If you are interested in ancient history or archaeology, then Rousay is the island for you. There are more than 100 archaeological sites on the island from every era of Orkney's history. The Westness Walk is a mile long and spans settlements from the Stone Age, through the Iron Age, Vikings, medieval and later crofts. Other notable sites include the Midhowe Broch and Cairn (Bronze and Iron Age), Knowe of Yarso Cairn (tomb), Blackhammer Cairn and Taversoe Tuick (a rare 2-storied tomb).
At Moaness is the site of a Viking graveyard, including 2 boat burials. In Wasbister Loch there are the sites of 2 Iron Age crannogs.
Rousay is the only one of the Orkney Islands to have been cleared to make way for sheep in the 19th century. This was carried out by George William Traill.
Trumland House is a Jacobean style mansion finished in 1876 and designed by the architect David Bryce but it is not open to the public, although the gardens are open in the summer. It was built by George William Traill's nephew, Sir Frederick William Traill-Burroughs. It was damaged by fire in 1985 but has been rebuilt. Trumland Wood is the only wooded area on Rousay.
There is also an RSPB moorland reserve in the middle of the island and the rare primula scotica (Scottish primrose) grows on the west coast.
Rousay can be accessed by a small vehicle ferry several times a day from Tingwall on Orkney Mainland. The same ferry also serves Egilsay and Wyre. There is one circular road that runs round the island, mainly keeping close to the coast. There is a hotel, a hostel, a B&B and a few self-catering properties. There is one shop on the island. There is a small exhibition near the ferry terminal. You have to reverse on to the ferry - not something I particularly enjoy doing!
Rousay ferry - Eynhallow
Eynhallow Sound
showing Eynhallow with Rousay in the distance
Taversoe Tuick - a rare 2 storied cairn |
Taversoe Tuick - ladder down to the bottom level
Taversoe Tuick
Blackhammer Cairn
Blackhammer Cairn
Inside Blackhammer Cairn
Inside Knowe of Yarso Cairn
Knowe of Yarso Cairn - this one is a bit further to walk from the road but it is only about half a mile but is uphill from the road
Long Stone beside the road at Frotoft
Midhowe Broch - Geo
Midhowe Broch
Midhowe Broch
Midhowe Cairn
Farm of Brough
Remains of St Mary's Church at Geo of Skaill - part of the Westness Walk
Brough Farm on the Westness Walk
Westness Walk
Not sure of the purpose of this huge slab of white stone at the viewpoint below Kierfea Hill
A whale's tail!
A model boat
A lighthouse
A highland cow and calf. The these 4 sculptures were all in the same person's "garden" on the east coast of the island.
Lion guarding the drive to Trumland House
Wonderful wooded garden, Trumland House
Tranquil Pool, Trumland House
Ah lovely trees, I have been missing them since I arrived on Orkney!
Walled Garden at Trumland House
Trumland House
Trumland House from the Walled Garden
Ferry at Rousay Pier
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