Stromness

There's nowhere quite like Stromness. It stretches for over a mile along the shore of Hamnavoe, an inlet of Scapa Flow sheltered by the islands of Outer Holm and Inner Holm. Yet the core of the town is just one main street that twists and turns narrowly between the shoreline and the hillside behind. This main street goes under at least five different names as it makes its was through Stromness. It is intersected by streets that on one side climb steeply up Brinkles Brae, the 300ft granite ridge that lies behind the town. On the seaward side they make their way between close-packed building to the private wharves that seem to lie behind every house and shop. In 1814 Sir Walter Scott complained that the town couldn't be traversed in a cart or on a horse because of steps built into the main street. The steps may have gone, but catch Stromness on a quiet day and you could feel that little else has changed. In more recent times the town has grown further up Brinkles Brae, and it has also extended further to the north. This has brought benefits, especially in the form of an alternative higher level road that allows most traffic to avoid the main street. The name Stromness comes from the Norse Straumrnes, or point of land by Hoy Sound: though it is probable that the natural harbour here was used by the Picts before the Vikings arrived.

By the 1300s the name was recorded as Strumnay, and "Stromness" first appears in records in 1544. Stromness was still a very small village of just 13 houses when in 1670 it was chosen by the Hudson's Bay Company as the first and last port of call for their ships en route to and from Canada. This led to a boom that marks the real start of the town of Stromness you see today. By 1794 it had grown to a settlement of 222 houses, of which 130 had slate roofs, a sure sign of wealth. Stromness is today a bustling and charming town. It retains its remarkable main street in which pedestrians have to dodge cars, and cars one another. And there are few places that so amply reward exploration. The narrow passages and roads and the private wharves on the shore side are fascinating, as is the network of steep streets and paths lead up the hillside. One of the streets climbing Brinkles Brae between high walls rejoices in the name of the Khyber Pass. This is either a descriptive joke that stuck, or a celebration of Empire: take your pick.

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Last update: 22 Nov 2024 @ 22:08

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  • Outbrecks Self-Catering Cottages2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Outbrecks Self-Catering CottagesOutbrecks Self-Catering Cottages in Stromness offer various cottages for guests to choose from. Outbrecks Self-Catering Cottages are located near famous trout fishing lochs of Harray and Stenness, is pet friendly and non smoking and sleeps 2-8 guests in the various cottages in Stromness.READ MORE

  • Miller's House Guest House and Harbourside Self Catering2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Miller's House Guest House and it's annexe - Harbourside Self Catering are approximately 20 metres apart in Stromness. Harbourside Self Catering is 20 metres from Miller's House and sleeps 4 between two bedrooms and the Guest house caters for twin, double and multiple guest visits in Stromness.READ MORE

  • Mill of Eyrland Bed and Breakfast 2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Mill of Eyrland Bed and Breakfast Mill of Eyrland Bed and Breakfast invites you to come and stay at a beautifully converted mill guest accommodation in Stromness. Mill of Eyrland Bed and Breakfast situated in lovely gardens, offers family rooms, double rooms and single rooms, all en-suites. The B&B offer Long stay discounts, Private parking, Laundry facilities to guests visiting Stromness. READ MORE

  • Thira Bed and Breakfast2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Thira Bed and BreakfastThira Bed and Breakfast is close to the town of Stromness, located seven miles from sites such as the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Maes Howe. Thira Bed and Breakfast in Stromness offers comfortable en-suite accommodation. We have 1 double room, 1 twin and 2 singles.READ MORE

  • The Ferry Inn2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    The Ferry InnThe Ferry Inn is situated centrally by the harbour area of the picturesque town of Stromness and offers 12 bedrooms, an on site restaurant and bar. The Ferry Inn' s bar serves Highland Park whiskey, an excellent local single malt and beers from the acclaimed local brewery in Stromness. READ MORE

  • Stromness Hotel 2009-10-20

    Located in Stromness, Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Stromness Hotel The Stromness Hotel offers comfortable rooms overlooking the picturesque harbour of Stromness historic seaport. The Stromness Hotel, a historic 42 bedroomed hotel also offer the Still Room with a choice of over one hundred malt whiskies and Orkney ales in the traditional Flattie Bar and Hamnavoe Lounge Bar as well as caters for weddings, parties and functions for up to 120 guests in Stromness. READ MORE