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u3a Walking Group 2 - April 2023
by Ellie - 20:09 on 25 April 2023
Fourteen of us caught the 8.20am. ferry from Tingwall on the 24th April for our trip to Egilsay where we were met at the terminal by Sam our RSPB guide for the day. The weather forecast was not good, feeling cold with northerly winds but we were all very well wrapped up and prepared for anything Orkney weather could throw at us. The crossing was good, the first stop was Rousey then a quick visit over to Wyre to deliver the mail and milk.
We arrived in Egilsay at 9.30am. and after a short brisk walk to find a bit of shelter from the wind Sam introduced us to the work of the RSPB on the island and how the day was going to pan out. We then walked to the St Magnus church where we were told the story of St Magnus and how he met his demise. The Egilsay section of the St Magnus Way was officially opened on in 2018 and marks the place where Magnus was martyred. This section of the way is about peace, thinking about the sacrifice Magnus made for the sake of peace in Orkney and our present need for peace in the midst of conflict. We took time to admire the church stonework and the remarkable tower. A good spot for a group photo, the sun came out briefly in between a couple of showers of sleet.
A short walk to the community centre for a bit of warmth and a chance to have a hot drink and a snack where the reserve warden was waiting for us. The Onziebust Nature Reserve covers 55% of the island and was bought by the RSPB in 1996, primarily to help the nationally declining corncrake population and safeguard the important numbers of breeding waders, and greater yellow bumblebee. The site has extensive wetland areas, with freshwater locks, and home to a range of birds. The rocky coast and white sandy beaches provide important feeding opportunities for wintering waders and wildfowl. Traditional cattle are being used to provide optimal conditions for breading curlews, redshanks, lapwings, and snipe.
With binoculars in hand, we ventured out into the cold again to walk down to the coast where we manage to spot oystercatchers, a flight of golden plover, skylarks and lapwings. The sun started to show its face as we arrived at a super beach with white sand and a beautiful turquoise sea. Following a chance to watch a few seals we walked back to the Community Centre before catching the 1.35pm. return ferry. On our return we had a visit to the Fernvalley Tearoom for a cuppa and cake (thanks to Barbara for organising this). Many thanks to the folk who joined me for the trip and supporting walking group 2, a very enjoyable day.
Our next walk is on Monday 29th May, new members always welcome.
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