Pics by B&M Bell
We’ve walked at Hoxa Head many times
Yesterday, we planned to do the same walk – but…
We parked the car in the little car park and the first thing we noticed was that information board has gone. Then we saw a sign which implies that the track ahead is ‘Private’.
It isn’t – it’s part of a right of way.
Ignoring this sign, we walked along the track to the gate which used to lead over the hill to the War buildings, where we were confronted with this sign
So we turned right, down the track which we used to come up at the end of the walk, thinking that we could walk along the coast and access the buildings that way. It really does look like the public aren’t wanted, as the gate and footpath sign are …well
Along the coastal path , which is a bit hard going in places but……..we saw an Eagle! – being bothered by Herring-gulls.
We couldn’t see any white on it, so it might be a juvenile White-tailed or a Golden but definitely an Eagle. Not very good pics as I took them quickly with my happy-snaps camera – but…WE SAW AN EAGLE
And in South Ronaldsay too – thinking of the Eagle Cairn which might, just might, possibly be re-opening if a community buy-out can be managed.
When new got to the other end of the coastal path our way was barred again – though the gate still has a footpath arrow on it.
Looks like someone else shares our opinion of this situation
There’s even a sign on the one of the buildings sayings it’s private property
We were cross, but decided to put that behind us and appreciate the walk back for what it is.
We came across a Waxcap fungus which had been freshly broken – like a little jewel in the grass
A stoat trap – sign of the times in Orkney
http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=16248
And, a sign of coastal erosion. – the bane of Orkney. When this piece of boardwalk was put in place it looks like the fence posts were sunk in buckets of concrete – some of which are now eroding out of the cliff
Tucked into the wall by the gate to the path back up the hill
Back to the car – we didn’t feel like eating our sandwiches in a place where we’re not wanted, so drove to the Sands O’ Wright and parked there.
And home. We won’t be going to Hoxa Head again as my bad back means that I could manage an easy first half and a rough second half, but both ways is too much.
Some folk are trying to promote the war remains as a visitor attraction, while others block the way.
Ed’s note: readers might be interested in this website which lists all the Rights of Way across the whole of Scotland: CATALOGUE OF RIGHTS OF WAY Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society
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