By Ernie Skea. All images, Mike Robertson.
On Friday the 13th of June on a bright and breezy afternoon, the fourth Community Walk took place. Despite the fact there were quite a few of our regular walkers away on holiday we were joined by some new folk, who made our numbers up to a total of twelve, plus Dougal the dog.
The group met in the car park at the top of the path to the Monument and after a quick photoshoot (courtesy of our resident photographer Mike Robertson) we set off down hill at a good pace with a fair wind behind us.
Although it was a bit hazy in the distance, we were still able to pick out a good number of the North Isles, namely – Auskerry, Stronsay, Sanday, Eday, Rousay and finally the much nearer and clearer to see island of Shapinsay.
Not far down the path in a field on our left, just below Springfield the ruins of a very tiny stone building created a lot of discussion as to what it might have been. Was it originally a small dwelling? a workshop? or a maybe a shed for animals? We would appreciate If anyone has information about the aforementioned little building to get in touch. Some of the group had not been on this walk before and were interested to know the names of the houses and farms at either side of the path. So, it was explained – On the left, Upper Noltland, Springfield, Northfield and finally Daisybank which at one time would have all been crofts.
Then on the other side lying across the valley, the farms of West Denwick and East Denwick.
After just over half an hour’s gentle walking (and plenty talking) we reached the Covenanters Monument where we spent quite a while reading the information boards, taking in the views and having some more photos taken.
The walk back up the path was more difficult with a head wind, but spirits were high and folk still had enough puff to blether away. As we came up past Daisybank there were some bonnie black pigs out in a small field next to the path, which created a lot of interest, not only amongst the walkers but also from Dougal the dog.
Returning to the car park everyone said their cheerios saying how much they had enjoyed the walk and were looking forward to the next one.
