May the (gale) force be with you and Celebrating One Hundred and Eighty

It's been a busy and fairly uneventful January so far.
A little bit of weather, dull days, rainy days, work and a couple of colds.
We did have a lovely weekend back in Devon where we celebrated One Hundred and Eighty. Made up of a 50th birthday, a 75th birthday and an Emerald anniversary (55 years) Took a flight from Edinburgh to Exeter - very easy journey and an enjoyable family meal on Sunday lunchtime. 

We have had some email discussion with Mary over the house plans but don't expect to actually get our hands on anything until the first week in February. At least this is on the horizon now. 

The weekend just past promised high winds on both Saturday and Sunday, with excessive wind speeds at summit level. However, the temptation of blue skies, some sun and snowy tops was enough to get me researching a smallish mountain - safe from the snow and ice - reasonably close to home that we could tackle on Sunday when the winds should have eased. Ha.

So Sunday saw us up and out at an early hour for the drive towards Loch Lomond. Plenty of storm damage on the way including flooded roads, trees down and debris but no hazard to travel. 

We arrived at the large, free car park at Balmaha, a small village on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, We were one of only a few cars and one camper van. No breeze in evidence in the car park so shirt and fleece for me plus gaitors with Gary kitted up in full as usual. As always we carried the full back up kit with us, including a variety of cold weather gear. We were only climbing up to just over 1,300 ft but even so.

The path, part of the West Highland way, climbed up through forest with steps kindly provided and was wide, not muddy and impossible to lose. Once onto the open hillside, the path narrowed but still had steps where it got steep. As we approached a stream crossing, we met a Dutch couple who carried a small child each in a carrier on their backs. Both children were wailing quietly and a bit snotty. Made a passing comment about how I wouldn't cry if someone was carrying me and they explained that it was just too windy for the kids and they had turned back.
At this point we decided that perhaps we should prepare for the wind we could now hear shrieking around the ridge although we were not yet feeling the full effect.

Upwards we went and as we hit the ridge we definitely found the wind. It came howling in from the west - straight across the loch, buffeting the mountain. We carried on steeply uphill and met a few fell runners, one of whom slipped, fell, swore and bounced back up and carried on. We were on Conic Hill which is on the Highland Fault Line, so some interesting geological features if you had the inclination. We were concentrating on battling on, even with the wind at our backs, some of the gusts took my legs away. A Scottish person in shorts slithered down the hill, bleeding from a scraped leg and warned us about the tricky and slippy mud ahead. Undeterred we went onwards. Stopped in the shelter of some crags to take a few photos. The views now opened out to Ben Lomond and, further away, the Arrochar Alps. (I have my eye on these for a later and longer day out) 

Ben Lomond shines in the sun, as a snow shower threatens

 

Arrochar Alps looking gorgeous in the sun

 Passed the time of day with a couple in running kit who were out training for the west highland way race - yes some fools run the full length of the WHW for fun ! We wished them luck.


Climbed the last bit to the summit and just about managed to stand on the top - by now we were wearing all available clothing and only the tip of my nose was visible. Decided that we would try and find a sheltered spot for lunch on the east side of the hill. Was a bit boggy but we found a nice hollow, probably used by sheep and sat with feet dangling, almost out of the wind. Sat through a light rain shower that was snow just a bit higher up and found ourselves almost in the middle of a rainbow. The shower soon got blown over and we packed up and headed back down to the car.  

View back up to Conic Hill. If you look very carefully, you can see people on the ridgeline.

The car park was now almost full although not sure where they all were. The Oak Inn looked nice for a pint and a pie and the menu was reasonable so perhaps people were in there. We did stroll to the loch and took a couple of moody pictures - jostling with the Japanese tourists for the best view. It was at this point that we spotted the boat / yacht that had been apparently blown out of the water and was "bottom up" at the edge of the small boat yard.

A final look to the west across Loch Lomond before we head for home

 A very nice day out with great views of the higher hills.

Days like today make you realise that Scotland is a beautiful country with views and vistas that are constantly changing. We are very lucky to be living here within easy reach of such glorious scenery and walking routes. 

The Arrochar Alps may be next on the agenda although we have also been considering the Cairngorms as we have never walked up there. Advice is that the Cairngorms are best in the winter as they have a reputation for being boring great lumps of hills and the snow and frost make them more amenable.  

Back home to prepare for the week ahead, quietly hoping that Mary might send us the first house plans ahead of schedule.

PS: Forgot to mention the weather station that now sits proudly in the garden recording all manner of weather events. More information to follow plus a link to Gary's website where the information will be broadcast.

The End - of 2011, Ben Cleuch at last and a topographical survey for Christmas

This is it then; the end of a year of change, including along the way - shock at having to make myself and a good team of people redundant; excitement at selling the house; finding the perfect plot of land on Skye then finding out we could buy the tenancy of the surrounding land too; two visits to the stunningly beautiful Isle of Harris; enjoying not working for almost six months; two trips to the Lake District; experiencing some extremes of weather; finding a new job (even when everything you read and hear says there are none); setting up my own company; moving to Scotland and above all moving towards achieving our dream of building our own house in a beautiful location.

As the title would have you believe, we finally made it to the summit of Ben Cleuch this week.  Tuesday arrived with clear skies and we were off. Good progress to the top of the track where we turned back last week and steeply up to the top of the hill where we had our first view of Ben Cleuch looming above and beyond us. Turning back last week was the right decision; neither of us has realised quite how much further on or up it was. We carried on, sliding over the last remaining patches of icy, hard snow and climbed the last steep bit to reach the summit plateau. What a difference a few hundred feet makes - it was absolutely freezing up there with the wind blowing from the north and the temperature much lower than when we had started out. All layers on, a quick cup of coffee, a couple of photos and we were off back down again. A wonderful view from the top across to the higher hills and mountains, most of them still covered in snow. 

View from summit of Ben Cleuch, slippery old snow encountered on ascent in middle distance

We met several fell runners (totally mad) mostly wiry, older gentlemen apparently enjoying the day. Gloves and hats firmly on for us on the return journey. My recent purchase of "Youth's waterproof, thermal gloves, size L" proving their worth and a bargain at only £18. Hands toasty and dry.

Returned home happy that we had climbed the mountain and planning a different route next time - a circular route that is even steeper on the ups but gives a longer ridge walk to the top. However for the next three days, I'm not sure if the local hills even emerged from the cloud cover.

We did venture out to the Trossachs again to climb Ben A'an. This is a small, perfectly shaped mountain about 45 minutes away. We drove past flooded fields and at one point were almost in the loch. Much more rain or snow and this road would become impassable. As we sat in the car park listening to the torrential rain we couldn't decide whether to get out and go or not. A break in the weather and the shelter of the woods for the first part of the walk decided us, gaiters on and we were off. Up steeply through the forest, across the burn, through the boggy bits and eventually out of the trees to a stunning view across Loch Katrine to Ben Venue (remember that one from 5 November ?) and further afield. 

Ben Venue looking just as steep as I remembered it!

 At this point, the light rain became sleety then wet snow then a full-on snow storm. We carried on as far as the shoulder of the hill then, after talking to others also climbing up, we agreed to continue as the view was promised to be worth it. Despite looking like it would be a scramble to the top, it was just another steep climb. A small child scrambling down told us "it was nice up there"  It turned out to be worth every out of breath moment as we reached the top. Views stretched down over Loch Katrine and across to the Southern Highlands. Very snowy in places with Ben Venue looking unrecognisable covered in snow. 

Ben Venue across Loch Katrine - memories of a very long day here in November

We dodged the blizzards, watched the light play across the loch and took many, many photos. For such a small hill (1,500ft) there were simply stunning views. No wonder the car park is so big. Ate lunch out of the blizzards, sheltered on the east side of the summit.

View east to Ben Ledi - plans to climb this one sometime soon

Then back to the car and a drive home via The Dukes Pass (later closed due to the snow) a scenic winding road that takes you through Aberfoyle and home.

