Ship a Hoy as walkers enjoy exploring far north

Warm, blazing sunshine greeted everyone at Rackwick following a disappointingly misty ferry journey across to the Orkney Island of Hoy from John O Groat’s, for the annual Highland Council Countryside Ranger boat trip and walk.

Caithness Countryside Ranger Marina Swanson led the ‘Old Man of Hoy’ guided walk along the footpath from Rackwick Bay to the famous sandstone sea stack. The other half of the group walked along a route through the Glens of Kinnaird and over to Berriedale Wood led by countryside Ranger Paul castle. Berriedale Wood is the most northern native woodland in the UK. Great skuas, red throated divers, plenty of wildflowers and sandwiches were enjoyed on route by both parties.

Paul said: “At first we were very apprehensive about the day ahead due to the misty conditions encountered on the ferry trip across the Pentland Firth. Fortunately the north end of Hoy was bathed in warm sunshine and everyone had a fantastic time on both walks. My thanks go out to John O Groats ferry service, Hoy bus operators and also Marina Swanson for stepping in to help at short notice.”

Further Highland Council Ranger events for 2016 can be found at www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk