From an island to an island

A week on Arran.
Worked it out that between visits to the plot/house, visits to Devon and Wales we haven't had a week's holiday since last September when we visited Assynt. Time to put that right.

So to Arran it was and off we went on the Friday to Largs, expecting to be held up in numerous roadworks with convoy systems in place. Except, it didn't happen and we drove through the highlands with only minor delays arriving in Largs around 17.30. Found the hotel then time for a stroll along the Promenade before dinner. Largs is a bit like Paignton but slightly more upmarket. Our hotel looked a little tired but the room was comfortable, we had a sea view from the en-suite and a view into the neighbours' kitchen from the bedroom. Dinner was very nice and very reasonably priced. A good start to the week. 

We had time to kill on the Saturday, being booked on the 15.15 ferry crossing. Took advantage of the later breakfast and checkout then did our holiday food shop at Tesco just up the road. Visited Troon - a bit disappointing but found a huge B&Q at Saltcoats which provided a welcome distraction and some retail therapy.The spoils stayed in the car boot for the next week - replacement doormats and seed trays. We were still amongst the first in the ferry queue. A coach load of young people arrived shortly after us. Decision to stay on the outer deck well founded. We watched just about every young girl from the coach party do the "Titanic" pose as we headed across the Firth of Clyde towards Arran.  The boys just shivered about in their t-shirts. 

First sight of Arran from the ferry. Goatfell clear to see

Turn left at Brodick and drive for 12 miles, 30 minutes (really? Yes the roads are as interesting as on Skye) and you will reach Kildonan where we have booked a house for the week. All in order except no towels anywhere to be seen. A couple of calls later and the key to the linen cupboard arrives along with the housekeeper - unaware that we were staying apparently. At least the house had been cleaned, last week presumably. We have a house very close to the shore with views out to Pladda island and Ailsa Crag. Beautiful blue skies, sunshine and a hotel with good food and a wonderful terrace 10 minutes walk down the road. 

Sunday: Decided to head for the beach at Blackwater Foot and walk to some caves. A day of brilliant sunshine, calm blue seas and quite warm. The September brilliance continues. The walk was on a sandy beach to start with but the challenge soon presented itself as the "path" wound through boulders below a steep cliff. Huge boulders with brambles, nettles and steep and rocky drops between them. Following a party of youths with a spring in their step and no apparent regard for the possibility of ankle breaking terrain, we eventually made it through. 

Walked along the base of this cliff to get to this beach and the caves

Walked across another beach then through head high bracken until we reached the caves. Peered in, dank, dripping and connected through dark tunnels, a quick look was enough for me. You could go through a gate and explore further if you had the inclination but we sat on a conveniently placed log and enjoyed our lunch. 

View across to the mainland at Kintyre (luckily, no song)

Unfortunately the name of the place resulted in Gary singing Blackfoot Sue at every opportunity for the remainder of the week - and playing it incessantly when we got home. It will be forever associated with Arran.


It was flat calm and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun and being beside the sea. Walked back across the cliff tops and the edges of a golf course which was much tamer and easier. An ice cream was in order to finish off the day then it was back to Kildonan for dinner at the hotel and a superb sunset. 

Not the best sunset photo as taken on my phone through a window!

Waling back from the hotel at dusk, we were mesmerised by a moving rock. Not the wine as it turned out but one of a number of seals that frequent the area - more of those later. 

Monday - too good a forecast to waste so it was off to Goatfell. This is the highest point on the island. The start of the walk passes a brewery which we clocked for later. An easy path up through the trees which climbed steadily until it reached open hillside. Goatfell came into view as we reached a bridge where we stopped for coffee.

Coffee stop, Goatfell summit in background

The first of the ferry / bus walkers passed us here. Until then we had only met two other groups. Good views opening up back towards Brodick. 
The next stage of the walk crosses moorland on a good path, still climbing up but relatively easy. We could see the final ridge and summit clearly now. It was another blue sky day although cooler than yesterday. A few wisps of cloud floated in and out just adding to the beauty. The path from Corry met our path and they joined for the final pull to the summit. 

