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	<title>Five Senses Orkney Scotland</title>
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	<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com</link>
	<description>Feel good outdoors</description>
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		<title>Five Senses new Page on Facebook</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/five-senses-new-page-on-facebook/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/five-senses-new-page-on-facebook/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:35:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[bushcraft & survival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural Navigation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/five-senses-new-page-on-facebook/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>I have obviously been stuck indoors too long this winter &#8211; I&#8217;ve created a Facebook Page for Five Senses: https://www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney Please have a look at it for extra photos of Orkney, behind the scenes talk and even video of me in the seaweed! It would be really helpful if you could &#8216;like&#8216; and &#8216;share&#8216; it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have obviously been stuck indoors too long this winter &#8211; I&#8217;ve created a <strong>Facebook Page</strong> for Five Senses:</p>
<p><a title="Facebook Page Five Senses" href="https://www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney?referer=');">https://www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney</a></p>
<p>Please have a look at it for <em>extra photos of Orkney</em>, behind the scenes <em>talk</em> and even <em>video</em> of me in the seaweed!</p>
<p>It would be really helpful if you could &#8216;<strong>like</strong>&#8216; and &#8216;<strong>share</strong>&#8216; it too, so please if you are a Facebook user, give it a go &#8211; and say hi!</p>
<p>Now back to planning my big trip to <strong>Bristol</strong>, with Rachel and baby Gilly, for our once a year teaching at <a href="http://www.radfordmillfarm.com/getting-here.html" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.radfordmillfarm.com/getting-here.html?referer=');">Radford Mill Farm</a>.</p>
<p>For info on the courses I&#8217;m running there (quite unique with a flavour of Orkney), check out the links here to <strong>LILI</strong> (Low Impact Living Initiative):</p>
<p><strong>Bushcraft in England:</strong></p>
<p><a title="LILI Bushcraft course" href="http://www.lowimpact.org/bath_bushcraft.htm" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.lowimpact.org/bath_bushcraft.htm?referer=');">http://www.lowimpact.org/bath_bushcraft.htm</a></p>
<p><strong>Natural Navigation in England:</strong></p>
<p><a title="LILI navigation course" href="http://www.lowimpact.org/bath_navigation.htm" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.lowimpact.org/bath_navigation.htm?referer=');">http://www.lowimpact.org/bath_navigation.htm</a></p>
<p>They are only £<strong>90</strong> per person for a <strong>weekend</strong> of fun and you&#8217;ll learn skills from an Orkney perspective, as well as the local resources &#8211; I hope to see you there!</p>
<p><strong>Accommodation</strong> is available, camping or B&amp;B in the farmhouse, for those travelling a long way (like me!). Courses run 9-5, so locals can go home too. Details of this is on the Radford Mill Farm website below or the LILI web pages. If you are unsure, contact me malcolm@allfivesenses.com</p>
<p><a href="http://www.radfordmillfarm.com/getting-here.html" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.radfordmillfarm.com/getting-here.html?referer=');">How to find Radford Mill Farm &#8211; Click here</a></p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget to visit the <a title="Facebook page Five Senses" href="https://www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney  " target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.facebook.com/FiveSensesOrkney?referer=');">Facebook Page</a> :)</p>
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		<title>Old and New, New Year signals changes and challenges</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/old-and-new-new-year-signals-changes-and-challenges/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/old-and-new-new-year-signals-changes-and-challenges/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:01:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=263</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2012/old-and-new-new-year-signals-changes-and-challenges/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>Happy New Year! The Sun is shining once more, growing ever so slightly stronger every day. The wind howls. Gilly is as cute as ever, 9 months old this weekend! Rachel has recovered and like the Sun grows stronger. Love is all around. So as we wake from the Winter Solstice and seasonal slumber &#8230; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Happy New Year!</strong><br />
The <strong>Sun</strong> is shining once more, growing ever so slightly stronger every day. The wind howls. <strong>Gilly</strong> is as cute as ever, 9 months old this weekend! <strong>Rachel</strong> has recovered and like the Sun grows stronger. Love is all around.<br />
So as we wake from the Winter Solstice and seasonal slumber &#8230; and the numerous storms we have had &#8230; I have to admit I have not been doing much on the internet. Certainly not with this site.<br />
I discover the website isn&#8217;t working properly &#8230; but then I say to myself &#8216;Hey, there are worse things in life. Be grateful your health is good, Rachel and Gilly are home and safe once more &#8230; and the future looks brighter&#8217;.<br />
So, yes we got to get this fixed.<br />
In the mean time &#8211; <strong>some news</strong>:<br />
We are off down to <strong>Edinburgh</strong> the 3rd week of January to meet with some very dynamic social enterprise people and lots of friends &#8230; Charlie, Mark, Joy, Ross, Jay, Neil, Sam &#8230; and calling in at <strong>Aviemore</strong> to meet more wonderful people.<br />
I should point out that all though I have not made a song and dance about it, Five Senses is a social enterprise, promoting support for fragile rural communities and environments, using public transport only, teaching sustainable living skills and helping other people connect with their world.<br />
I also hope to spend much of 2012 working with <strong>Development Trusts</strong> in Scotland &#8230; using my experience of operating and marketing <strong>hostels</strong> &#8230; and to do that I&#8217;m focusing on my strengths as in <strong>StrengthFinder</strong>: That says to follow my gut instinct and share my creative and original problem solving. I&#8217;ve done it before and I plan to do it again, this time for your business / community.<br />
Now to go fix the blocked drains, feed the baby and sort out the website problem. The <strong>Christmas tree</strong> can wait.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Frozen Planet on BBC iplayer &#8211; Delightful</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/frozen-planet-on-bbc-iplayer-delightful/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/frozen-planet-on-bbc-iplayer-delightful/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:41:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Orkney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV programmes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frozen Planet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iplayer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=253</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/frozen-planet-on-bbc-iplayer-delightful/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Frozen-Planet-007-150x150.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="Frozen-Planet-007" /></a>I have, like so many of you, been mesmerised by the new nature programme from the BBC &#8211; Frozen Planet. Tonight&#8217;s viewing was titled &#8216;Summer&#8217; and particularly resonated with me as we saw many species familiar to us here in the Orkney Islands, even though at 59 degrees north we are short of the Arctic. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have, like so many of you, been mesmerised by the new nature programme from the <a title="Frozen Planet iplayer" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00zj35m/Frozen_Planet_Summer/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00zj35m/Frozen_Planet_Summer/?referer=');">BBC &#8211; Frozen Planet</a>.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_254" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 470px"><a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/frozen-planet-on-bbc-iplayer-delightful/frozen-planet-007/" rel="attachment wp-att-254"><img class="size-full wp-image-254" title="Frozen-Planet-007" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Frozen-Planet-007.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="276" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Penguins in flight</p></div></p>
