Stromness by sea.... (and a bit of Graemsay)

 

A few days ago the weather was glorious, really warm, sunny, no wind.  We have been fortunate to have probably more than our fair share of those this summer in comparison with much of the rest of the UK.  Anyway it meant a lovely sail over to Stromness for coffee with friends and a bit of shopping in the town.  Plus the chance for a picnic along the shore.  

Hoy Low lighthouse on Graemsay with the Hoy hills as a backdrop

Hoy High lighthouse

A view of Hoy Low from the Graemsay Ferry

Hoy High and Sandside...

Heading to Stromness

Point of Ness campsite just on the approach to Stromness harbour. It used to be full of tents, nowadays, like everywhere else, it is mostly camper vans on the site.

The "double houses" - white and grey gable ends jut out onto a pier.  The white building next to them used to be the shore station for Northern Lighthouse Board lighthouse keepers and their families until they were reassigned to another lighthouse off shore, now private flats.

Panorama of part of the wee town and the hills that shelter it.

The iconic Red Shed was formerly the lifeboat station.  Now it's used by a local company that run diving holidays around the coast of Orkney

The church spire you can see is now on what is known as the Town Hall. A council owned building where the folk festival has gigs, and other concerts, plays and community events are held in this wonderful space.

Along the waterfront - many of these houses have access to piers and slipways

The Stromness beacon, just outsidethe harbour

Looking across to Graemsay - the farm of Fillets

Hoy High and Sandside from the shore of Stromness

These hills are known as the Kame of Hoy

And back to my picnic spot.....