The meeting of the paths with a view across Brodick to Holy Island in the distance

Someone could have warned me that the final third was 1) never ending and 2) surprisingly steep. Winding up through huge boulders with steps way too big for someone with my size legs.

Up we go

 It took much longer than expected but we eventually popped out on the summit to join the crowds of sweaty walkers who had made it. We could see the other Arran hills from here and they were magnificent for such a small island range. Quite ridge-like and scary looking in parts and certainly not a walk in the park.  Lunch,  many drinks and photos then back the way we had come up as the alternative would leave us with a 2 mile road walk back to the car. 
Different photographer / camera for the summit shots:

The descent was OK as it is easier to go down large drops than up. The walking poles helped too. Back at the car then home for dinner. In summary, a hill not to be under-estimated even if it doesn't quite make it to Munro status.   

Tuesday - today we walked the shore close to the house and discovered a path than followed the coast around to the headland. A good walk that brings you up close to what seemed like hundreds of seals. They had hauled themselves out onto the flat rocks and formed banana-like shapes. Signs said the area was a designated "haul out" area and asked that you didn't get too close. They didn't seem phased although there were only a few hardy folk out. Also found a "lost world" type waterfall which would be magnificent after rain. 

Seals and rocks - spot the difference

Waterfall

Got back to the house as it started to rain. A surprisingly nice morning out. Into Brodick for a look around and dinner later. Not a lot to see as it turned out. 

Wednesday - the weather was better than forecast so we decided to walk up north sannox glen and attempt the ridge from here. Shared the first bit of the path with a group of school children who were apparently going to go into the river and walk up against the flow. (Canyoning) The route appeared to cross a fast flowing river and disappear into a bog. Not for us thank you. We carried on up a reasonable path but that also petered out in a river gorge. A good bit of exercise and a good view of the witches gap which has a reputation of being tricky. Could see why. 

River gorge and the Witches Step in the distance

Close up of the Step

Back to the car and we drove north to Lochranza through a wild landscape and steep roads. Ruined castle very nice, heavy swell and waves. A pleasant drive back along the coast road. 

Thursday spent pottering, walking beaches and using binoculars to take a look at a private yacht that has moored in Lamlash Bay. It was huge and included a helipad and helicopter. Found it on the internet and we could either have a house or hire the yacht for a couple of weeks. Sleeps ten, twelve staff.  

Friday was intended to tackle the alternative route to Goatfell and visit a different summit. However, a sharp shower as we parked up changed our minds and we headed up to Lochranza and walked the coast path to the Fairy Dell on the north of the island. Considered the Cock of Arran (look it up) but ended up having lunch at the Fairy Dell then returning by the same path. We saw the most remote and inhabited house here. No idea how it would be accessed apart from by foot (2.5 miles) or by boat but someone was in residence.  It was at Lochranza that we witnessed a small bird of prey hustle smaller birds through a hedge. The distress calls went on for ages but the bird of prey was unlucky in finding its lunch.

So that was us and out week on Arran at an end. A very nice island with some good walking but we have been there for now and have other islands to visit before we would return. It will forever be associated with Blackfoot Sue, grey seals, glorious sunsets, blue seas and cupcakes. Lemon and chocolate cupcakes - on offer in Morrisons and enjoyed on many of our walks this week. We also enjoyed some very good pub food during our week.

Ferry home easy and the last hour of the journey home was completed in driving rain, zero visibility and great delight in seeing our house again. Power cut while we were away resulted in a warm house waiting for us as the heating defaults to zero setting which is warm!

The next installment is that of October - more of a contrast with beautiful September cannot be imagined. More of that later.  

  

September - Simply the Best

With apologies to the writer of the song but it has been the most beautiful month. 