<p>Tonight&#8217;s viewing was titled &#8216;Summer&#8217; and particularly resonated with me as we saw many species familiar to us here in the Orkney Islands, even though at 59 degrees north we are short of the Arctic. Great to see Skuas, Arctic Turns, Killer Whales and such like. It reminds us how lucky we are to see these here, on our doorstep.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_255" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 470px"><a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/frozen-planet-on-bbc-iplayer-delightful/pfrozen-planet-bbc1-007/" rel="attachment wp-att-255"><img class="size-full wp-image-255" title="PFrozen-Planet-BBC1-007" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/PFrozen-Planet-BBC1-007.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="276" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Polar bears</p></div></p>
<p>The scene I felt the most affinity with was when the Turns were attacking the Polar Bear to defend their nests! Though they can be nasty here in Orkney, it was a walk across a remote shingle beach of Iceland, with no shelter for over a mile, that I first encountered such a ferocious attack myself. They drew blood from me too &#8211; and scared me into the bargain.</p>
<p>Another piece sparked a different memory &#8211; when I stumbled across a <strong>Snowy Owl here in Orkney</strong>, just feet in front of me on the Birsay moors &#8211; but that is another story (funny too).</p>
<p>If you get the chance, do watch this series &#8211; it is quite amazing. Stunningly beautiful and a joy, showing our planet Earth in much of it&#8217;s glory. 10/10</p>
<p>This is what The Guardian had to say about the programme today and it&#8217;s host <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/10/attenborough-frozen-planet-tv-ratings" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/10/attenborough-frozen-planet-tv-ratings?referer=');">David Attenborough</a></p>
<p>(Another good example of why the BBC is so important an organisation. Long may it continue).</p>
<p>Here is the link:<a title="Frozen planet iplayer" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00zj35m/Frozen_Planet_Summer/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00zj35m/Frozen_Planet_Summer/?referer=');"> http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00zj35m/Frozen_Planet_Summer/</a></p>
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		<title>Winter articles here</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/winter-articles-here/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/winter-articles-here/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Nov 2011 11:52:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/winter-articles-here/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>As the clocks went back and Halloween slipped by unnoticed, it dawned on me that winter is fast approaching &#8211; and I&#8217;m excited. I love winter, for not only the stars, wood fires and slower pace of life but because I suddenly get all interested in my website once more &#8211; in virtual housekeeping. So, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the clocks went back and Halloween slipped by unnoticed, it dawned on me that winter is fast approaching &#8211; and I&#8217;m excited. I love winter, for not only the stars, wood fires and slower pace of life but because I suddenly get all interested in my website once more &#8211; in virtual housekeeping.</p>
<p>So, I&#8217;m announcing an ambitious plan to actually sort out all my disparate web pages and get it organised so I can post quality information for you. The plan is to get interesting and informative posts here on the Five Senses website, give you connections to all the resources I know about and keep it interesting.</p>
<p>All this needs Rachel&#8217;s support because I don&#8217;t know the back end of a computer from a vacuum cleaner or microwave. We all have to specialise, focus on our strengths &#8211; and mine is teaching navigation, fire making, survival skills and operating hostels, exploring Orkney and being a walking guide.</p>
<p>So, please keep one eye on this blog &#8211; I&#8217;m going to be posting info up here about Natural Navigation, the best books and resources, fire making master classes, wild plants and recipes, creative shelter building, Orkney trees and such like.</p>
<p>For now, however, the sun is shining and like a moth to the light &#8211; I&#8217;m off!</p>
<p>Winter cannot come soon enough, so I can actually write!</p>
<p>Cheers &#8211; and have a wonderful Bonfire night.</p>
<p>Malcolm</p>
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		<title>Fire Kits for Sale</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/fire-kits-for-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/fire-kits-for-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:22:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[bushcraft & survival]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=235</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/fire-kits-for-sale/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Bowing.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="Bowing" /></a>I am back in production of my hand made Friction Fire Kits! If you want to get your hands on a full kit, or get spare pieces and extra tinders &#8211; get in touch. More info to follow but a Full Fire Kit includes: Spindle, Base wood, Bowdrill, Cordage, Bearing, Leather, Tinder selection &#8211; and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am back in production of my <strong>hand made Friction Fire Kits!</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><div id="attachment_237" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 190px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-237" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/fire-kits-for-sale/bowing/"><img class="size-full wp-image-237" title="Bowing" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Bowing.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="130" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bow drill tuition</p></div></p>
<p>If you want to get your hands on a full kit, or get spare pieces and extra tinders &#8211; get in touch.</p>
<p>More info to follow but a <strong>Full Fire Kit includes</strong>: Spindle, Base wood, Bowdrill, Cordage, Bearing, Leather, Tinder selection &#8211; and detailed instructions &#8211; plus ongoing support and tuition (online and on phone).</p>
<p>Price: <strong>only £25</strong> plus postage and packaging (approx £5, in UK)</p>
<p><div id="attachment_236" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 190px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-236" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/fire-kits-for-sale/tinder_bowdrill/"><img class="size-full wp-image-236" title="Tinder_Bowdrill" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Tinder_Bowdrill.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="135" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Friction Fire Bowdrill Kit</p></div></p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> All woods are carefully selected, seasoned and pre-tested by myself &#8211; and are hand crafted with tlc (sometimes it is hard to part). I only use naturally harvested rounds, no planks or off-cuts. These are the real deal &#8211; they are beautiful &#8211; and they work!</p>