The next day, we received our copy of the topographical survey for the house plot. Very impressed that Richard managed to get to Skye, carry out the survey and get it all done by 27 December. It will be waiting for Mary on her return. Good news!


And so we find ourselves at the end of an interesting 12 months with plenty learned and plenty to look forward to over the next year.

Happy Hogmany to all

Observations on living north of the border & good news at last

First the good news - we have had it confirmed (in writing) that the seller has accepted our revised offer (missives) on the basis of us applying for planning permission. So the missives are concluded and now we have just over five months to submit and hopefully receive detailed planning permission. 

We need the topographical survey report before Mary can get going on the design. Have commissioned the man from Glasgow and he is certain that he can do that before Christmas. Seems a bit unfair to hassle him given the weather of late. The next week or so is set fair (by Scottish winter standards) so we hope he will   a) be able to drive there - landslips and snow permitting and   b) get over the Skye bridge - high winds permitting.

Looks as if January will be busy making key decisions about the house design in order to get the planning permission submitted. Then we wait, hopefully not for too long.

Now for the observations on life almost 10 weeks after moving north.
1: We are in the land of the vertical blinds - rented house included - it seems they are de rigeur!
2: Another favourite is the garden statue, in granite, usually of cute animals or cartoon like people including a bride and groom version - no we are not joining in with this one.
3: Hats - of all shapes and varieties with the key attribute of keeping one's head warm - are the thing. No one goes out without one and the version with ear flaps are the most popular. Gary is searching for a genuine Russian hat complete with fur and a badge.
4: You need a selection of cold weather gear to hand as each day brings a different challenge. Icy rain, snow, gales force winds, ice, more snow. It's amazing the variety required, all of our kit is stashed in the hall at the ready.  
5: People generally are very friendly; I have made friends in the post office queue. They are happy to share their knowledge of the area and particularly keen to recommend good places to eat.
6: It does get dark by around 15.30 to 16.00 at the moment depending on cloudy or clear skies but the payback comes in the summer.  

We have settled in well and are comfortable in our rented house. We have explored most of the glens in the Ochils and are now venturing further afield.
Last weekend we traveled to Aberfoyle and walked high up into the forest where we had glimpses of the snow on the high mountains through the mist and ate our lunch on a sloping bench in the rain. Lovely! A nice visitor centre here too, situated up a winding road high above the town.

Yesterday we headed to Stirling for a spot of shopping. I was so distracted by the view as we drove in that we climbed up to the castle where we could see for miles. The mountains of the Trossachs and further afield were heavy with snow and lit by the sun. It was like being in the Alps.

The sun was out today, Ben Cleuch was on the agenda. We knew the track to take and hit the snowline after an hour's walking (climbing). At the same time as we hit the snowline, we also hit the wind or to be precise, it hit us like a sledgehammer. The temperature had not risen above freezing all day; add in a 20 - 30 mph wind from the north-west and you might be able to get an idea of the wind-chill factor. Suffice to say that all layers were on but, as I had forgotten my windstopper, we decided to turn it around and find somewhere sheltered for lunch. It was just too cold for me to carry on. We tried climbing a smaller hill for the view but the ground was frozen solid with ice and old snow and while we could go up easily, coming back down in one piece may not have been so easy. Turned back again and sat in the lee of the hill for food and hot drinks.

Thinking it may be time to get some training in the use of crampons and ice axes or we might be restricted as to where we can walk during the winter. Sounds quite exciting learning to self-arrest on an icy slope.

Photos from today's walk

View back across the Forth showing the Clackmannanshire Bridge especially for the Radio Two listeners amongst you!

Snowy hills beyond Edinburgh complete with the ubiquitous windfarm

The snowline from today's walk. Hit the snow at around 1,200 ft.

Back home now with a Ragdale treat in the offing this week.  A couple of days to work before the Council closes down for Christmas and we have a few more days off. I have been working for almost eight weeks now with only the weekends off so it will be nice to have a real break.

