WALKS ON NORTH UIST(short ones)

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Day 2: An Ancient Temple, Fresh Shellfish and a final walk on Lingeigh.

camp spot lingeigh — Lingeigh, windy getting up

Next day the forecast was poor though it turned out better than predicted(often the case in Scotland). Bit of rain then it cleared up though it was blowy with a cold wind.Holed up while the weather stayed damp in Claddach Kirkibost Centre which is a very cosy place, with excellent home cooked , inexpensive food.One of my favourite cafes to be in anywhere.Usually nice Gaelic music playing too.Coffee and tea and a freshly made scone for me.Caught up with emails and the family news.Had excellent Tomato and Red Pepper soup for lunch, which Chris had with a cheese scone.

Stopped off to stroll out to explore the interesting and lovely ruins of Trinity Temple, a 12th -13th century ruin, once a great seat of learning.

Drove down over the stone causeway to Grimsay (a separate island) and parked at tiny Kallin Harbour. I love Grimsay, it’s a beautiful part of North Uist.

Tried to book onto the next day’s boat trip on the Lady Anne, round the indented and very beautiful east coast but it was full.Drats, bad planning.

Eriskay 2013 207 — Causeway view, Grimsay

Walked out to a small headland to look for otters and sea eagles but nothing doing.Plenty of small Hebridean sheep though.

Also stopped to visit the ruins of my Great Grandparents croft at tiny Scotvein on Grimsay. It’s in a beautiful spot.It’s hard to imagine the pain they must have gone through, losing two sons , pipers, in the Ist World War.There is a fine memorial cairn just off the Lochmaddy road with their names inscribed (John and Murdo Maclellan.) The islands lost a large proportion of young men in both wars; it’s terrible to see so many names.Deeply moving.

Picked up fresh cooked langoustines and cocktail crab claws for tonight’s dinner from Kallin Shellfish down at the harbour. Inexpensive and first class produce from some of the world’s most pristine waters.They pack it in ice boxes so you can travel all day with it.

Stopped off at Barpa Langass and walked up to the 5,000 year old burial cairn.You can’t get inside anymore – it’s basically a huge pile of stones with a small opening. A short walk then takes you down to the beautiful Stone Circle at Langass (which we kept for tomorrow.)

It had brightened up when we got back to the tent so, after our lovely seafood dinner ( served with mayonnaise and lemon wedges and buttered bread) off we went for a long walk along Lingeigh beach.

Nice evening, though cold, but the forecast was better for tomorrow and we had a nice B and B to look forward to.) Sunset was a stunner, all soft pastel pinks and lilacs.What a spot this is.Incredibly beautiful.

Next Day WALKS ON NORTH UIST (West Beach)