A New Year Walk to Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn: First-footing with Tom's Ancient Orkney Relatives

(Hi, Mom!) Filmed by Rhonda Muir on New Year's Day 2024 in Scotland's Orkney Islands Mainland, this wee video shows the wonderful view from Wideford Hill, just outside of Kirkwall, then proceeds by muddy path to the Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn.
First-footing is an old Orkney tradition (also practiced in other places in Scotland) of visiting friends and neighbors at the new year. It may or may not involve whisky, but will certainly involve food!
I confess I did not actually enter the cairn, which is allowed through a hatch. To be honest, it just seemed a bit too spooky, seeing I was the only person there ... and it was at the (obviously mystical) cusp of a new year. Let us not tempt fate. I was content to greet Tom's ancient relatives from above, thank you very much. I hope you enjoy the breathtaking Orkney scenery captured here.
For more stories of life and lore in Scotland's Orkney Islands, as freely shared by my good husband, Orcadian storyteller and historian Tom Muir, please visit our website, Orkneyology.com, where we write about all things Orkney, moving to Orkney, living in Orkney, and the folklore and history of Orkney and its neighbours.
Tom selects from a rich tapestry of knowledge in writing his books and for Orkneyology.com. His deep knowledge of Orkney's stories, history and lore was gathered through 35 years of work in archaeology, at the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall, from working with stories and storytelling for as many years, and through researching the many books he has authored and co-authored. Find more Orkney stories of all kinds at our website here: www.orkneyolog...
Buy the extended edition of Tom Muir's Orkney folk tales, the 25th anniversary edition of The Mermaid Bride and Other Orkney Stories here: www.orcadian.c...
Browse our Orkneyology Press books and other intriguing items in our shop: shop.orkneyolo...