Fingers crossed that the survey is completed and waiting for Mary when she returns from her cycling jaunt to somewhere hot and sunny (Sri Lanka?)
Keep watching the blog for progress updates and perhaps some house designs in the not too distant future.

And finally, we felt we were letting the side down by not decking out our house with multi-coloured lights, lit up figures and garlands / wreaths so we have compromised and brought out our two fibre optic trees. Not quite up to the standard of the other 11 houses in the close but at least there will be a glimmer of flickering lights of a Christmassy nature in number eight too.

Taking matters into our own hands

OK, so despite numerous phone calls it turns out (through a call to the very helpful planning department on Skye) that there has been no submission to renew the Outline Planning Permission for the plot at Fernilea.
Enough is enough and it is decided that we will apply for detailed planning permission ourselves.  The conversation with the planners is positive and the plot apparently sits within a settlement development area so any proposals to build a new house will be looked on favourably.
Discussions take place with our solicitor, the estate agent and the vendor's solicitor. All agree that we should progress matters this way. The missives will be changed to reflect this. Confirm that the vendor really does want to sell (not sufficiently to apply for PP to be renewed apparently) and decision made!
We have contacted Mary this weekend so finally the exciting bit - of designing our dream house - is about to start. Just need to sign the contract and get the ball rolling.

Meanwhile, we have been exploring the Ochil Hills close to the house over the last few weekends.

We haven't yet made it to Ben Cleuch (highest point) as it has been either too wet, too cloudy or too windy. There are plenty of other hills, glens, woods and reservoirs to seek out.

We have visited Dollar Glen with its Castle Campbell and steeply wooded paths, carrying on along a temporary and pretty wet footpath to the reservoir at Glen Quey.  Managed to stay just below the level of the clouds but the views were non existent.

Castle Campbell from the north side of the Glen. Our route for the day lays behind it at this point.

Last weekend it was a circular walk on decent tracks back of Dumyat which is a great viewpoint  close to Stirling. Good views of the Wallace Memorial, the Campsie Fells and back across the River Forth to Edinburgh in the distance. Unfortunately as we approached the ridge to climb to the summit, down came the clag and not long after, down came the rain.  Lunch in the shelter of some rocks but once again a swift lunch to be sure that we were down off the plateau well before the light faded. This meant re-tracing some of this morning's walk and adding a few miles but we were back to the car just as daylight started to disappear.

Today we considered Ben Cleuch again but the winds, as forecast, were blowing between 30 and 40mph and that was in our back garden. Casualties of the storm included the bird table and a full recycling bin, both blown over. It is also a little on the cool side today. So decided to try Alva Glen - a good choice with the approach via woods and then a steep-sided gorge. Plenty of warnings about being careful but nothing to stop you striding out on a thin plank of wood suspended over a raging torrent. Alva Glen is a beautiful place with the gorge carved out by the Alva Burn which is roaring its way down to the flood plain of the River Devon today. The path crosses the Burn a few times then takes you curving up the hillside until you are high above the white water and can hear but not see it. There are several, very old, benches to perch on and take in the view back along the glen. 

View back along Alva Glen to the flood plain of the River Devon (path on RHS of hill)

We admire the fitness of a young lad and his father who are running up this path then continue at our own pace. As we reach the top they run past us again and decide to go straight up the hill behind us "as it's a nice day!" Consider a descent on a narrow path to the burn which flows through a water-carved tunnel here but decide we have walked far enough and turn back after a few photos of the hills looking lovely in the low autumn light. 

View into the Ochils with our two shadows on the far hillside. Very steep!

As we are making our way back by the raging burn, Gary spots eight or nine people IN the water. Helmets and wetsuits, bright red hands and they appear to be enjoying themselves. Assume they are canyoning and are there voluntarily. Exchange smiles and the odd comment then leave them to their fun.
A further 40 minutes walking brings us back to the car and the five minute drive home. A  short walk but one that has identified some nice looking routes for future walks. 

