For my ascent of Glimps Holm, I parked just beyond the barrier to Burray at a small beach with small shipwrecks.
Hill: Glimps Holm
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025
Company: Just myself
Distance: 0.9km
Time: 15Mins
From my starting point I crossed the road, climbed over the gate and then followed a faint path leading towards the summit.
Barrier from Glimps Holm to Burray:
Gate providing access to 'hill':
Ascending Glimps Holm:
Despite being only 32m high, this is a nice wee walk and viewpoint.
Looking back during ascent:
It took less than ten minutes to reach the summit which is allegedly 10m north of the trig point.
Glimps Holm Trig Point:
Summit of Glimps Holm ten metres north of trig point:
I then returned via the same route and drove a short distance further along the road to also ascend the next Orkney Churchill Barrier island, Lamb Holm.
For this ascent, I decided to park at the Italian Chapel. In hindsight, this wasn't the best idea as there was no access to the summit area from there without having to climb over barbed wire fences and potentially cross an airfield. Instead it would be best to have parked just after the barrier leading to Glimps Holm.
Hill: Lamb Holm
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025
Company: Just myself
Distance: 3.1km
Time: 40Mins
After a quick look at the outside of the Italian Chapel, I attempted to gain access to the summit area but was forced back by barbed wire fences to walk along the road. I didn't look inside the chapel as it was closed - I was up and on the go far to early. I have however visited previously.
The Italian Chapel:
The Italian Chapel:
Statue near the Italian Chapel:
On reaching the south side of Lamb Holm, near the barrier to Glimps Holm, I ascended a track leading towards the airfield. During the ascent I passed the following stone man.
Stone man during ascent of Lamb Holm:
En-route to the top I passed a WWII lookout. The summit was just a short distance away. The summit area is featureless so choose which blade of grass you feel is highest.
WWII lookout:
At the featureless summit of Lamb Holm:
From the summit, I returned to the road which I walked back along to the Italian Chapel car park.