It hasn't all been good weather, we have had our share of cloudy, dreich, wet and windy but the clarity of the light, the warm sunny days and the birthdays (of course we're biased) have made it a good month. 

Birthday view (mine) from our house

Oh, and the number of visitors has decreased to more sensible levels. Good for the island that it is so popular but the sheer number of visitors during July and August has put a huge strain on the facilities on the island and there is always the inconsiderate few who seem to think it is OK  to wild camp (it is) and then leave their rubbish either at the side of the road for the bin lorries or just leave it where they were camped - this last generally a few yards from the car in which they brought all the stuff in. How to get the message across I don't know but somehow awareness must be raised or we all risk more intervention and perhaps a change to the current access rights. Which would be a shame. So if you know of someone planning a visit, make sure they do so responsibly. 
Rant over but don't get me started on the visiting drivers and their habits. 

Anyway, the Referendum. Unless you had been away or asleep for the month of August you would have noticed that the Scottish people voted for either an Independent Scotland - YES or to stay within the UK - NO. Simple you might have thought. Several leaflets later plus regular instructions through the media on how to make your opinion known. Put a cross in one of the two boxes.  We voted. So did the vast majority of Scots. Result, Scotland wins with more powers, promises of who knows what and change of some kind in the months ahead. Scotland has never been more in the public eye. Now we wait to see if promises made in Westminster are delivered. 

Interesting YES signs seen in our travels include:
The YES mini, parked at the Slig each day
The YES rocks, some of which were in very high and inaccessible places
The YES quarry signs on the sheer rock face - who / how did they manage that?
The YES lampposts and fences
The YES sheds
The YES floating sign in the harbour; now half submerged
The YES boat / yacht
Best of all, the YES mowed into the croftland and kept mowed. 
All of the above in the correct font and colours (except the croft)

The Better Together bunch were much more reserved but turned out to be the silent majority after all.
Even now the posters, saltires, signs, opinions etc remain. No antagonism of note, leave that to those in the the big cities apparently.  

Otherwise we took advantage of the weather and climbed our second Skye Munro - Banachdich - on a beautiful day and with a few others. Managed to find the right path this time and climbed steadily up through the coire until we were faced with a choice of up the steep scree or up the steep hill with less scree. The others went for the scree slopes so we went for the hill. Very steep but a good ridge once the top was reached. The summit seemed to recede as we climbed but we wove through rocky outcrops and ever upwards until we reached the very small summit. There were a few others here including the father / daughter combo we leapfrogged all the way to the top.  We could see the whole Cuillin range including Loch Coriusk which I had not seen before. 

INN PINN! Zoomed shot from summit

The Inn Pinn was very busy today and looked close enough to touch if you ignored the huge drop in the ridge to get to it. We just looked. The summit is at the top of the almost detached rockface on the right and is a roped scramble with massive exposure. 
We enjoyed our lunch, taking in the views and pointing out the different mountains. 
A couple of hard walkers / climbers made it to the top. I have never met such a rude and objectionable person on a mountain. The father / daughter combo were in the way of his photo so rather than ask them to move, a loud FFS was heard. Needless to say, no-one moved an inch.  Luckily they left quickly and headed for the ridge taking their lunch and attitude with them. Hope they enjoyed the remainder of the day and managed to improve their mood. The hills are for enjoyment not cross people.

Cuillin Range. Pointy

Loch Coriusk at the heart of the Cuillins

Alternate descent route involving a scramble

 We decided to go back the same way although we did (briefly) consider the alternative. 