<p>Give me a call &#8211; get your orders in for <strong>Christmas</strong> now.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_239" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-239" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/fire-kits-for-sale/malcolm-firemaking/"><img class="size-full wp-image-239" title="Malcolm-firemaking" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Malcolm-firemaking.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Malcolm happily making fire</p></div></p>
<p>Please note, each fire kit is made to order, using woods I have gathered sustainably on my wanderings.</p>
<p>Should you just require the main components &#8211; <strong>Spindle and Base </strong>- these are available for <strong>£15 </strong></p>
<p><strong>Tinder selections</strong>, dried (various fungi, bark, fluffs and grasses) are <strong>£10 per bag</strong>. Plus postage.</p>
<p>The best way to learn good technique is from an expert and using a kit that is proven to work <img src='http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<title>Exciting new location with trees!</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/exciting-new-location-with-trees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/exciting-new-location-with-trees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:35:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orkney]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=234</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/exciting-new-location-with-trees/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>As of the start June 2011, Five Senses is based in East Mainland with superb views of Copinsay, cliffs, sandy beaches, heath moors, woodland and farmland. Now that our baby is 2 months old, and the moving is over, we are back to running Bushcraft days, Navigation tuition, guided walks and fire making sessions &#8211; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As of the start June 2011, Five Senses is based in East Mainland with superb views of Copinsay, cliffs, sandy beaches, heath moors, woodland and farmland.</p>
<p>Now that our baby is 2 months old, and the moving is over, we are back to running Bushcraft days, Navigation tuition, guided walks and fire making sessions &#8211; every day &#8211; to order. Just give us a call or email to arrange something specially for you!</p>
<p>These are exciting times &#8211; and nature is in full glory with lots to discover. So get in touch and discover a side to Orkney you never new before.</p>
<p>And as always lots of freshly brewed cups of tea.</p>
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		<title>News update: Baby Boy</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/news-update-baby-boy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/news-update-baby-boy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:10:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=233</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2011/news-update-baby-boy/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" height="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>Please note &#8211; we have just had a baby boy arrive a month early, so quite unexpected! We have had to fly down to Aberdeen Hospital after he was born, just for a bit of extra support &#8211; but will hopefully be back in Orkney within a few days or a week. Please accept my [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Please note &#8211; we have just had a <strong>baby boy</strong> arrive a month early, so quite unexpected!</p>
<p>We have had to fly down to Aberdeen Hospital after he was born, just for a bit of extra support &#8211; but will hopefully be back in Orkney within a few days or a week.</p>
<p>Please accept my apologies &#8211; I will have to cancel or reschedule work planned for mid April &#8211; I hope you all understand.</p>
<p>By the way, he is really cute, 2.9Kg and I am very proud! Born 8/04/2011 <img src='http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<title>StrengthsFinder and discovering your strengths</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/strengthsfinder-discover/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/strengthsfinder-discover/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:49:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Team building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[StrengthsFinder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=231</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/strengthsfinder-discover/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" src="http://www.touchwoodproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/41l1hjab2ql_sl500_aa240_.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="The cover of the book, StrengthsFinder 2.0" title="StrengthsFinder 2.0" /></a>I originally wrote about StrengthsFinder on our Touchwood website as we were investigating how this online survey and personal development tool could be used to develop teams and groups &#8212; particularly in non-profits and social groups. I&#8217;m posting about it here as well because knowing and honing your strengths is a sound survival strategy. We&#8217;re [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I originally wrote about StrengthsFinder <a title="All articles about StrengthsFinder on Touchwood Project" href="http://www.touchwoodproject.com/tag/strengthsfinder/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.touchwoodproject.com/tag/strengthsfinder/?referer=');">on our Touchwood website</a> as we were investigating how this online survey and personal development tool could be used to develop teams and groups &#8212; particularly in non-profits and social groups.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m posting about it here as well because <strong>knowing and honing your strengths is a sound survival strategy</strong>. We&#8217;re also looking at developing <a title="Team building" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/what-we-do/team-building/">team building activities</a> blending our outdoors courses with StrengthsFinder to make for some memorable and hopefully very useful events.</p>
<h3>Why knowing and using your strengths matters</h3>
<p>If you know what you&#8217;re naturally good at, and do that every day, you are <strong>300% more likely to be successful in your work and have a better quality of life</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/159562015X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=fivsenorkislt-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=159562015X&quot;&gt;Strengthsfinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now Discover Your Strengths&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/159562015X?ie=UTF8_amp_tag=fivsenorkislt-21_amp_linkCode=as2_amp_camp=1634_amp_creative=6738_amp_creativeASIN=159562015X_quot_gt_Strengthsfinder_2.0_A_New_and_Upgraded_Edition_of_the_Online_Test_from_Gallup_s_Now_Discover_Your_Strengths_lt_/a_gt_lt_img_src=&amp;referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-111  alignright" title="StrengthsFinder 2.0" src="http://www.touchwoodproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/41l1hjab2ql_sl500_aa240_.jpg" alt="The cover of the book, StrengthsFinder 2.0" width="240" height="240" /></a></p>
<p>That&#8217;s according to research conducted by Gallup of <em>over 10 million people</em> over the past 30 years. Out of these findings, they&#8217;ve developed <strong>StrengthsFinder</strong>, an online survey to assess your top 5 &#8220;strengths&#8221; out of 34 different possibilities.</p>
<p>What we&#8217;re interested in is: can StrengthsFinder help community projects and social enterprises be more successful?</p>
<h3>My experience with StrengthsFinder</h3>
<p>Having done the survey 3 times over the past 6 years, I can definitely say it&#8217;s helped me.</p>