We have learned: - always take more food than you think you will need; don't under-estimate the steepness of the Ochils, they may only reach 2,000ft but you are starting from sea level; accept that you will be very muddy at the end of the walk; put on gaiters at the beginning of the walk or don't bother; take plenty of extra clothing in a variety of thicknesses; take your walking poles as there will be slippy downs and rocky ups; don't expect a view but have your camera ready as these hills will always surprise you.

Insufficient exercise today to justify wine with dinner tonight so will prepare for the week ahead with a roast dinner and a non-alcoholic cocktail. 


If the forecast is to be believed, this week will see temperatures drop and we could see the first real snow of the winter. Could it be time to buy that snow shovel??

There was a little snow on the tops of the hills on Friday but nothing lasting. The locals up here are convinced it's on its way - and because there has been none so far, when it arrives it will be with a vengeance. We shall see.

Settling in and exploring the area around our new home.

Three weeks in the new job and getting used to the early get ups. Enjoying the short drive to work (5 minutes), have even walked in once (30 minutes). The bike may be out soon! (anticipated to be 12 minutes)
We have had the benefit of two weekends of absolutely glorious weather so took advantage and got out and about. 
There is a reservoir / woodland walk within easy reach of our door. So did that one last Saturday. Good views of the Ochils and reflections in the water.

Then decided to try our first real mountain. Researched and read up on options and went for Ben Venue which is close to Callendar and around 45 minutes drive away. Although less than 2,500ft in height, it is steep and craggy and not a walk in the park. Wary of the reduced light, we were up and off at an early hour on Sunday morning. Drove through the fog which kept clearing and re-forming to give us glimpses of the surrounding hills. Past Loch Vorlich with its early fishermen fishing then parked up in the car park, boots on and we were off.

Ben Vorlich floats above the early morning mists. Looking much higher than 2,500ft.

Warning - for those who might be considering walking in the Scottish hills - beware the bogs. We were ankle deep within 10 minutes and it didn't improve all day. At times it was more like a swamp. I have an irrational fear of disappearing into a bog up to my head - time to meet the fear head on so to speak - and plough on. We tramped our wet feet up ever-steepening slopes and took the direct route up. There were times when I honestly thought we would never see the top but we connected with the main path eventually.

Our reward was the far reaching views, blue skies and a cloud inversion in the valleys. We could see for miles to the west, all of the peaks standing clear against the sky. 

Views west beyond Ben Lomond to the hills of Arran. Cloud inversion over the lochs.

However, the climb had taken its toll on us and after a quick lunch in the sun it was time to descend. A good path although very muddy and slippy with the occasional tricky, rocky bit to keep you alert. We followed a trio down the hill that included a lady with a sight impairment - she put us to shame with the speed of her descent and clearly trusted the guidance and instructions of her companions. Inspiring and amazing.  Eventually the path dropped into the trees, where we encountered vastly reduced light levels and an easy trek back to the car. A quick change into clean, dry clothes (we are learning and always take a change of clothing now) and a slow drive home due to the large number of people on the hills and cars on the A84. Home to a roast dinner and reward of a nice bottle of vino.

Both of us were shattered and very hungry the next day!

I am now back in work mode and getting to know the people and places. Working reasonable hours, plenty to do but no major pressures (yet)

The house is looking more like home; just the garage to sort out and the final few boxes to unpack. We are back in a routine. The house is warm and comfortable and the oven door has been fixed by a man with a hammer.

Our Scottish is coming on nicely - Gary automatically responded to a casual question with an "Aye" today and I find myself saying "aha" quite a lot.  Both mean yes.

Today we walked from Dunblane to Bridge of Allen and back. A nice, if muddy, 6 mile walk alongside the Water of Allen. We like the small town of Bridge of Allen and will return to explore the cafes and shops when we are more respectable in appearance.

Tomorrow an exploration of the Ochil hills is on the cards, weather permitting. (Was told that if I insist on waiting for the weather to permit our walking jaunts, it might never happen) The plan is to walk up one glen, a climb to the highest point then back down through another glen to make a circular walk. If the cloud is on the tops then we will head east to Dollar and walk through the Dollar Glen to another reservior.

