L2L Day 92 Seilibost to Tarbert - 9 miles

What a change in the weather!!! A beautiful, perfect day for walking.

After a relaxed breakfast, we caught the bus Southwards so that we could walk the section we weren't tempted to do in yesterday's rain.  

We were dropped off at Ardvay Road end and once away from the sound of any traffic it was beautifully silent apart from the almost constant birdsong.

Particularly the Meadow pipits

The trail was well signposted and despite yesterday's rain, the ground was generally firm underfoot.

We came upon the remains of a blackhouse


and nearby another abandoned house which looked as though gables had been added at some point. 



With no hearthstone or chimneys, I assumed this had also been a blackhouse at some point.


The house would have had wonderful views out into the bay

and the surrounding land.


This part of the trail, known as the Scholars path was a switchback, well marked, and well drained with simple robust bridges over the many streams.


When we'd found a convenient bench with views for a flask of coffee, 

we spotted a pipe laying ship which with a little Googling, we found was heading for Algeciras. A different world.


Half an hour later later, there it was again.


Walking all day seems to give a much stroger awareness of all the colours in the landscape. 


and as the early afternoon progressed, the sky cleared, giving some beautiful colours in the lochans.




and a Painted Lady


Now! Where was I ??


We found the only other bench to stop for our picnic lunch


Lesser spearwort


By the same stream,, a male Emperor Dragonfly

We arrived back in Tarbert just as the ferry from Skye approached the harbour. 


For supper, we had a seafood platter of langoustines, scallops, mussels, and monkfish  all of which had been caught within a 20 mile radius. We chatted to the owner afterwards. He told us that he dives all year round for the scallops at depths of up to 30m and showed us how to count the 'annular rings' to judge the age. Apparently anything over 8 is worth harvesting.

On the way back from the restaurant, we were distracted by the persistent call of a Redstart. (Wasn't able to get the best picture)


Back at the hotel for a wee dram, we spoke to Ruth, a 'waitress' who'd been working since 7 this morning and has just succesfully completed her 2nd year studying medicine at Aberdeen. Impressive! 

After a very enjoyable day - one of the best on the islands so far, sleep was beckoning.


Comments

  1. Barrie27 June 2026 at 20:53

    One can see the beautiful hues of Harris reflected in it's tweeds. A wonderful transportable momento.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk1 July 2026 at 10:50

      They are amazing colours though I don't think you'll be seeing me in a 3 piece Harris tweed suit quite yet!

      Delete

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