View to Loch Brittle and out to sea

Made the decision to descend via the scree slopes. Oh my knees, it was a constantly moving surface with sharp drops to the left and little in the way of stability. The walking poles came in handy. A quick break for drinks at the end of the path and we were back on reasonable ground. A troop back to the car and home with smiles on faces for beer and crisps (fluid and salt replacement)

On a similarly lovely day we decided to climb a pointy peak that would get us on to the ridge leading to Beinn Dearg and the Inn Pinn (to watch rather than participate) Yet another steep climb across scree with some exposure this time. I ended up scrambling up a gully and Gary stuck with the scree. We sat at the summit and could see the route to the top across a moonscape of rocks and dust. Not today though, today was lunch and a sighting of a pair of eagles enjoying the thermals in the glen below.  A privilege to watch until they spiralled up out of sight. Tried to find a better way back down but concluded that if you are going to climb a pointy mountain then it will be steep and dangerous near the top.

That's the way to the Inn Pinn

View back down from the ridge

At least we know the way when we decide to view the Inn Pinners up close. 

Back on the croft, trees are being felled, hedges cleared, more steps created and patches dug over, drainage constructed. Very busy, very muddy and very satisfying. Also quite scratched, bruised and suffering the last midge bites of the season. The cutting of a couple of trees has improved our view of the loch as well as getting rid of a load of dead wood. Just have to cut it up into log sized chunks now and leave it to season.

New, improved view

Thought we might be able to harvest some blackberries but the lack of light due to branches etc meant the harvest was not quite up to scratch. Not even enough for a teaspoon of coulis. Next year perhaps.

We have the largest spider ever set up home / web outside the kitchen window. Getting fat on midgies and other tasty insects. 

Boris the spider plus prey

Sitting on the patio one day after working the croft when two eagles just rose from the land and floated towards us then up on the thermals. Not quick enough to grab a photo this time. They were magnificent birds - huge.   

The last week in September we had a week in Arran planned. Decided to head south a day early and stay overnight at Largs to avoid any road issues heading to the ferry at Adrossan. 
Next blog entry will tell the tale of our week enjoying a new island. 

First Steps ......

towards making sense of the croft by exploring all the way to the loch with plenty of slipping and sliding on the way. Today (Sunday) we created a small set of steps, in the broadest sense of the word, to improve the slippiest bits of the path we have made.  And a rocky step plus handrail / post to avoid a big drop via tree roots.
We have a rocky loch shore complete with stranded jellyfish, rocks and stones, sea pinks  and seaweed plus a great view up and down the loch. 

Lochside just after high tide

The way back up is in there somewhere!

Steps - of a sort - to avoid the sudden slips down.

We have also toiled in the higher woodland to remove dead wood, clear a path, avoid the boggy bits and have trailed twine a la Hansel and Gretl so that we don't get lost on our return. 
There is a huge amount of work to do but at least we have made a start. Of course, to do all of this tools are required so we now have a brush clearer, a D saw and new secateurs. Those plus a spade and lump hammer all have to be carted down and back again. Good exercise for those involved. 

Away from the croft we have visited the Clan Donald centre in Armadale on a glorious late summer day with family who came up for a visit. They arrived to clear blue skies and sunshine which lasted for the whole trip.  We were able to dine on the patio, visit the hills and Portree and went for a lovely meal at the Stein Inn at Waternish. It's not until visitors ask questions like where do you go to buy clothes that you realise just how much our lifestyle has changed. 

We also visited the community woodland at Armadale where there is a trail through an alternative community (and then some) that takes you to an otter hide and a close up view of seal island. We traipsed through the wet wood land, over carefully placed sheep's wool where the ground was very wet (an odd and slightly smelly experience) to the rocks where we could hear the seals before we saw them. The views to the mainland across the Minch were fantastic. 

Mum sitting by the otter hide while the rest of us scrambled to the shore

Across to Knoydart, sea like a millpond today

Before our visitors arrived we have explored Coire na Banachdich then circled back off piste to pick up the track from the ridge to Sgurr Dearg. This was on the midgiest of midge days and we were unable to stop even for a drink so we ran back to the car and had our lunch at home.  

