Orkney's second main town, Stromness lies on the south west of the Mainland, 16 miles to the west of Kirkwall, on the shores of Hamnavoe below the rocky ridge that is Brinkie's Brae. Stromness is an old traditional stone built port, nestling comfortably against the hillside, it flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a result of the increased trade with America. Stromness has one long winding road - simply known as "the street", like Kirkwall it is flagstoned, from this street a number of narrow lanes and closes branch off, with one side having steep narrow paths climbing the hillside and on the other, houses and shops falling back to the shore. The old centre of Stromness has hardly changed over the years. But where once the narrow streets were crowded with whalers, seamen and traders it is now visitors and tourists who wander around taking in the charm of this northern town.... < more >