The best traffic-free bike rides in Orkney islands

It completes the town

Stromness - the gray city. Its appeal unfolds at second glance. The small port town has remained unchanged for centuries and has retained its original maritime charm with its narrow, winding streets, terraced houses and steep corridors. The stone houses are grey, where is the color supposed to come from here, and they are simple. The sea has always determined life in this place. The harbor itself was once important, being a safe haven for the Vikings, a whaling station and important for herring and cod fishing. Stromness Bay is a deep anchorage, primarily sheltered from south-westerly storms. Larger ships could find shelter here. As a port of last call ", Stromness was an important port for the British Navy and the starting point for British overseas expeditions, John Franklin and others were here. From the harbor the main street, which is paved with wide, flat stones, winds its way through the town. other is beautiful

Stromness is a village on Mainland, Orkney (Scotland), located by a natural harbor on the south-west side of the island. The name of the village is probably derived from the Norwegian Straumrnes, a point of land near Hoy Sound. In 1670 the place became a starting and ending point for the ships of the Hudson's Bay Company on their way to and returning from Canada. In terms of size, Stromness is the second largest on the island after Kirkwall. The village has a fishing port and ferry connections to the islands of Graemsay and Hoy and to Scrabster on mainland Scotland. (Wikipedia)

The narrow passages and roads and the private yards on the bank side are fascinating, as is the network of steep streets and paths that lead up to the hill. One of the streets Brinkies Brae climbs between high walls bears the name "Khyber Pass". This is a descriptive joke that stuck, or a celebration of the Empire: take your pick. The Khyber Pass (highest point 1070 meters) is the main mountain pass connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan and was part of the British Empire. There was a lot of hard fighting in this area. According to George Molesworth, adjutant in the British army during the Third Anglo-Afghan War, "every stone in the Khyber Pass was soaked in blood." Rudyard Kipling called the mountain pass "a sword that cuts through the mountains."

This is the old North Church, converted and now used as a town hall.

A very welcome cafe on a trip to Hoy. Great views, no bike safety issues and friendly staff. Great selection of local and homemade food and drink that changes with the season and availability. Expect soup, scones, sandwiches and cakes. Open every day 10:00 - 18:00

A stunning windswept and wild location, amazing views of the crashing sea on the rocky coast, giant cliffs and a sandy beach. The Rackwick youth hostel managed by Hostelling Scotland is just up the road for a scenic stop. This is also the place to leave your bike and walk in to view the Old Man of Hoy, a very famous 137m high sea stack. It's well signed but about an hour and a half’s walk so plan this in advance and bring some walking kit.

Stromness is a historical town built around the safe harbour that's been in use since before Viking times. The towns old buildings, flagstones streets and multiple piers and jetties are fascinating to wonder around. To find out more about the history look out for the blue plaques on buildings or visit the museum. Today Stromness is the hub of the islands diving industry where visitors can explore the wrecks from the world wars in Scapa Flow. It's a ferry hub that links Orkney to mainland Scotland and some of the other Orkney islands.