We also  climbed back up the route to Sgurr nan Gillean and went higher than before until we were on the rocky ridge above the Bhasteir gorge. Decided to descend into the gorge, across the rivers - easy with low rainfall levels - and back on the path to the planks we had crossed on our way up. This was a delightful circle, adventurous in places with good views all around. 

Our other venture into the hills was back into Coire na Banachdich where we had "enjoyed" the midge walk, to continue up towards the back wall of Coir an Eich . Up through a rocky cleft, steep on scree and rock and as high as we were comfortable with before stopping for lunch. Some climbers go this way to the Inn Pinn. We sat in howling icy rain to eat our lunch before retreating back to the car. 

The August weather station stats read "raining on 21 (out of 23 days) in August" Snow fell on the Cairngorms, walkers reported hail and sleet on the tops and the temperature fell to below 5 degrees here at Fernilea. It was cool enough to test the fire, which soon warmed us up but doesn't it look good. 

Cosy

We had a week of rainbows, always in the same place across the loch - vivid and beautiful.

Double bow

Full arc

Once our visitors arrived, the weather perked up and summer was on again. 
 
The bikes have been out at last. Tested on the road to Portnalong then down (and back UP) the road to Carbost although I confess to waiting at the top of the Brae (hill) while Gary braves the tourists at the distillery and the steep uphill back to the corner where we pedal back UP to the house. One week wind assisted on the UP, the next wind against. Managed to stay on and pedal both weeks.

Did I mention the chainsaw and maul?  Both have allowed us (Gary) to increase our supply of wood for the winter and with the number of trees to be felled lower down we should have sufficient wood for several years.

Splitting the chainsawed logs with the maul

Next few weeks will bring the Referendum, voting cards safely stashed, very little factual information to assist with decision making. Lots of rhetoric, much emotion and many slogans around. We saw rocks, lamp posts, fences, cars and  boats painted with the YES slogan. The YES people have visited the house with their literature, no sign of the Better Together bunch.

Our local hydro scheme is due to start the building phase soon and we have offered to record progress through a blog. Small scale scheme which will provide income and electricity for the community. A good rate of return on your investment although you have to be a local crofter to participate.

We also eagerly await the first sighting of the Aurora Borealis which is visible on a clear night looking north - if we can stay awake that is. During the clear skies earlier this week we had our first glimpse of the dark skies / stars fro the patio. Amazing. 

Hoping to "map" the woodland so that we can start thinking about what and where soon. 

Also planning on climbing the ridge to view the brave souls attempting Inn Pinn - if we can scramble up. Should make for some good photo opportunities. Will share if we get there.  

Not what we signed up for!

The heat and dawn to dusk sunshine that is. Usually when the rest of Britain is basking in the summer sun, Skye and the north west of Scotland is cooler, wetter and definitely windier. Not so July 2014. Sweltering we have been, in temperatures approaching 28 degrees. Little wind, even on the high hills and no rain to speak of. 
This has allowed us to venture into territory we might not otherwise have been such as coire a greadiadh when we missed the path for Sgurr na Banachdich recently. Rather than turn around and retrace our steps steeply upwards, we just carried on and discovered a geographer's delight in many hanging valleys, each with its own waterfalls and coire lip leading to yet another higher coire. Spent a pleasant day here exploring rocks, streams and deep dark gorges carved out of the rock. 

Steep, dark and probably dangerous gorge, Munro summit behind and above.

View back towards Glen Brittle

We also climbed almost to the top of Coire Ghrunda as the rock was dry and grippy but didn't quite make it over the final cliff to the lochan. Next time perhaps. The sun reflecting off the white rocks was dazzling and this was the day when my feet welcomed a quick dunk in an icy mountain stream.

View back down and out to sea, Rhum in the haze.

Coire lip, where we didn't go today but next time ....

