Chambered tombs

Here is the final selection of photos taken on our recent trip to Orkney.  The place has a wealth of fascinating archeological sites and we were able to visit quite a few.

First up was Maeshowe chambered tomb, previously mentioned (with guide book).  Although photography is not allowed inside the tomb, this is what greets you on the approach.  The tomb looks like a big grassy mound, and the entrance is through the little stone passageway in the middle.  We had to crouch down to get through the passage which is several metres long, but once inside there was enough room for about a dozen people to stand up and walk around.  Our guide pointed out the very sophisticated construction method, a mixture of huge sandstone slabs and stones, and the four large chambers built off the main space.  We were also shown the wonderful runes - Norse graffiti - inscribed on the inside of the tomb by Norsemen who broke in after it had been abandoned by the original builders.  Maeshowe is part of the UNESCO World Heritge Site of Neolithic Orkney, together with Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.

Maeshowe is a big, impressive chambered tomb, but we discovered another little one close to where we were staying.  Cuween is a small version, and we thought it was every bit as interesting.  No entrance fee here, just climb the hill, and there it is.  We were amazed to find a working torch provided for visitors, as there is no lighting inside.  The entrance passage is smaller and required a crawl on hands and knees, but inside it was perfectly formed, with four little chambers built off the four sides of the main chamber.  Quite amazing.

This is the MV Eynhallow, which is one of the fleet of inter-island ferries taking passengers, vehicles and in some cases cargo to the out-lying islands. Eynhallow plies the route between Tingwall on Orkney Mainland, and Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.  We had a day trip to Rousay, and enjoyed a guided tour around the island.

Stone dresser in the Midhowe Broch

The Broch

We spent some time at Midhowe cairn, a Neolithic stalled tomb built about 3500BC where about 25 skeletons were discovered when the tomb was excavated last century.  Again the size and scale of the construction was rally surprising.  Close by is the Midhowe Broch, a wonderfully preserved Bronze Age dwelling-place on the edge of the sea.

We were also shown a two-storey chambered tomb, Taversoe Tuick, and we were again struck at the ingenuity of the tomb builders.

What impresses us every time we visit Orkney is the accessibility of these amazing archeological sites.  Although some have an entrance fee, many do not.  They are not supervised yet we have never seen any graffiti, damage or vandalism at any site.  There is always an information board or similar and visitors can simply walk up to them, and around them.  It is something that we really appreciate.  

Orkney continues to provide us with surprises, and we love visiting.  It's a very special place.