Day 19 Arran to Orkney: Kirkwall to Stromness

The final day of an awesome trip is a real highlight. We focussed on sightseeing rather than being too keen to circumnavigate the Orkney mainland. Having visited Maes howe the previous day we took the A964 around the south of mainland. Missed the turnoff to Ophir so backtracked to visit the Orkneyinga saga centre & norse church. Took small shortcut to Stenness before joining B9055 through the Standing stones of Stenness, the Barnhouse site, the new temple excavations and the ring of Brodgar to Skara Brae. After plenty of time exploring the sites we took the B9056 to the Yesnaby turnoff for a side trip and walk to Yesnaby stack before taking the A967 to Stromness.

Highlights: well everything really - just a fabulous day to finish on.

Accommodation: Orca Hotel with dinner at the Ferry Inn.

Getting back: I have not put in an entry for Day 20. This involved catching the ferry to Scrabster, riding to Thurso railway station and catching the train to Inverness and Glasgow (make sure to book bike spaces as there is a lot of competition from all teh cyclists fishing LEJOG)