Training Log Archive: SarahD

Morning run from Trumland around the RSPB reserve on the hills behind, taking in the high point of Rousay. Dreich with cloud right down and a bit of a bog trot. Legs not too surprisingly feeling very heavy, but good to remind them how to run again. Refreshing. Second breakfast was good.

Stage 8 Rousay - Westray via Kirkwall. Morning ride out and back to a dig at Swandro then back to the main island and down to Kirkwall. Fastest mins / km here and the first real flat bit of road. Fish supper before the evening ferry to Westray and a simmerdim 11km ride up to Pierowall. Brightened up nicely by this time.

Stage 7 Birsay - Tingwall and Rousay circular. Dreich morning and still windy, but swung round to the NW - conveniently as we were heading East :) Some bigger climbs on Rousay but plenty of stops and touristing along the route.

Stage 6 Stromness to Birsay via Skara Brae and Quoyloo brewery. Blowin' a hooley, but thankfully from the SE as we were heading N. Hardly noticed the climbs but had some fun trying to stay upright and on the road at times (and that was before we even got to the brewery). Dropped kit at hostel then did a wee trip out to the Brough of Birsay and saw some puffins.

Stage 5 Stromness tourist circular. Couldn't get into Maeshowe as we hadn't pre-booked and Steness stones was crawling with ants- quite off-putting after the last few days (turned out there was a German cruise liner in at Kirkwall). Thankfully the Ness of Brodgar site doesn't take coach parties and we got a fascinating guide of the recent excavations and almost managed a peaceful picnic at Ring of Brodgar before more Germans appeared. Continued North with a diversion to the cliffs at Yesnaby (well worth it for my first primula scotica find) before heading back to Stromness. Glorious day again.

From Rackwick to the Old Man and then further on North to the highest vertical sea- cliffs in the UK. Over a wee hill (mountain hare and bonkies galore) then back via the most northerly piece of natural woodland. Lovely walk and glorious day, but all feeling somewhat weary. Out for 4h or so.

Stage 4. Sprint stage today - from Rackwick to the Stromness ferry at Moaness.

Stage 3 Kirkwall - Rackwick (Hoy) via the Houton - Lyness ferry. Nice enough morning which got better and better as the day went on. Really nice ride, especially the Hoy section where there was virtually no traffic.

Stage 2 Kirkwall - Burray circular, taking in Churchill barriers, Italian chapel and fossil museum. Dry - good biking conditions. Indicative time.