Malcolm

Stay in the bothy in Rackwick – camp or stay in the stone hut – no charge but donations welcome. Bothy is a basic shelter, marked as “Burnside” on the map. Facilities include camp area, toilet and runnign water (untreated). The adjacent beach can provide some fuel for the open fire but it is minimal as is often gleaned of fuel by visitors.

Ferry across to Hoy from Stromness (Orkney Islands). On arrival on Hoy, walk for approx 90 minutes through wild valley to Rackwick. If you want the is a small hostel there too (SYHA).

A cliff top path leads from Rackwick to the Old Man of Hoy – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – wild!

For more info about Orkney, see:
http://www.squidoo.com/orkneytravel

:)

Visit the Snowdonia National Park in North West Wales as your priority.

Concentrate upon the towns of:
Harlech, Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert.

Hike up: Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon via the PYG track from Pen-y-Pass youth hostel.

Walk along the beach at Harlech, and explore the castles of Harlech and Conwy.

I was working in Portree, Isle of Skye when I met Rachel. She was on day 3 of her vacation. We were engaged 2 weeks later and married that Fall.

A magical place!

For advice on how to travel cheaply, safely and off the beaten track – contact me! Lots of tips, photos and local knowledge.

:)

A very special place, quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Full of things to do and see, wild and windswept but the people are mild and friendly. 59 degrees north and 24 hour daylight, auroras and seals, lively towns and peaceful beaches.

Allow at least 3 days to even begin to explore it – and be prepared for it to hold you longer, maybe forever! An easy place to live and be yourself.

Do not miss: World Heritage Sites of Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae, *Ring of Brodgar, *Stenness Standing Stones, *Maeshowe Chambered Cairn.

All over 4,500 years old and well preserved by isolation.

Must try: Orkney ice-cream, oatcakes, North Ronaldsay lamb, local beef, whisky, beer, patties, local music, fire making, dancing at a ceilidh, beachcombing, building a stone circle, visiting crafts folk at work.

Special things to do*: Climb to the top of St Magnus Cathedral, fly in a tiny plane to Papa Westray to see the oldest house in Europe – Knap of Howar, sing and dance at the folk festival, walk on Hoy to see the Dwarfie Stane and the Old Man of Hoy, scuba dive shipwrecks, take a survival course, touch the standing stones and breath lung-fulls of fresh air!

Spent last week there – visiting museums, galleries, shops and sites, from Houses of Parliament, Westminster and Big Ben, to Camden Lock, Portabello Road and street markets. Cool.

Stayed in a private room in Earls Court YHA. Worked well.

Highlight = British Library Magna Carta room.