LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Distance: 78 miles/124km Grade: Moderate. There’s a surprising amount of climbing – more than 1000m in total – but it’s the wind that will be the biggest challenge, calm days are a rarity up here Download: https://www.strava.com/ routes/14293350

GETTING THERE

There are at least two vehicle ferries from Scrabster (nearest rail station Thurso) to Stromness (90 minutes) per day, and at least three from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (six hours) per week, both operated by Northlink Ferries. For timetables and fares, visit northlinkferries.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at the Ferry Inn in Stromness ( ferryinn.com), which is literally across the road from the ferry terminal. It has comfortable rooms, a lively bar serving a good selection of local ales, and an excellent restaurant where we can heartily recommend the organic salmon risotto. There is secure storage for bikes. B&B for two costs from £80 per night.

FOOD AND DRINK

We stopped for coffee and cake at The Reel in Kirkwall ( wrigleyandthereel.com), next to the cathedral. For lunch, we stopped at the Merkister Hotel ( merkister.com) on the shores of Loch of Harray. The views from the bar are spectacular, and the fish and chips aren’t bad either.

THANKS

Thanks to local author David Flanagan of the Digital Media Orkney Project for helping us with advice, accommodation and travel.

TOURIST INFO

visitorkney.com