At Finstown the Mansie Stane tradition runs out and it is possible this is because they travelled by boat from Finstown past Damsay round to Kirkwall rather than traversing the bog or pulling over the hill. The third stage, from Finstown to Orphir, therefore shifts attention to Hakon, Magnus’s cousin who ordered his death and ruled the united Earlship afterwards. He himself made pilgrimage to Jerusalem and it was likely this journey and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that inspired the construction of the Round Kirk in Orphir.
Our theme for this stage is Forgiveness – reflecting on whether Hakon was sorry for the murder of Magnus, and our own need to both receive and extend forgiveness. We climb past Cuween Hill to the Hill of Lyradale and then down the other side to the track that leads from Naversdale past Burgir to Nearhouse. From there we are on road to Orphir Kirk, walking in a loop past Gyre to Earl’s Bu and the Round Kirk and back up to Orphir Kirk.
The Making of the Content in the Virtual St Magnus Way
The footage, photos and other media in the Virtual St Magnus Way have been compiled from input by several contributors. The Trustees of the St Magnus Way would like to express their heartfelt thanks to those who have helped out in any way. That would include Pilgrims who have submitted footage for inclusion within the virtual journey.
The footage and photos have been gathered over a long period of time in the usual variable Orkney weather conditions, so there will sometimes not be the level of continuity one might expect from a mainstream film. We hope you enjoy the virtual jourmey and find the changing weather, cloudscapes and 'actors' part of the character of the experience.
To allow the virtual pilgrims to immerse themslves in the experience, there are no audio tracks added to the videos, just the sound of the footsteps, wind, birdsong - and occasional road traffic. Thus will allow you to choose your own aural accompaniment.