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Walking Group - 6 April - Sandwick
by Ellie Wiltshire - 16:15 on 10 April 2026
After weeks of wet and windy weather, Monday 6th April was an ideal day for our walk, sunny and calm, members took full advantage of the change in the weather and nineteen folks gathered at Skaill Bay for a 5-mile walk on green lanes and minor roads.
Before the walk began Tim was presented with the gifts that we contributed to in recognition of his retirement after twelve years of leading walks. Tim has been a super leader, and it has been a privilege to have him lead the group, we appreciate his extensive knowledge of the area and its history, and insightful anecdotes he shares.
After thanking Tim, we left the car park and walked a short way along the main road before turning onto the first green lane. The walk began with muddy conditions, recent weekend rain had left plenty of mud and puddles, but these were manageable with care. The lane soon veered left, and for the next mile or so, the path was mostly dry. When we reached a small road, we paused briefly to enjoy the beautiful view of the bay. We continued on minor roads with a couple of inclines, as we made our way to Quoyloo we passed the Orkney Brewery and the old Sandwick Church. The next section was mostly downhill on minor roads and a green lane. After a brief stop at the Kirk, we followed the small road down to the shore and returned to our cars for coffee and cake. It was a great new walk with excellent company.
UPDATE ON WALKING GROUPS 1 AND 2 - Following Tim’s retirement walking Groups 1 and 2 will merge and run as the u3a Walking Group, under the leadership of myself. As previously walks will be on the first Monday and third Friday of each month. I will continue leading the Monday walks, and the Friday walks will have rotating leaders: James Temple, Marion Sutherland, Ruth Ross-Thompson, Graham Dineley, and Brian Wiltshire. James will oversee the organisation of the Friday Walks. If anyone is interested in leading a Friday walks, please let me know.
Date of Next Walk – Friday 17th April. Please meet at the Burray Community car park (located directly opposite Burray Hall) at 10:30am for a 4.3 mile walk along tracks and sideroads (toilets available). The route will proceed up Burray Hill via road and track, descending the west side, and following a path that may be boggy in certain sections. The walk will continue along a minor road to Littlequoy and a bridleway which passes the ruins of Ouraquoy before returning to the car park. At the end of the walk there is an opportunity to have coffee or lunch at either the Relic Café in the Fossil Centre or Polly Kettle. Graham will phone and book once numbers are confirmed.
Walk Leader: Graham, 07791411861 – Walking poles are recommended.
Ellie Wiltshire
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