Please take a photograph of your group "in action." Don't forget to ask for permission from everyone for the photo to be published on the web. Then email it to the address below and we will upload it to the gallery.
Walking Group One 25th April 2024
Five hardy souls collected today at Happy Valley for the first Hill Walk of the year .The temperature was cool with a North Easterly wind blowing and a hint of rain on arrival.
Off we set heading towards Russadale Quarry, spotting a Buzzard on the way.Turning into the footpath we remained sheltered from the wind all the way to the top of the hill.
The sun was out at the Quarry and a Greenshank was feeding at the edge of the Lochan. Then it was up the Peat road to the summit with spectacular views across Stenness and Harray Lochs, plus a view of the Closed Road beyond the Watch Stone. On the other side we looked over the Flow and down towards the Oil Platform and South Ronaldsay
Then it was back down after a stop for a snack and finally a walk around Happy Valley itself. The Daffodils planted by James and others were looking lovely and the Bluebells are days away from opening. Then it was on to a well deserved lunch at the Pier Cafe, having walked 4 miles and gone up 800 feet (and down again )
The next walk will be on Friday 24th May and hopefully more hills and views.
Keep moving.
u3a Walking Group One - February 2024
by Tim Wright - 15:46 on 22 February 2024
Thirteen of us met at the Holm Hall in cool but sunny conditions for a walk around the environs of St Mary's . The wind was moderate to start but we soon warmed up as we made our way trough the back street to The Loch of Ayre .It is a nice little meander along the board walk and through the trees on the west bank of the Loch .Swans and Ducks were to be seen there but we carried on our way without stopping as it was chilly despite the sun .A brisk walk along the front road with a left turn up the road alongside Alfie Fletts took us away from the traffic.We stopped to admire a miniature stone Orkney house, turned right up to the Graham's Hall road past Margaret Rinder's old house .No traffic on the road past the Loch but some Whooper Swans were in evidence among the other wildfowl.Right again and along the shore road where the waves were splashing too much for some of our number .We had a stop to look at the Totem Pole and the Karen Aim memorial seat .Then along to the cafe for lunch .From there the group made their own way back to the Community Centre some by going right just past Alfie Flett's compound towards the council houses and back along the back road again .Approx 4 miles walked on a sunny and dry day in Feb .What more could one ask for ?
The next meeting will be Friday 22nd March. As usual a reminder will be sent a week before with exact time and place a couple of days before .
Add your comment