Start from the road running alongside Mill Loch and walk west towards Cusbay. Look out for feelie dykes. These are boundaries constructed from stone and turfs and support a wide range of flora including, Lady’s Bedstraw, Heath Violets, Orchids, Tormentil, Vetch, Eyebright, Lady’s Smock and Autumn Gentian. An unexpected panarama emerges as you reach the top of the hill. Views extend to Faray, Rousay, Mainland and Westray. As you continue, look out for old ships timbers that have been utilised as fence posts.
You are now in the township of Cusbay. In 1901 the population in this area was 89, however by 2005 this number had dropped by a factor of 9 to just 10.
The two dwellings that can be seen on the shore are called North and South Panhouse. There is evidence of salt panning here up until the early 1800’s when the Salt Tax was abolished.
Turn right at the botttom of the hill and walk along the road to the sign for Vinquoy and the Redhouse. Go up the farm track passing Paplayhouse on the left where you will find a tearoom and gardens. Continuing up the hill, follow the signs to The Red House. This is a collection of vernacular buildings that are in the process of being sympathetically restored. They date from the early 1800’s and represent the high water mark of population expansion in the area. The croft includes a wooden water wheel, a forge, a threshing barn, square kiln and byre. Ask at Paplayhouse for a free guided tour.
Continue to follow the marker posts up the hill, over the style and across the heath to Vinquoy chambered cairn. Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas, Short-
The path joins up with the Heritage walk and you can walk down the hill passed Huntersquoy and Braeside chambered cairn, the Fold of Setter and the Setter Stone. Alternatively you can follow the track passed the water tanks to rejoin the road back to the bird hide.
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The Cusbay Walk