Stage six:

Watten to Gills Bay (17.2 miles/27.7 km)

Watten to Canisbay church = 15.2 miles/24.5

Canisbay church to Gills Bay = 2 miles/3.2

From Watten, travel north to Canisbay via Brabstermyre, where there was a chapel dedicated to Saint Drostan on the West side of the road and to the North West of Brabster House. All that remains is a rough mound marking the site.

Canisbay village has a primary school and medical centre. It's main claim to fame is the church further along the road where it joins the John O Groats to Thurso road. This church is usually open and well worth a visit. For details click here.

From Canisbay it is 2 miles/3.2 km to the harbour at Gills Bay and the ferry over to Orkney. There is a small cafe at the ferry terminal.

So ends the mainland part of the pilgrimage. The ferry takes you to St Margaret's Hope, where a bus takes you into Kirkwall. There is currently no formal walking route from the ferry to the cathedral but the Orkney tourist office will be able to supply information on places to visit on the way. It is hoped that the St Magnus Way group on Orkney will extend their Way down to St Margaret's Hope.