<p>I first discovered the book when I worked for Sprint, a telecommunications corporation in Washington, D.C. Back in those days, I struggled to get up in time to go to work. I remember dreading the sound of the alarm clock, the shuffle to put a suit on.</p>
<p>Once I was at the office, my days seemed miles of meetings about nothing. I felt hamstrung by the slow pace of change, the lack of vision. Though initially I was  promoted, eventually my performance started to suffer as I cared less and less about my job. I&#8217;m sure if I had stayed much longer, I would have been given the boot or quietly sidelined.</p>
<p>The biggest problem at my old job was that I rarely used my talents. I&#8217;m a big ideas person and a voracious learner, and there was a limited scope for either as a corporate website manager.</p>
<h3>What happens when you don&#8217;t use your strengths?</h3>
<p>By all accounts, my experience wasn&#8217;t unusual. In a recent poll of 1,000 people, among those who &#8220;strongly disagreed&#8221; or &#8220;disagreed&#8221; with the statement &#8220;At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day&#8221;, <em>not one single person</em> felt emotionally engaged on the job.<br />
According to Gallup&#8217;s research, if you don&#8217;t use your strengths at work, you likely:</p>
<ul>
<li> dread going to work</li>
<li>have more negative than positive interactions with your colleagues</li>
<li>treat your customers poorly</li>
<li>tell your friends what an awful company you work for</li>
<li>achieve less daily</li>
<li>have fewer positive and creative moments</li>
</ul>
<p>Have you ever been part of a volunteer project that seemed to sap your will to live? Meetings drag on, people bicker, action moves at a glacial pace. A good idea, something you&#8217;re excited about and eager to help work, slowly becomes a chore, something you dread.</p>
<p>This happens all too often, and I think part of it is because we as a group don&#8217;t know our own strengths &#8212; and we don&#8217;t know anyone else&#8217;s.</p>
<h3>Using your strengths</h3>
<p>With Five Senses and Touchwood Project, I get to use my strengths every day. This won&#8217;t mean much if you haven&#8217;t read the book, but mine are: <strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Input </strong>(collecting information)</li>
<li><strong>Ideation</strong> (love of new ideas)</li>
<li><strong>Intellection</strong> (love of thinking &#8212; getting the theme here?)</li>
<li><strong>Learner</strong> (love of learning) and</li>
<li><strong>Futuristic</strong> (envisioning the future).</li>
</ul>
<p>Gallup&#8217;s research shows people who use their strengths regularly in their jobs are &#8220;six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs, and three times as likely to report having a better quality of life in general.&#8221;</p>
<p>I have a personal belief in StrengthsFinder and what I think it can do for people. Now we&#8217;re interested in how to marry such an intellectual tool with the outdoor-based activities we&#8217;re already doing.</p>
<h3>Have you taken the StrengthsFinder test?</h3>
<p>If you&#8217;ve taken the <a title="StrengthsFinder book on Amazon" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/159562015X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=fivsenorkislt-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=159562015X&quot;&gt;Strengthsfinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now Discover Your Strengths&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/159562015X?ie=UTF8_amp_tag=fivsenorkislt-21_amp_linkCode=as2_amp_camp=1634_amp_creative=6738_amp_creativeASIN=159562015X_quot_gt_Strengthsfinder_2.0_A_New_and_Upgraded_Edition_of_the_Online_Test_from_Gallup_s_Now_Discover_Your_Strengths_lt_/a_gt_lt_img_src=&amp;referer=');">StrengthsFinder</a> test, post your results here if you feel like sharing them. I&#8217;d be particularly interested to hear how you think knowing your strengths has helped you and how you think it could help social enterprises and community projects be more effective.</p>
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		<title>Walking in Orkney, all year</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/walking-in-orkney-all-year/</link>
		<comments>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/walking-in-orkney-all-year/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:57:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Orkney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grid references]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[visitorkney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walking guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/walking-in-orkney-all-year/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/West-Mainland-565x423.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="Walking on the West Mainland coastline in the rain" title="West Mainland" /></a>Orkney walks When I first came to Orkney over 10 years ago, I was not impressed by the apparent walking opportunities. It has taken me years of exploring but now I can proudly say that has changed. I have found fantastic places to go, many off the beaten track where few, even locals, tread. Orkney inland [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Orkney walks</h3>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-220" title="West Mainland" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/West-Mainland-565x423.jpg" alt="Walking on the West Mainland coastline in the rain" width="565" height="423" /></p>
<p><strong>When I first came to Orkney</strong> over 10 years ago, I was not  impressed by the apparent walking opportunities. It has taken me years  of exploring but now I can proudly say that has  changed. I have found <em>fantastic</em> places to go, many off the beaten  track where few, even locals, tread.</p>
<p>Orkney inland is dominated by fields of grass with fences of   barbed wire or electricity, and more picturesque dry-stone walls.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-219" title="Barbed wire fence" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Barbed-wire-fence-565x423.jpg" alt="An unusual farm building with typical barbed wire fencing" width="565" height="423" /></p>
<p>I came from a  background of exploring mountains of Wales, Scotland, Iceland, Europe  and America. Big places with drama and diversity. Finding the great walks takes a little more effort &#8211; but it is worth it!</p>
<p>The obvious walking is around the coastline and starting from <strong>Stromness</strong> there are great coastal options.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-221" title="Orkney coast" src="http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Orkney-coast-565x423.jpg" alt="Walking along another very different Orkney coastline" width="565" height="423" /></p>
<p>There is <strong>Ness Point</strong>, walking  out of the town past the golf course and along to the  Warebeth beach.  You can continue along the coastline north, as far as <strong>Yesnaby</strong>,  Skaill Bay (Skara Brae) and on to <strong>Birsay</strong>. Not in one day but it  is possible and best with a following wind.</p>
<p>What I first encountered all those years ago was peedie (small)  walks, often to view an ancient site then return to the car park. OK for  car based folks unused to walking far but not very rewarding for me and  not getting me close to nature, away from the crowds.</p>
<p>I like many was  initially drawn to the cliffs in the west, to Yesnaby and Marwick, for  drama. Then later to north Hoy. But what about inland? What about  connecting these walks together, to form endless opportunities?</p>
<p>The walks in Orkney <em>are</em> spectacular! It is just not too  obvious for visitors where else they can go, how to extend routes, turn  them into day long circular walks, or how to avoid fences and irate  bulls.</p>
<p>What should one do and not do? Signposts are cropping up, slowly  but it is not obvious how to explore freely, without following a  procession of other people.</p>
<p>This is where a local walking guide comes in  handy.</p>
<p>
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</p>
<h3>Weather</h3>
