Flotta Wartime Trail

But it’s coastal defences from a more recent conflict which begin to dominate the view as you approach the southwestern tip of Flotta. The WW2 gun emplacements at Innan Neb (3.8km) give a commanding view across Switha Sound. The small, uninhabited island of Switha itself lies to the southeast, with Hackness and Cantick Head in South Walls to the south. The gun emplacements were built to overlook boom defence nets, laid between here and Hackness, effectively sealing-off this potential entrance for enemy vessels into the naval anchorage of Scapa Flow.

After a further 800m, at the eastern end of the bay at Scat Wick, the track meets the end of the public road by a ruinous property called Balaclava (there are a number of houses in Orkney whose names appear linked to the Crimean War, perhaps named by returning Orcadian soldiers). Instead of turning left to join the road, go right following the grassy path above the shoreline, passing round the Head of Banks. A number of stiles need to be crossed due to coastal erosion on the seaward side of the fence.

The path emerges onto the quiet, single-track road at Kirk Bay. There’s a picnic bench here close to the ruinous cottage by the shore. Look for the boat nousts at the western end of the bay, where generations of islanders hauled up their small boats to nestle in the grassy banks.

Carry on beyond the church, turning right to follow the cemetery wall, then onto a grassy track to reach the coast. There’s long been a site of worship here at Bayview, attested to by the name Kirk Bay. A beautiful medieval carved stone was discovered here in the 1870s. Featuring a decorative cross, it’s believed to date from the 8^th or 9^th century, and is now held in the National Museums Scotland collection.

The landscape gently rises and becomes a little rougher as you head southeast along the coast. After passing a substantial ruinous dwelling on your left, head uphill towards the large concrete structure which dominates the headland. This is the Fire Control Post (7.2km). From here the various gun emplacements covering the southern approaches to Scapa Flow were co-ordinated and it’s an impressively-sited eyrie, with fabulous views down into the Pentland Firth. Do not be tempted to enter any of Orkney’s wartime buildings, as they become increasingly unsafe with every passing year.

From here head southeast towards the cliffs. Puffins can often be seen along this stretch, but do take care near the edge, which overhangs in places and is extremely brittle. Keeping towards the coast should also avoid the worst of a partially-overgrown spoil heap from the large quarry, used for stone to build the oil terminal. Stanger Head itself is joined to the land by a fairly narrow neck opening onto a broader, grassy headland. It’s a fine spot to break for lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for porpoise and orca, both of which are regularly seen passing through these channels between the islands.

Head back towards the quarry, this time turning right to pick up the track passing to its eastern side, joining the public road after about 600 metres. On the coast down to your right is Kings Hard, where King George V came ashore in 1915 to inspect the wartime defences.

As the road turns right then left, dropping closer to the shore, look for the remains of the impressive Buchanan Battery. Along with the Balfour Battery across the water in South Ronaldsay, its job was to cover the massive boom defences over Hoxa Sound.

After heading a further 300 metres north, turn left to head along the main (though very quiet) road back to the ferry terminal. This 3.5km section passes through the most populated part of the island, with views to your right across gently sloping fields to the bay of Pan Hope. On a drowsy summer’s afternoon, it’s hard to imagine just what a hive of activity this island was in both world wars. In 1917 a crowd of servicemen, estimated at a staggering 10,000, turned up here to watch a boxing match. It feels considerably quieter today.

Visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website for more information and advice on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.