Loch Stenness

A perfect Orkney day dawned impossibly early this morning as midsummer nears.

I went out for my pre breakfast 'riding walking the marches' in a balmy temperature with little more than a breeze, thanks to the shelter of the closely huddles houses along the shore.

There were a few people up and about near the harbour where the noise of puttering engines heralded the first fishing boats to leave, cutting a wake on the still and reflective water as they did.

A cycle run was planned and executed to Finstown ( where we bumped into MsGable and G again) and then north to Dounby for a welcome cup of tea( cyclists generally drink tea!) and back to Stromness by lochs Harray and Stenness.

Although there was a rather cold NE wind which seemed to constantly change direction with us, the day was perfect for cycling.
The sun shone, and the sunlight played on the various greens and yellows of the distant fields.
The hills of Hoy in the background, appeared alternatively dark blue or a more threatening brown black depending on the passing clouds.

The wooden fences and dry stane dykes wound their way down from grassy verges full of wild flowers through fields of newly cut grass to brown seaweed fringed lochs, while oyster catchers wheeled overhead and cattle with their calves stood contentedly in the warmth.

And home feeling invigorated after a modest 30 miles to a late lunch and hopefully a G&T on the patio later.

Orkney at its best.