<p>It never gets very warm or very cold but the wind can make you feel chilled, so always bring a woolly hat, windproof jacket, sunglasses and comfortable footwear. That will keep you warm and able to stay out for hours, summer or winter. Imagine a temperature of 10 &#8211; 15 degrees C. It does not get far above 20 degrees, ever, nor much below freezing in winter. Honest.</p>
<h3>Where to go</h3>
<p>To feel really comfortable walking in Orkney you best have either prior knowledge or some form of guide, leaflet or map. For all but the simplest (and most walked) routes, some basic map reading ability would help you a lot. There are many places you can legally walk but I will try to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed too.</p>
<h4>Local knowledge</h4>
<p>I am a qualified walking leader, geographer and teacher of outdoor skills, including navigation. I specialise in <a title="Guided Orkney walks" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/what-we-do/explore-orkney/guided-orkney-walks/">walking routes others don’t know or use</a>, and evening and night walks, including <a title="Natural Navigation" href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/what-we-do/navigation-courses/natural-navigation/">natural navigation</a> / star gazing. I live in West Mainland, Orkney.</p>
<p>I lead walks for all ages and abilities, encouraging long stops for views, rests in the heather and diversions to see what is round the corner. It is my job to adapt to you and your style, fitness and interests. I watch the weather and the time, whilst you enjoy yourselves.</p>
<p>
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</p>
<h4>The best walks for a visitor to do</h4>
<p>Over the coming weeks I shall expand upon this blog and give detailed information about my selection of the best walks to discover Orkney by.</p>
<p>First, let me introduce a few classics to start you off:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stromness</strong> town and <strong>Ness Point</strong>, returning via Innertown and <strong>Brinkies Brae</strong> to make a circular of various lengths, depending upon your day</li>
<li><strong>Ring of Brodgar</strong> to <strong>Stenness</strong> Standing Stones and <strong>Barnhouse</strong> archaeological site, via <strong>Ness of Brodgar</strong> archaeological dig (summer)</li>
<li><strong>Brough of Birsay</strong>, at low tide, including the Fisherman’s hut at <strong>Skipi Geo</strong>, followed by a burger from the van or ice cream from the local shop, whilst wandering around the Earl’s Palace in Birsay.</li>
<li><strong>Rackwick</strong> to <strong>Old Man of Hoy</strong>, returning to Rackwick (half day), or the full day walk from <strong>Moaness</strong> Pier (Stromness passenger ferry) through the hills to Rackwick, passing <strong>Berriedale</strong>, then up to <strong>St John’s Head </strong>(passing the Old Man), returning to the ferry via <strong>Cuilags</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Papa Westray</strong> circular, via Knap of Howar and St Boniface church and Mull Head</li>
<li>Fishermen’s Huts and <strong>Sand Geo</strong>, starting and returning to <strong>Marwick Bay</strong> car park, a delightful short walk, which can be extended over Marwick Head.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Some more popular walking locations</h4>
<p>Here are few of the obvious walking locations. This is a list I will add to over the days and expand upon. Place names can be common, so I give grid references as <em>general</em> locational aides. Use online maps to locate, and ask me for guidance. [Note re Grid References, see bottom page]</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ness Point</strong> &#8211; seals, boats ferries, tidal currents and view across the Sound to Graemsay and Hoy, best in simmer dim (25,07)</li>
<li><strong>Yesnaby</strong> -dramatic cliffs and geology accessible from the car park, popular for the rare Primula Scotica, the Castle (sea stack) and Broch (ruin, man made). (22,16)</li>
<li><strong>Binscarth Woods</strong> &#8211; a more sheltered location, ideal for windy days, where you can be amongst trees again and follow the historic road past Loch of Wasdale to Refuge corner (34,14)</li>
<li><strong>West Mainland Coastal</strong> &#8211; cliff top walking as close to the edge as you like with plenty of opportunity to watch seabirds and contemplate the power of the sea, eroding the sandstone in dramatic fashion (22,10)</li>
<li><strong>Marwick Head</strong> &#8211; cliffs and seabirds plus the Kitchener memorial, finishing with an amble along a quiet road back down to Marwick Bay, giving three slices of environments and their associated birdlife. Can link to Birsay too (22,25)</li>
<li><strong>Birsay</strong> &#8211; the edge of the land, with great waves breaking on the rocks, a sandy beach and causeway across to the headland, ideal for birdwatching and Viking history. A popular location in summer or when the tide is out but otherwise remote. West is Canada, north is Russia, beyond the Arctic (24,28)</li>
<li><strong>Gyre</strong>, Earl’s Bu and Orkneyinga saga centre &#8211; a lovely diverse little walk of coast and small woodland, with heritage and toilets too (34,04)</li>
<li><strong>Hoy Island</strong> &#8211; various walks including out to the <strong>Old Man of Hoy</strong> (17,00) and around Rackwick (20,99), mostly over wild open heath and tough terrrain. Ward Hill is the highest point on Orkney and is a delightful climb, which I link in with visiting the <strong>Dwarfie Stane </strong>(24,00)</li>
<li><strong>Muddisdale</strong> &#8211; easy walk through young trees planted in 2000 that gives access onto <strong>Wideford Hill</strong>, above Kirkwall (43,10)</li>
<li><strong>Wideford Burn</strong> &#8211; you can drive past this every time you visit the airport and notice nothing but once you get on this circular stroll, it is really a wonderful surprise (47,08)</li>
<li><strong>Mid Hill </strong>and<strong> Ward Hil</strong>l &#8211; the high points of Mainland with superb views rewarding you for the effort of walking over grass, heather and peat. Various routes up but a little more tiring for casual walkers, you will likely have it all to yourself (33,08)</li>
<li><strong>Hall of Clestrain</strong> &#8211; a coastal walk can include this interesting site, best known for being the chldhood home of <strong>John Rae</strong>, Arctic Explorer and hero of mine. Walks can link up with open hillside, if you know your way (29,07)</li>
<li><strong>Gloup</strong> &#8211; easily reached from the car park in <strong>Deerness</strong>, this is a popular spot on the way to the hidden wonder that is the Brough of Deerness (59,08)</li>
<li><strong>Mull Head, Deerness</strong> &#8211; the above walk can be extended around to the  Covenanters&#8217; Memorial for a long walk on turf with the cliffs ever present (59,08)</li>
<li>Ring of Brodgar &#8211; too often rushed, the site is best appreciated by a slow walk beside Stenness Loch and meandering around the various mounds on site before strolling off to the Ness of Brodgar archaeological dig. I&#8217;d then continue to the Stenness Stones, amidst the World Heritage location yet too easily neglected when stuck in a vehicle (29,13)</li>
<li><strong>South Ronaldsay Island</strong> &#8211; wonderful coastal walking from any number of points which are so easily missed if one sticks to the central road.</li>
<li><strong>Hoxa and Sands o&#8217; Wright</strong> &#8211; where your imagination can run wild as you imagine Vikings arriving into these sheltered bays with golden sands, views over <strong>Scapa Flow</strong> with Hoy beyond. Nice little sun traps too (42,93)</li>
<li><strong>Tomb of the Eagles</strong> &#8211; a good introduction to the coastline and farmland and an easy to follow track, out to the tomb itself and views over the North Sea, often with seals to watch close up (46,83)</li>
<li><strong>Cuween Hill</strong> &#8211; walking up to the chambered cairn may only take 5 minutes but it blows away the cobwebs. Superb views which can draw you onto the <strong>Hill of Lyradale</strong>, great open walking or a trekking route of you prefer horsepower (36,12)</li>
<li><strong>Westray</strong> <strong>Island </strong>- great walking island, from cliff tops to sandy shores, riddled with history and the best place for puffin watching</li>