Earlier we did the fairy pools circuit, enjoying an early start to avoid the crowds and park up easily. Enjoyed the circuit and finished on the path by the pools. It was like Blackpool beach with crowds of people, families on rocky "beaches" and people splashing and swimming in the pools. There was even a crowd of beer swilling young men diving off rocks. As we beat a hasty retreat back to the car, we encountered a paramedic, in full uniform and looking very hot, carrying his emergency bag up the path. Shortly after this, Mountain Rescue turned up in ones and twos and not in a great rush (No serious injuries we thought) Then came the stretcher on one volunteer's back. We stopped for our final cuppa on the river bank close to a tricky river crossing wondering whether we might see someone topple over and in to the water but despite sparkly sandals, handbags, babes in arms and totally inappropriate clothing, all made it safely across. Learned later that someone had jumped into a pool and broken their leg. The car park was mayhem, ambulance, MR vehicles, tour buses, camper vans and cars all along the road. Decided that we would save the pools for quieter times in the future. 

The weather broke towards the end of last week with normal service resumed and torrential rain. The pond refilled, plants revived and waterfalls and rivers were re-invigorated. 

On a Sunday with a weather window we decided to try Ben Tianavaig, a little known hill close to Portree. Not really that high but presenting glorious views around the island. Parked up in Camastianavaig by a delightful little bay and walked along the ever higher cliff edges until we eventually reached the top. This hill is deceptive with many false summits but it was worth the climb. We saw a huge bird of prey that disappeared before I could get out the camera - could this have been my first sighting of an eagle up close? It's possible but it didn't reappear so we will never know. 
 

The route up sticks close to the cliff edge - possible eagle sighting just here

This rain shower stayed over the sea but accompanied our climb

Back towards the Cuillin - potential for a glorious view

At the summit we met a family of three Swedish visitors who were staying locally and had the same thoughts as ourselves. Had a chat then lunch while they decided to return the "rougher and tougher" route climbing down to the shore and returning along the base of the cliffs. We returned the way we came but this is yet another walk to return to. The views to Portree, the Old Man and north to Uig were wonderful. The Cuillin were hiding in cloud but would be just as good on a clear day. 

The following Sunday we walked to Waternish Point, a peninsula that seems very remote north of Dunvegan. A ruined church provides a car park and the starting point. Then you are on farm tracks through bog and mud past iron age forts, stone circles and a ruined house to a lighthouse at the point. We picked our way through rabbit warrens in meadows above the point before turning around for the return journey. Big rain was forecast and we made it back to the car just as it started to fall. Plenty of history here and many reasons to return, not least the views out to the Outer Hebrides. We watched the ferry to Uist cross the Minch and disappear into the mist. No photos, it was too dreich today.

Climbed to our "local" war memorial on Monday after a failed trip to Talisker Bay. Car Park at Talisker is shown on the map but this consists of 5 or 6 spaces beside a wall on a junction. On Monday it was filled with mostly foreign cars and camper vans leaving only just enough space to turn around. Our local hydro scheme will be run, quite literally, from the burn on the hill here. The day had cleared and Loch Harport looked sublime.  Had our coffee here instead of the beach and watched fun and games on the junction below.

We live just where the land curves out to the right

Wildlife: 
Midges of course - August is their high season. They descend in hordes in the early evening when the wind drops. The clegs are worse but apart from one major bite, have managed to avoid them.
Possible sighting of eagles close to Fernilea - across the loch and just up the road to Glen Brittle
Spiders which are huge and getting bigger by catching and eating midges and other flying insects. Encouraging these to spin and stay
Flying ants - swarms on two evenings
Beetles that like to fly / crawl inside then die
Moths of every size battering the windows every evening
Garden birds - sparrows, chaffinches, gold finches, robins, green finches and a wren that has taken up residence in the log store. Also swallows and doves. 
The sounds of peacocks, sheep, cows and dogs from neighbouring crofts.
Wild deer in Coire Ghrunda - unfazed by humans apparently

Completely alone but staying put thank you.

Tested our new fire pit which gives off enough smoke to see off the midgies and keeps you toasty warm at the same time. Instructions say "Don't use this item in your caravan or on your boat"   Right.