Meanwhile we understand that all is progressing well (if slowly) with the purchase of the plot and we wait to hear that planning has been renewed. I believe it is known as "Skye pace" 
Gary is now chasing with weekly phone calls.

(Another) week in the Lakes, Progress on the plot and Starting a new job

Started writing this in the Lakes.
Finished writing this during my first week in the new job.

What a difference living north of the border makes when driving to the Lakes. Up at a reasonable time, pack up, drive for two and a half hours then arrive at holiday home. Very civilised. We have a cosy double room in The Watergarden Suite near Ambleside. Room for the two of us and we have a "spare" bedroom for the overflow of our walking gear.
A nice apartment with views of the Fairfield horseshoe and plenty of slightly complicated gadgets including an oven with a menu of settings, a double shower (two shower heads plus room for two) and lights aplenty.
Wifi also available which is useful.
Saturday was beautiful with sunshine, blue skies and the Fairfield horseshoe calling. So it was completed in just over 6 hours from the door. Just as challenging as memory had it and just as long. Sunday saw us walk from the door via Grasmere and Easedale Tarn to Stickle Tarn in Langdale where we met up with Jacqueline and Ian who had completed a walk in the area. Met at the pub for a well deserved post-walk drink. There was one part of this walk where the path climbed a wet rock face without visible sign that it was in fact a path!  It also included large amounts of lakeland bog - knee deep for Gary and too much of it for comfort for me. However all obstacles dealt with eventually and so ended two good walking days.
A rest day was called for on Monday so Jacqueline and I tested the spa treatments at Underscar in Keswick. (Ambleside's branch was fully booked) Relaxed and looking and smelling gorgeous, we returned through high winds and heavy rain to Ambleside.
Tuesday's forecast was for more rain, hail, thunder and snow on the tops. First signs of winter appearing. Quite a temperature drop too. After a quiet morning, we tramped off acrosss Loughrigg - testing new boots - in the pouring rain, hail and gale force winds, exactly as forecast. 
Wednesday dawned like a day from a different season - bright, sunny, clear blue skies with a bit of an autumnal nip in the air. Off we went to Coniston where we climbed the Old Man and carried on to Dow Crag where we walked the ridge to complete a circular walk from the car. All of this in hats, gloves and several layers. Bright and blue it might be but it was definitely winter temperatures, completed with a howling wind adding a high wind chill factor. So cool was it that second lunch had to wait until after 2pm when we could find some shelter to sit comfortably in. The late afternoon / early evening light was glorious - shadows, golden bracken and a blue, blue sky. Headed home happy to a promise of frost tonight. Luckily, we have all we need for a curry at home.
Thursday was frosty with a cloud inversion across the valley. Walked up and across Loughrigg taking numerous photos as we went. The light was glorious again and the fells looked on fire with clouds rolling along ridges. A few of the best attached below.

View back to Coniston Old Man

Across to The Langdales - fantastic clouds

Early morning cloud inversion from the apartment to Fairfield (Frost on grass)

A fine walk was complemented by a fine meal at Zefforellis that night. Yes it is a vegetarian restaurant; yes we all had an enjoyable meal. Quality food and atmosphere as always.
We packed up and headed back north; another fine drive of less than three hours door to door. 

Return to reality - the boxes were still waiting for us to unpack them!
Some progress from the Scottish solicitor - agreement seems likely on our revised conditional offer for the house plot. All being well, planning permission will be renewed by early 2012 so we should be able to complete the purchase. The croft will take longer but that's to be expected.

So to Tuesday 25th October - a key date as it is when I start to earn a living again. 
My first day back in the world of work goes well although it may take my brain a while to start firing on all cylinders. There will be plenty to do over the next two years which should keep me out of mischief. The drive to work was a delight - it took all of five minutes.


Here's to the next two years.




