Orphir Bay.

Start. Orkneyinga Saga Centre.

Route. Orkneyinga Saga Centre - Earl's Bu (ruin) - St Nicholas's Church (ruin) - Orphir Bay - The Breck - Breck Road - Gyre Road - Orkneyinga Saga Centre.

Notes. This short evening stroll lead from the small Orkneyinga Saga Heritage Centre to the remains of the Earl's Bu, where a great feast was held (according to the saga). The route then passes the remains of a ruined medieval round church before skirting low coastal cliffs to reach The Breck, an old crofting settlement with views across Scapa Flow before returning along minor roads.

We left the Orkneyinga Saga Heritage Centre via a gravel track leading almost immediately to the remains of the Earl’s Bu. These low foundations are believed to be the remains of a drinking hall, which in 1136 was the scene of the murder of Sveinn Brestrope according to the Orkney Saga. The path then passed through a metal gate accessing the graveyard, beyond the remains of a medieval round church one of only two in Scotland, the other being at Roxburgh near the English border.

The path then passed through a gate in the wall, crossed a burn via a narrow bridge, then followed the coastal path above rocky beaches and low cliffs. Just over half a mile of delightful cliff top walking followed before reaching a gate and path junction, beyond in the rough pastures The Breck an old crofting community.

We turned left, said our farewells to the coast then ascended to a narrow lane, this quiet tarmac lane guided us through fading light and spooky woodland to a road junction, we turned left, another narrow lane then guided us safely back to the Orkneyinga Saga Heritage Centre and the parked car.

view route map.

home.

The Earl’s Bu, these low foundations are believed to be the remains of a drinking hall.

The remains of a medieval round church one of only two in Scotland, the other being at Roxburgh near the English border.

Orphir Bay with views over Scapa Flow.

From The Breck views over Scapa Flow, its sheltered waters have played an important role in travel, trade and conflict throughout the centuries. Vikings anchored their longships in Scapa Flow more than a thousand years ago. It was the United Kingdom's chief naval base during the First and Second World wars.

Ruinous croft's near The Breck car park.

Our route back over tarmac with views to Gruf Hill and a cloud capped Ward Hill.

Rising above Orphir Ward Hill and Akla.

From Gyre Road wonderful evening light over the Gruf Hill, if you squint you can just make out our home for the week, above the smallest of the cropped fields to the left.

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