Some people I know would like the pervading smell of woodsmoke this leaves on clothing and hair

Highland Games in Portree today. Basically an Island sports day with added pipes, dancing and "heavy" sports. Held on The Lump above the harbour, in a natural ampitheatre. 

Skye Pipe Band - uplifting they were. Bald head unfortunate but unavoidable

Heavy sports in the centre, runners in the foreground. All at The Lump, Portree

Camera batteries failed so good old phone camera saved the day again. An interesting day with thousands of visitors crammed into a small green space. The chap in shirt and trousers is taking part in one of the open races. Competitors from across the world as well as the Island. Lots of local winners though.
A comic for a compere, prizes including whiskey and good fun for all. We left around 15.30 so missed the caber tossing but enough was enough by that point, Stood in the rain for two hours but sun came out in the afternoon. 

The house - very few problems experienced during the defect period so far.  A couple of minor issues plus some settling cracks as expected.Good response from McQueens when needed. We are learning the heating system and you think twice about everything that goes in the drains when you have your own waste treatment plant! We are saving a fortune on bleach. Half way through the six month period now and both the house and us are settling in well.

Off to see an exhibition of paintings by a local 94 year old on Friday. The artist is hoping to be in residence and we are hoping for some nice cake to go with the coffee. 

Keeping an eye on the tail end of Hurricane Bertha, forecast to pay a visit on Sunday.

I am now working for eight days a month, until the end of November. A gradual decline in days and input. Seems to be OK so far with a limited number of tasks / projects to stay involved with. 

Getting ready for a family visit at the end of the month. The wine is in, menus planned and itinerary being confirmed with wet and dry day options.

Midsummer & our first Skye Munro

First to Midsummer - best laid plans; weather just didn't play the game. The days leading up to the 21st June, the day itself and a couple of days after were dull, cloudy, intermittent drizzle and no glorious light or midnight sun. 
So my plans to get out and enjoy a picnic supper in the midnight sun scuppered. Read about a few hardy souls who tried the bivvy thing and saw absolutely nothing. Next year then. 

We managed a 10 mile circuit of Glen Brittle forest which helped with fitness levels. The acrobatics required to gather pine cones (for kindling) whilst wearing rucsacks added to the exertion and we did eventually get some views across to the Cuillins. But the black flies and midgies found you as soon as you stopped moving. We did manage our lunch at a picnic table, conveniently placed on a ridgy bit so windy and midges unable to fly. Back to the car laden down with pine cones and fingers crossed for improving weather.

In Skye news, Tesco provide a "Click & Collect" service from Portree or Broadford. This has no delivery charge and we have to travel to Portree anyway to do our weekly shop so the much more expensive Co-op is suffering. The drop off point is the local Shinty club and Tesco are sending three vans per drop, twice a day. The market is clearly there despite the fact that they travel from Dingwall. Very nice guys on the vans to help with the loading too. The Clubcard points can continue. 

So Friday 27 June and the weather was set fair. Decision made to try the "easy" Munro which we can see from our house. Bruache na Frithe it was. Loaded up with plenty of water, the usual set of layering clothing, maps, GPS. No cameras to save weight so the only photos are from my camera phone. We will have to go back up with the good cameras. 