<li><strong>Papa Westray Island</strong> &#8211; small enough to walk around but with points of interest like the oldest remaining house, Knap of Howar, older than Skara Brae yet you will likely have it all to yourself. Don&#8217;t miss the Holland Farm museum or the local shop too.</li>
<li><strong>Rousay Island</strong> &#8211; the heritage walk to Midhowe broch gives beautiful views south across Eynhallow and you can visit a series of chambered cairns, best of which is Taversoe Tuick. Inland walking to Muckle water will leave you entirely alone with nature.</li>
</ul>
<p>The list can go on and on but you get the idea. We have but scratched the surface, however the best walks need planning, weather awareness and transport sorted out, which is why few of these and my other favourite walks get described much. I would love to take you on them, show you what Orkney really has to offer, including meadows, lanes and gardens.</p>
<h3>Online maps</h3>
<p>Why not plan before you intend to get going but without spending  money or travelling with lots of extra maps, books, and unnecessary  guides.</p>
<p>There are many and you will have your favourite but <strong><a title="multimap" href="http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=stromness&amp;countryCode=GB" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=stromness_amp_countryCode=GB&amp;referer=');">Multimap</a></strong> is good because you can view using the  topographical <em>Ordnance Survey</em> maps: The best for walking in  Orkney and the ones you’d buy to carry with you. So check them out  online first, for free.</p>
<h3>Ordnance Survey Maps</h3>
<p>For detail, the 1:25,000 scale is best (shows field boundaries,  fences, important if walking in Orkney countryside). This is not of much  use to you unless you can read a map though. The 1:50,000 scale is an  all purpose map packed with information but of limited use when walking  other than on the most obvious tracks open hillside and coastline. If  you have any doubts write to me for advice.</p>
<p>If you do want to price up the maps in preparation, there are below  but please also think to buy them here in Orkney and help local  business.</p>
<p><a title="OS Mainland" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Mainland-Landranger-Maps-Map/dp/0319228126/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Mainland-Landranger-Maps-Map/dp/0319228126/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b?referer=');">Mainland</a><a title="OS Mainland" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Mainland-Landranger-Maps-Map/dp/0319228126/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Mainland-Landranger-Maps-Map/dp/0319228126/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b?referer=');"> 1:50,000</a></p>
<p><a title="OS Hoy" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-South-Walls-Flotta-Explorer/dp/0319239985/ref=pd_sim_b_6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-South-Walls-Flotta-Explorer/dp/0319239985/ref=pd_sim_b_6?referer=');">Hoy 1:25,000</a></p>
<p><a title="East Mainland OS" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-East-Mainland-Explorer-Active/dp/0319466906/ref=pd_sim_b_6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-East-Mainland-Explorer-Active/dp/0319466906/ref=pd_sim_b_6?referer=');">East Mainland 1:25,000</a></p>
<p><a title="West Mainland OS" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-West-Mainland-Explorer-Active/dp/0319466922/ref=pd_sim_b_4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-West-Mainland-Explorer-Active/dp/0319466922/ref=pd_sim_b_4?referer=');">West Mainland 1:25,000</a></p>
<p> <img src='http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h3>Guide books and online resources</h3>
<p><a title="Felicity Martin" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Hallewell-Pocket-Walking-Guides/dp/1872405401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1270140534&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Orkney-Hallewell-Pocket-Walking-Guides/dp/1872405401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8_amp_s=books_amp_qid=1270140534_amp_sr=1-1&amp;referer=');">Felicity Martin’s book</a></p>
<p><a title="Mary Welsh" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walks-Orkney-Clan-Walk-Guides/dp/1873597118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.amazon.co.uk/Walks-Orkney-Clan-Walk-Guides/dp/1873597118?referer=');">Mary Welsh’s book</a></p>
<p><a title="OIC walks" href="http://www.walkorkney.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.walkorkney.co.uk/index.html?referer=');">Orkney  Islands Council</a> walking info &#8211; incomplete but still useful</p>
<p><a title="VisitScotland Walks" href="http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/orkneyshetland/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/walking.visitscotland.com/walks/orkneyshetland/?referer=');">VisitScotland Walks</a></p>
<p><a title="PDF Walks" href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&amp;q=cache%3Ae6yYVr8yzWcJ%3Awww.orkneytoday.co.uk%2FDownloads%2FWalking.pdf+orkney+walks&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=uk&amp;sig=AHIEtbQYsg_F9bJc1uuHKt1Mn0gIuyw6kg" target="_blank" class="broken_link" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/docs.google.com/viewer?a=v_amp_q=cache_3Ae6yYVr8yzWcJ_3Awww.orkneytoday.co.uk_2FDownloads_2FWalking.pdf+orkney+walks_amp_hl=en_amp_gl=uk_amp_sig=AHIEtbQYsg_F9bJc1uuHKt1Mn0gIuyw6kg&amp;referer=');">4 Popular walks</a>: Marwick Bay, Yesnaby, Deerness  Gloup and Birsay</p>
<p><a title="Geograph" href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.geograph.org.uk/?referer=');">Geograph Pictures</a> all over the UK</p>
<h3>Freedom to Roam and right of access</h3>
<p>Many people can be unsure of their legal right to walk places, so they don&#8217;t venture off the signposted route or the well trodden path. Many a walk ends in uncertainty and retreat, which is a shame since with consideration and understanding there are many places you can and should go walking.</p>
<p>If you want to read up or get advice you can start by looking at these websites. The <em>Freedom to Roam</em> idea can be confusing. It is also often forgotten that it brings responsibilities. It does however mean that large areas of Scotland are open for you to walk across, path or no path.</p>
<p><a title="Outdoor access code" href="http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp?referer=');">Scottish Outdoor Access Code</a></p>
<p><a title="OLAF" href="http://www.orkney.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=9948" target="_blank" class="broken_link" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.orkney.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=9948&amp;referer=');">Orkney Access Forum OLAF</a></p>
<p><a title="ECO" href="http://www.eco-orkney.org.uk/index-std.shtml" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.eco-orkney.org.uk/index-std.shtml?referer=');">environmental concern Orkney </a></p>
<p><a title="OCEAN" href="http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/OCEAN/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/OCEAN/?referer=');">OCEAN</a></p>
<p><a title="MCoS" href="http://www.mcofs.org.uk/access.asp" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.mcofs.org.uk/access.asp?referer=');">MCoS Access</a></p>
<h3>Other guided walks</h3>
<p><strong>RSPB Wardens</strong> and <strong>Historic Scotland Rangers</strong> lead regular walks during the summer months, and I would encourage you to join in with these too. They are lovely people as well as knowledgeable. See local news and <strong>VisitOrkney</strong> daily information for details.</p>
<h3>Simple Steps to responsible access and conserving the environment</h3>
<p>Five Senses goes beyond &#8220;leave no trace&#8221; and practices &#8220;leave it <em>better</em> than you find it&#8221;</p>
<ul>
<li>Take litter home or bin it, even if it is not yours. Carry a bag and gloves for this purpose</li>
<li>Use gates and paths, don&#8217;t damage fences and make sure gates are secure after you, tie knots as found</li>
