. He and his staff perished along with the officers and nearly all the men of HMS Hampshire on 5th June 1916.”
Linda, Neil, Sam, Alfie, Marion, Jill, Andy, Kay, Kevin, Sally, Bob, Captain Haddock & Ted
Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, the clifftops are home to the largest cliff nesting seabird colony on the Orkney mainland.
Some of the species you are likely to encounter in this seabird city include; Fulmars, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Puffins.
You may also see Hen harriers, Artic skuas and Red-throated divers. In a good season, over 25,ooo nesting birds use the sandstone cliff ledges of Mariwck Head
The beach of Marwick Bay attracts a wide range of wading birds and ducks, the reserve also extends to some of the wet meadows immediately behind the footpath where Short eared owls are often seen sitting on fence posts in the afternoon sun.
The Marwick Head circular walk along the cliff path, will lead to the Kitchener Memorial and gives stunning views over to the island of Hoy.
The grand, square stone tower was erected by the people of Orkney after the First World War, to commemorate Lord Kitchener and the crew of HMS Hampshire, sunk on June 5th 1916, leaving only 12 survivors. It is thought that the armed cruiser struck a mine laid by the German submarine U75,
Kitchener, the then British Minister of War was on his way to confer with the Czar’s government in Russia.
The imposing stone memorial was unveiled by General Lord Horne in June 1926 with a salute by HMS Royal Sovereign.
The inscription on the plaque reads;
“This tower was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshall Earl Kitchener of Khartoum on that corner of his country which he had served so faithfully nearest to the place where he died on duty. He and his staff perished along with the officers and nearly all the men of HMS Hampshire on 5th June 1916.”
Linda, Neil, Sam, Alfie, Marion, Jill, Andy, Kay, Kevin, Sally, Bob, Captain Haddock & Ted
Take a Stroll on Orkney and assist in some farmyard frolics.
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| Linda & Marion look undaunted by the Task Ahead |
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| Other Ramblers don't look so sure |
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| Neil Surveys the terrain |
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| Looking for an alternative route |
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| Steps down to the shore |
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| Alfie in search of Skimming Stones |
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| Taking a rest with Kitchener's memorial in the distance |
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| Haddie keen to get back on the move |
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| Sam leads out |
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| Captain Haddock, Kay & Marion at the memorial |
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| Taking in the View |
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| Red Wine & Sunshine |
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| Time to head back & check on the livestock |
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| Andy & Neil trying to herd Sheep |
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| Kevin looking slightly more professional |
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| Alfie & Kevin tending to the new Lambs |
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| Alfie tries the universal Beer elixir |
Two Questions remain
1. Where's Ted ?
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| Still making his way to Birsay |
You had me a bit worried after all the talk of nesting birds everywhere, but it seems everyone escaped "undecorated." Looks like a marvelous time was had on a beautiful sunny day.
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