Up the path from the layby near the Slig to the bealach. Headed left at a large cairn, over the river (This route would be tricky if not impossible after heavy rain) and up into the grassy bowl of the lower coire. The route planner had said the path here was faint, but a line of cairns took us up in the right direction. The bowl of the coire was filled with wild flowers and the occasional sheep. Blessed are the cairn makers as they saved us a fair amount of dithering here. Head for the left side, don't mistake the dry river bed for a path and keep going up. As we got higher, the views back to where we live and out to sea beyond just got better and better. We followed the progress of three small figures on the ridge to our right. Tiny silhouettes against the sky. The path did get steeper and more rocky, scree sliding and loose but was relatively easy. We watched two of the ridge walkers scramble down a scree path, cutting off a corner to return on the path we had climbed up. 
The last 50m was very steep but the reward was to emerge on a narrow ridge with a view of the eastern Cuillins that took our breath away. We were so close to the Bhasteir tooth that it scared us and we waved to two dots of people on top of Am Bhasteir. 
We turned right here for the final pull to the summit. Route planner said tricky in poor visibility. We managed to go wrong twice in good visibility and found ourselves on dodgy (high) ground. A slither down some rocks onto the correct path and we were at the summit trig. This is the only trig point in the Cuillins. 

Sgurr Nan Gillean, the pointy peak in the background. Bla Bheinn behind

Summit trig, Cuillin ridge behind and out to sea

We could see the whole ridge from Sgurr Alasdair right around to where we were standing. One other walker sharing the summit. Bizarrely the wind dropped here so we ate our lunch drinking in the views and being constantly amazed by the changing light and shadow. Hats and gloves were required though despite the shelter. A group of six, clanking with climbing gear and wearing helmets, passed us. Looked tired despite being young and presumably fit.  We considered the north west ridge as a descent route but decided to stick with and reverse our route up. The north west ridge is a downward scramble a bit like striding edge. Will save that one for another day.

Most of the ridge including Inn Pin in the distance

You can see our house from here. Just where the land curves out to the right to meet the loch.

We did take the short cut back down, very loose scree that delivered you back to the ascent path and avoided the steepest part over eroded scree. Not so good for the boots though. 
So back down to the main path and the car. This walk took us 7.5 hours in total but we did have lots of stops for drinks and views. A fantastic day and the Munro count is now 9. Quite a few to go then. 

Work intervened as did bad weather on the following Friday - 38mm of rain before 13.00. A very wet day. The pond filled back up as a result.

Saturday we climbed up to the point where the paths diverge for Sgurr Nan Gillean and Am Bhasteir. Neither looked very inviting although we could pick out a route. We had always planned to stop here and have our lunch, indulge in some photos then make our way back to the Slig for the Glamaig hill race.  

View down Glen Sligachan from lunch spot

Red Cuillin, Glamaig on LHS

Classic Cuillin view

Good cameras carted up the hill today, notice the difference. 
Just made it down in time for the start of the race. Met a few competitors warming up as we were walking back. This race is almost vertical after the first mile. A long line of coloured dots on the hill with a duck race back at the river to distract the watchers. A good commentary from the hotel kept us informed of progress. The first runner was back in under 47 minutes. Four miles, two of which are straight up and down. He was ahead of the field by almost 5 minutes. Muddy, bloody legs were par for the course, after all that rain the previous day it must have been a bog fest in places. In the meantime, my duck managed fourth place so I am now the owner of a Slig t-shirt with DILLIGAF nicely embroidered on the back. Look it up, we had to!

On the croft, we are trying out different plants. Herbs growing well, apart from Basil. Flower seeds scattered and the plants we got from Shona are planted and seem to be thriving. Considering raised beds, poly tunnels, fruit trees and bushes and which areas to plant in.
Then there's a return trip to the Old Man planned, Skye Highland Games, otter spotting and the elusive eagles / sea eagles, the fairy glen (after the tourists have gone) plus the Quiraing. Haven't even been to the north of the island yet. We regularly see a pair of large birds of prey across the loch but have been unable to identify them. Wedding anniversary coming up so perhaps we will treat ourselves to a decent pair of binoculars.

The SHED has now been assembled and the loft and the utility room are once again useable storage space and clean and organised. It is a beauty of a shed, designed to withstand the rigours of Skye weather. Gary can confirm this as he helped to offload the lorry and was "mate" for the assembly. Looking good.

A sturdy shed on a blue sky day

Log store section, protected from the prevailing winds and rain

  Skye Living, can't beat it. The adventure continues .......