<li>Climb gates only at the hinge end, cross stiles carefully</li>
<li>Do not disturb animals and keep dogs on a lead, no matter how docile they may be</li>
<li>Respect other land users&#8217; needs, which may be different from your own</li>
<li>Consider ground nesting birds and avoid areas where they are found in season, ask RSPB or SNH for advice</li>
<li>Leave no trace, do not have fires where any damage could be caused by accidents, do not discard a match, cigarette or ember</li>
<li>Do not pick plants but instead take photos or sketches and notes of habitat, to identify at home</li>
<li>Alert landowner or farmer if you see animals in distress or on the road</li>
<li>Be prepared to alter your plans, be flexible and enjoy yourself</li>
<li>Check the weather and allow time to rest</li>
<li>Be considerate if parking a vehicle, do not obstruct gates or routes</li>
<li>If going into the wilder areas, leave a route card, be prepared and announce your safe return</li>
</ul>
<p>For more advice contact malcolm@allfivesenses.com</p>
<h3>Note regarding Grid References</h3>
<p>I have used general / approximate grid references to help you locate the areas I&#8217;m talking about, in the hope you will look at maps and start to plan your adventures (with or without me). But <em>what are grid references</em> and how to read them?</p>
<p>Remember that a grid reference defines an area on a map, that looks like a square. The edges of the square are made from lines drawn over the map (blue lines on OS maps), called grid lines. This grid is a &#8216;system&#8217; which for now you do not need worry about. Just know that it can allow specific defining of locations, just like giving latitude and longitude, or which apartment address by block.</p>
<p>To read a &#8220;4 figure grid reference&#8221; as I have given above, remember the first two numbers / figures are for the vertical line (runs north &#8211; south) and the second two numbers / figures are for the horizontal line.</p>
<p>There is no need to give the numbers of the lines on all four sides of the square because there is a convention, a rule that we always give the line to the left / west of the square, and the line below / south of the square. At least in the UK. Need help remembering that? Think <strong>L</strong></p>
<p><strong>L</strong></p>
<p>Left of square and bottom of square.</p>
<p>So the town of Stromness could be referenced by these two grid references (because the town is long and thin, and is clearly in both squares) = 25,09 and 25,08</p>
<p>25 = the line to the left (look on a map and you will find these lines numbered on the edges of the map)</p>
<p>08 = one horizontal line, 09 = another.</p>
<p>These &#8220;4 figure&#8221; or 4 numbered grid references are defining an AREA and the feature or the location you are talking of can be anywhere within that square. Anywhere. That means all places within that square share the same 4 figure grid reference. And that is a square whose sides are 1 Km long by 1 Km high. A big area. 1000m x 1000m. To be more specific grid references can get more detailed, using 6, 8 or 10 numbers (down to a square 1m x 1m in size, sub-divisions of the larger square).</p>
<p>If you are using the same map as me (of Orkney, Scotland) you will find where I am talking about. However because the numbering of grid lines uses only two numbers (such as 2 and 5 for Stromness, making 25), lines can only be numbered from 00, 01, o2 &#8230; up to 98 and 99. The next line after 99 has to be 00 again. So, there are various places in the UK that have the same grid reference numbers. This is why you will also find letters before a <em>full</em> grid reference, to make it unique. For most of Orkney the letters are HY.</p>
<p>So, that is grid references. Read the left vertical line first, then the horizontal line underneath the square.</p>
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		<title>Orkney Tour &#8211; from a 3 Day exploration of the islands</title>
		<link>http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/orkney-tour-from-a-3-day-exploration-of-the-islands/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:51:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>malcolm</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Orkney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[birsay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broch of gurness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kirkwall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skara brae]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[standing stones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stenness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tomb of the eagles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tour]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.allfivesenses.com/?p=208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.allfivesenses.com/2010/orkney-tour-from-a-3-day-exploration-of-the-islands/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="150" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-027.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="The Iron Age Broch of Gurness on Orkney, north Scotland" title="" /></a>Here are some of Orkney&#8217;s many wonderful places to visit &#8211; from a tour with Malcolm. Orkney is always atmospheric, memorable and surprising &#8211; a land of history preserved in stone, protected by distance and heritage, and now open to exploration &#8211; right on our doorstep. Here are some of the favourite places we love: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>Here are some of Orkney&#8217;s many wonderful places to visit</strong> &#8211; from a tour with Malcolm</span>.</p>
<p>Orkney is always atmospheric, memorable and surprising &#8211; a land of history preserved in stone, protected by distance and heritage, and now open to exploration &#8211; right on our doorstep. Here are some of the favourite places we love:</p>
<h3>Broch of Gurness</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_142" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-027.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-027.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-142" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-027.jpg" alt="The Iron Age Broch of Gurness on Orkney, north Scotland" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">The Iron Age Broch of Gurness in Orkney, north Scotland</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>The Broch of Gurness </strong>is one of the best preserved broch sites in <strong>Britain</strong>. Some brochs may be taller (a broch is a round tower with double walls, found mostly in northern Scotland, around the coast), but at Gurness there are the amazingly well preserved outer defences and the buildings of a village huddled around it . Most impressive of all is still being allowed to go right inside the site, touch the stones and explore. A beautiful setting too &#8211; this site was a highlight of touring Orkney.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: #003300;">Kirkwall</span></h3>
<p><div id="attachment_143" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-092.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-092.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-143" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-092.jpg" alt="Kirkwall Main Street early, before the crowds" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">Kirkwall Main Street early, before the crowds</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>Kirkwall is the main town in Orkney </strong>- the capital town, with a population around the 7,000 mark. This number is swelled by all the 19,000 or so residents in Orkney, who come from all over the many islands to shop and work and play. In the summer there are also many cruise ships calling by, passengers getting a fleeting look at the famous sites and a little bit of shopping before sailing away. It is much better to stay longer, in one of the many B&amp;Bs, hotels, hostels or the camp ground and enjoy the nightlife too.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">Notice the ice cream sign on the left &#8211; Orkney ice cream is <em>the</em> best &#8211; reflecting the way the cows graze tasty, fresh grass and lead healthy lives, and no doubt craftsmanship in the making too.</span></p>
