The Bradt guidebook mentioned the now collapsed boiler and steam engine houses at the road end in Stove on Sanday, these were an attempt at a 19th century model industrial farm. After a visit to take some photos, we then had a walk to the hidden beach of Doun Helzie. It was a bit of a trek over the dunes to the deserted white sands, deserted apart from the swooping fulmars, thankfully it wasn't breeding season. It was worth the walk to see the big expanse of sand and sea.
After that we headed over to Elsness-Quoyness to visit the chambered cairn which dates back to 2000BC, by all accounts archaeologists have been known to mention the site with a quiver in their voice, we didn't meet any quivering archaeologists on our travels. The narrow low entrance meant crawling in our our hands and knees, a fine height for Sitka had he been allowed in.
After our tea we went for a blustery walk along Backaskaill Bay, it was pretty quiet apart from a couple of folk walking their dog and strangely, a couple of cyclists pedalling along the sand. Even on an overcast evening it was still a beautiful place to be. We were looking forward to having a relaxing night in our campsite pod after all the fresh air.
We really enjoyed our time on Sanday, the white sandy beaches, friendly locals, peace and quiet and the beautiful light, almost like Orkney mainland in miniature. Well worth a visit.
Ruined buildings at Stove
Red brick chimney
Roof repair required
Lesley and Sitka on Doun Helzie beach
A wee wander along the sand
Quoyness coo
The entrance to the chambered cairn
A ghostly figure in the cells
A Quoyness farm
Lesley and Sitka on Backaskaill Bay
Beach cyclists, even the farm tower looks surprised
The Milky Way over Ayres Rock campite
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