October in Orkney by Isla

Hello, 

I hope you are well.  I am writing to you from my lounge on a dark, wet and windy evening.  Despite being surrounded by houses the wind makes its presence felt at this time of year as it funnels down my street directly from the harbour. The clocks have recently gone back in Britain meaning that it starts to get dark here in Orkney from 4.00pm at the moment.

October saw me on my travels again and this time I was accompanied by my boyfriend David. We covered a lot of miles during the two weeks we were away which started with an overnight stay in Glasgow and my first ever Scotland football match.  I am happy to report that Scotland won…… just!  Although next time I might have to ditch my woolly jumper for a Scotland football top.

After the action and excitement of city life we had a few nights camping in Tam before crossing the border to England and onto Lincolnshire.   This was David’s first ever visit and I was excited to show him the city where I was born and where I lived before moving to Orkney.  We did lots and lots of walking including around Lincoln, where we visited the castle, walked around its walls and enjoyed delicious Lincolnshire ice cream.  We left plenty to see and explore for our next visit. Of course there was plenty of time spent with my family and best friends during our week there. 

Holidays always go too fast and it was soon time to head back to Orkney.  However, not before we spent a wonderful four nights camping in Tam close to Stirling where there was even more walking to be had.  This time in the Ochil Hills, which overlooked the campsite where we were staying.  From the summits we could just make out Edinburgh in the distance.  We also visited another castle, this time Stirling Castle, followed by climbing up The Wallace Monument for more amazing views. 

It has been full speed ahead with work (and my Christmas gift knitting) since I got back.  I work in an independent bookshop right in the centre of Kirkwall and as you can imagine things are starting to get busy at this time of year.  However, I was able to pop outside as the annual Halloween procession led by the Kirkwall City Pipe Band paraded down the street last Saturday followed by many children (and a few adults) in Halloween costumes. 

Right time to pop the kettle on and make a cup of tea.

Until next time

Isla

If you would like to see more of Orkney and what Isla is up to, you can find her on Instagram as @islap1k1

Other Blog posts of interest: Seasonal Changes in Orkney, An Introdcution to Plotulopi with Kelsey, Postcards from Rachel in Fair Isle.