TWO SNAILS (plus a dog and a dragon)

The car park at the Ring of Brodgar is very convenient for parking up between ferries. Just about a ten minute run into Stromness to catch the early morning boat to Scrabster, with the distance to Kirkwall for the boat home only slightly longer.

The car park is spacious and is hard-paved but not particularly level. It sits by the loch side and is a short walk from the Ring itself.

It can be busy here overnight but out of season it is not unusual to have the place to oneself.

There are no facilities, not even a litter bin. Watch out if you tread through the grass as many people flout the law on dog fouling (and worse!)

Be prepared for some stunning views at sunrise.