This morning I took a ferry to the island of Rousay. This is known as The Egypt of The North - certainly not for the climate or abundance of sand, but because of the amount of prehistoric monuments that exist on the island.

The ferry trip itself was a new experience for me. First, we had to reverse on, then as we were tightly packed, we sat in our vehicles for the 25 minute journey. It was a strange sensation sitting in The Minx feeling that we were moving while staying still!

Rousay is not a big island - the perimeter road (which I've named The Rousay Orbital) is only 13 miles long. Also, it is not an island that has indoor attractions. There are four cairns open to the public, and a number of walks. So, it would be ideal to go when the weather is dry. Well, it rained and rained and rained - and it was heavy too!

Within 2 miles of the ferry terminal are the first three cairns. All around 4,500 years old and used for burials, but each with their own distinct features. Taversoe Tuick Cairn is a rare example of a double decker - the only other known one in Orkney is on the island of Eday. Each level had a separate entrance, however the lower entrance is shut off, so I entered into the upper level and descended a ladder to reach the lower level. Standing on the lower level, my eyes were level with the floor of the upper level.

Blackhammer Cairn is a longer example with 6 stalls on each side.

The third, Knowe of Yarso Cairn only had four compartments.

It was interesting to see the differences in design across a matter of just a couple of miles. Personally, as human nature has always been the same, I reckon each community wanted to add their own unique signature to the basic design.

Visiting the first two cairns required just a short walk from the car park, however the third involved a longer walk up the side of a hill. During this, the rain got heavier and more horizontal so that by the time I arrived back at The Minx, I was somewhat sodden. Almost opposite the car park was The Taversoe Inn, but before going there for lunch I decided to drive the whole 13 miles around the island with the car seat heater on to dry my shorts a bit.

After 20 minutes, I was back at The Taversoe and still wet, but they didn't mind me sitting on one of the leather covered chairs that could be wiped down. I tucked into a Toasted Wrap with Apple, Brie and Dijon Mustard, served with Crisps and a side salad - delicious. This was accompanied by a warming Hot Chocolate - with Cream and Marshmallows of course.

Checking the forecast, it looked like the rain might ease off within an hour, so I made my way to the fourth attraction - Midhowe Chambered Cairn and Broch. I was hoping to go on a 2.5 hour walk around the area, so was prepared to see what the weather would do. So once parked I read my book. After about 20 minutes, the rain had stopped so I got out to visit the Cairn and embark upon the walk. Getting to the gate, I noticed the sign that the Cairn was temporarily closed for conservation - I should've checked their website! Therefore, I decided to abandon the planned walk and phoned Orkney Ferries to check whether there was space on the next ferry - and there was. Therefore, I completed my second circuit of the island and squeezed onto the return ferry, two hours ahead of my planned return.

Once back on Mainland, I drove to Kirkwall to buy some treats from Bruce's Stores to take home. I also purchased a lovely sausage roll which I enjoyed for tea with a packet of McCoys.

Today, we drove 50 miles, and got extremely wet!