L2L Day 93 Tarbert to Scaladale - 10 miles

I'd planned to split the 35 mile final stretch of the Hebridean Way to Stornoway into three days. The first was to a hostel / hut at Scaladale at a point close to the administrative divide between Harris and Lewis. We hadn't worked out the reason why Lewis and Harris have been historically separate other than a difference in topography - Harris is mountainous whereas Lewis is low and watery - though as we set off from Tarbert, it was hard to imagine anywhere MORE watery.

The first mile or so out of Tarbert in the rain was along the road - never our favourite.



However there were distractions along the way

We picked up a sandwich from the little Deli at the harbour and almost had to negotiate over its ownership with an insistent robin.


The climate clearly suits the fuchsia


As we'd left Dover in March, I remember my attention being caught by the prospect of doing the journey on a shiny new mobility scooter. Well, this one had clearly seen some action!!


Having steamed our way up to the top of the hill, at a point where the trail left the road, there was a merciful break in the rain.



Walking along the banks of Lochannan Lacasdail, 


I met Kim with her 2 year old pet Border Collies -  Saorsa (Gallic for freedom) and Breagha (the blue eyed one, Gallic for pretty)

Kim was out training the dogs and demonstrated to me how different their two characters were. Wonderful to watch.

Originally from Edinburgh, Kim had brought up her family in Drumnadrochit before moving to Harris a few years ago. 

I asked whether they were Welsh Border Collies but No No! they're proudly Scottish!!




Life is amazing - How is it, that whenever you fancy stopping for a flask of coffee, a convenient bench presents itself ??? Admittedly, a bit of a damp and soggy one in this case but a bench nonetheless. 




Clouds had descended menacingly and the promised 40mph squalls were definitely starting to make their presence felt.




The trail stretched ahead over Braigh an Ruisg and it was definitely time to 'hold on to your hats'!




Safely over the otherside, we could see An Cliseam to our left - at over 2600ft, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, shrouded in thick cloud.



At least we had some shelter from the strong following breeze but it didn't take long for the rain to start.



An earlier walker must have had a near Biblical experience and cast aside his walking boots. Either that or his blisters had got the better of him.


....if anyone's looking for a pair of Size 9s ???

It was in a brief break in the rain that we both spotted a white tailed eagle just ahead of us. A fabulous sight. It was in view for just a few seconds before disappearing over the brow.  I tried and failed to get a photograph but were told afterwards that there are eagles in the vicinity.


Then as quickly as the eagle had disappeared, the rain came on again and this time it meant it!



The trail dropped down on the road which we then followed for another 2 miles to the Scaladale centre. Drenched!

We had just under an hour to wait so let ourselves in and made some tea for ourselves and two other couples  - Swiss walkers  and South African cyclists who'd just arrived in the rain. After a good chat Sally and I stepped outside for thankfully only a few minutes before the bus arrived and we were dropped outside our B&B in Baille Ailein. 

Dry at last! 

My chosen charity this year is Medecins sans Frontieres, here's a link to my JustGiving page which should take you straight there

Comments

  1. Kim, Harris1 July 2026 at 07:11

    It was lovely meeting you that dreitch morning! Amazing pics - glad you paid homage to the dogs Gaelic names, ha! What an amazing experience + cause you're making (just made a wee contribution). Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David's 2022 Walk1 July 2026 at 10:48

      Many thanks Kim. It was great to meet you all. I enjoyed our conversation by the Loch.

      Delete

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