<h3>Stenness Standing Stones</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_144" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-120.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-120.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-144" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-120.jpg" alt="Stenness Standing Stones in Neolithic Orkney" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">Stenness Standing Stones in Neolithic Orkney</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>The Stenness Standing Stones </strong>are in the middle of the <strong>Neolithic World Heritage Site</strong> and a &#8220;must visit&#8221; site. Notice I don&#8217;t just say &#8216;must see&#8217;? To appreciate these stones and this site you need to get out and walk amongst them &#8211; which we can do for free! How cool is that &#8211; the oldest henge (like Stonehenge but older) in Britain, probably, and it is open access 24/7. This site holds great secrets too!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">The sheep keep the grass down so watch where you step!</span></p>
<h3>Birsay Shoreline</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_145" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-139.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-139.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-145" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/archaeology-perthshire-june-04-139.jpg" alt="Seaweed in morning light at Birsay" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">Seaweed in morning light at Birsay</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>One of the delights of Orkney</strong> is the amazing coastline and the life it supports. At <strong>Birsay</strong>, in the NW corner of Mainland, the biggest island, you can get really close, safely, explore rock pools and sandy beaches as you cross the tidal causeway to the <strong>Viking</strong> and <strong>Pictish</strong> village remains. This is also a good location to see sea life and sea birds, including a few elusive puffins in summer.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">Take time to enjoy the detail &#8211; we try to slow down and be fully present and enjoy it as much as life allows. Beach combing or a picnic are great here too. There are also the remains of the Earl&#8217;s Palace and public toilets, up by the little shop in Birsay. At the car park there is often a wonderful burger van &#8211; recommended! </span></p>
<h3>Tomb of the Eagles</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_146" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/my-pictures0167.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/my-pictures0167.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-146" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/my-pictures0167.jpg" alt="The way in the &quot;Tomb of the Eagles&quot;" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">The way in the &quot;Tomb of the Eagles&quot;</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>Tomb of the Eagles</strong> &#8211; a 5,000 year old chambered cairn above stunningly beautiful cliffs of South Ronaldsay (southerly island of Orkney) is so named because of the many sea eagle talons that were found there, as well as human bones, skulls, and mysterious stone objects / tools.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">Best of all is that the site is privately run by the wonderful family who discovered and unearthed the site. You can get closer to the artifacts, learn more and visit the Bronze Age house also found on their land. From experience it is best to allow at least 2 hours for a visit &#8211; we had lunch there (picnic). See this <a title="blog" href="http://feralstrumpet.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/antiquaries-of-the-common-people/#comment-331" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/feralstrumpet.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/antiquaries-of-the-common-people/_comment-331?referer=');">blog</a>.</span></p>
<h3>Dwarfie Stane &#8211; Hoy</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_147" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/dwarfie-stane-hoy-orkney-is.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/dwarfie-stane-hoy-orkney-is.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-147" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/dwarfie-stane-hoy-orkney-is.jpg" alt="&quot;Dwarfie Stane&quot; - Rock Cut Chamber on Hoy, Orkney" width="470" height="272" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">&quot;Dwarfie Stane&quot; - Rock Cut Chamber on Hoy, Orkney</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>The Dwarfie Stane is fantastic</strong> &#8211; the only one of its kind in Britain &#8211; it used to be the most visited site by antiquarians but is now forgotten, so we got it all to ourselves. Three people can crawl inside this huge sandstone boulder that has been hollowed out, experts think by Stone Age people using simple tools and brains. Not much else is known about it &#8211; unless you go with Malcolm, who knows secrets about the site and a lot about the surrounding area. Those tourists who do make it here only stay a moment but they are missing one of Orkney&#8217;s gems! Very special.</span></p>
<h3>Skara Brae Neolithic Village</h3>
<p><div id="attachment_148" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 480px"><span style="color: #003300;"><a href="http://play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/plants-and-puffins-oct-nov-06-129.jpg" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/play2survive.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/plants-and-puffins-oct-nov-06-129.jpg?referer=');"><img class="size-full wp-image-148" src="http://play2survive.wordpress.com/files/2008/07/plants-and-puffins-oct-nov-06-129.jpg" alt="Skara Brae House in Neolithic Village, Orkney" width="470" height="352" /></a></span><p class="wp-caption-text">Skara Brae House in Neolithic Village, Orkney</p></div></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong>Skara Brae Village</strong>, in west Orkney Mainland is the <em>number one tourist attraction</em>. This picture shows one of the &#8220;houses&#8221; as they are called of the unique village cluster, only exposed after a storm in 1850. The site has been much cleaned up and tidied now and due to visitor pressure you have to keep to the edges of the actual site. Fair enough &#8211; the site needs protecting.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">This is just a taste of Orkney &#8211; yet there is so much else to see and do. I hope it helps you to decide to come and visit these amazing islands and people.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;">For more information see these websites:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><a title="Visit Orkney" href="http://www.visitorkney.com/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.visitorkney.com/?referer=');">Visit Orkne</a>y</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><a title="historic scotland" href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/?referer=');">Historic Scotland</a></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><a title="orkneyjar" href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.orkneyjar.com/?referer=');">Orkneyjar</a></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><a title="orcadian" href="http://www.orcadian.co.uk/" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.orcadian.co.uk/?referer=');">Orcadian</a></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><a title="squidoo link" href="http://www.squidoo.com/orkneytravel" target="_blank" onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/www.squidoo.com/orkneytravel?referer=');">Orkney Travel</a></strong></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"> <img src='http://www.allfivesenses.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </span></p>
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