 

A quick visit to Skye

To get away from the boxes yet to be unpacked and to revisit the plot of land we hope to buy - just to check it's still there as just as nice as we remember it.
Will also be interesting to time the journey from Alloa and check out the options for future trips.
Journey out was via Callandar and Lochearnhead then on to meet the A85 at Crianlarich then on by the "normal" route through Glen Coe, Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh. As we drove at a reasonable speed through the Kintail / Shiel range, we were caught and overtaken by a large lorry which appeared to be fully loaded with 10 live fish tanks. The driver had no problems with overtaking on a winding A road at more than 60 mph. I was happy to let him!
Stopped for coffee and a 20p pee at Kyle - finally, loos that merit the entrance charge. Plants, posters, information booklets and clean and sweet smelling. And they have their own poem.
Settled into our lochside B&B for the night in a room with windows a stone's throw from the water's edge. You could hear the tide going in and out - very peaceful. Could also hear the main road through but not so that it interrupted a good night's sleep.
Monday morning dawned with sunshine and showers. We decided to visit the north of the island as we hadn't been up there before. Headed out, parked up and climbed up to the "Old Man of Storr" A 45 minute walk up some steep ground through a stunning natural ampitheatre to these amazing rock formations. Even on a cool October morning it was busy with tourists taking a look. The final 50 metres was a scramble on loose scree and rock. We passed a Japanese couple; he with camera and water bottle, she in Harris tweed coat, red trews and riding boots. She appeared to be absolutely terrified and at one point was physically unable to lift one leg to progress. She did make it to the top of the Old Man but whether (or how) she managed on the descent we can only guess. 
Picture shows the Old Man and the sheer cliffs and rock formations behind it.   

The Old Man is the rock spire to the right and in front of the cliffs.

There were many Dutch and German tourists walking and climbing around the Old Man. Some poorly equipped for the ground conditions and the scramble and many wanting to know "How far is it to the top?"
We were lucky and avoided the rain for the time we were out and about. Decided we could have spent the whole day up there and will certainly return another time. The views back across Skye, to the mainland and to the Cuillins were amazing.  Gary is determined to return with camera gear so watch out for some atmospheric photos in the months to come.
Drove across one of the most remote roads on the island, complete with beautifully tended graveyard half way (no habitation at all) and ended up back in Uig.
Checked out a couple of houses for sale (beautiful lochside location) just in case and found a couple that we would consider if it all goes pear-shaped with the plot.


Tuesday was another variable weather day and we drove through a tremendously heavy shower to get to Fernilea. Vivid rainbows to compensate though. Still like the location, still like the plot. Met up with Mary and her oppo, Ian. He lives locally so could tell us about the area / the people etc.
Once they were kitted out in full waterproof gear, we waded onto the house plot and Ian showed us where the corner stakes setting out the plot boundaries were. No wonder we couldn't find them in the summer - it was difficult even with the bracken dying down. Mary and I were shoulder deep at times.
There is a small burn on the plot along with a number of natural trees which will give some shelter from the winds. The site is down below the road so the house will benefit from low visibility and more shelter. All good so far. If we can get the croftland too there is a small wood, plenty of heather and goodness knows what else in the undergrowth. It will be an interesting adventure finding our way to the loch.
Thankfully, the site is even more lovely than we remembered. Mary was already designing and placing the house. I was imagining the views from the floor to ceiling windows and Gary and Ian were being more practical.
Bottom line - now the house is sold and we have moved into our new home, it is time to get this purchase moving.
Calls to solicitors and vendor imminent. We (with Dualchas) can apply for outline planning permission if that unblocks the impasse, so that is our fallback position. 
Photos show the house plot.

View from plot (house) showing loch and trees.

                                If you look really hard, you can just see one of the boundary stakes                                                       (right of centre and in line with river valley across loch)

Back home via the A85 and the A9 - you have to try out the different options but this won't be one we do again in a hurry. Too winding (A85) and too busy / dangerous (A9)


House is looking more like home. Will unpack a few more boxes tomorrow then it's off the the Lakes for a week. Once we return from our final holiday this year I have to start thinking seriously about work!