Day 4
Day 4 - Outer Hebrides
A gloomy and wet start to the day did not prevent me from getting out early this morning.
After a hearty breakfast, I headed out to do the Udal walk. A coastal walk of about 11 kms. About 3 kms in, the rain started. Initially just a drizzle, I was soon getting the cover for my pack out. Grateful for the raincoat I bought at Cradle Mountain a number of years ago, I managed to stay dry above the waist and headed back to my accomodation, having clocked up 6 kms.
Having left the window open when I headed out, I came back to a visit by a bird, who had decided to leave their mark!
Given the weather, I decided to jump in the car and head to Benbecula to visit a Hebridean craft and gift shop. I am looking for a few Harris Tweed items, but there were none to be had today!
Jumping back in the car I decided to drive and stop where I saw brown tourist signs. First stop was the Grimsay Community Heritage Centre for an Americano (long black). A lovely spot to stop and reflect. The coffee was good (as long as you don’t covert the cost).
Grimsay (Griomsaigh) is a tidal island connected to North Uist and Benbecula that measures four miles (6.4 kms) long and two miles (3.2 kms) wide.
Next stop, Trinity Temple, a historic ruin listed as of European significance and possibly Scotland’s oldest University. The building is the remains
of a medieval monastery and college founded
by Beathag, daughter of Somerled. The
building has been extended up to the 16th
century but destroyed after the Reformation.
Again restored in the 16th Century by Dotair Ban and recently renovated in 2011.
There are sheep everywhere you go in the Outer Hebrides and the road and paths belong to them. Again, you cannot and should not be in a hurry in the Outer Hebrides!
The next stop was Barpa Langass, a 5,000-year-old burial chamber thought to be the burial place of a Neolithic Chieftan.
Back in the car and headed for Lochmaddy, the largest settlement on North Uist. Gluten free scampi (langoustine tails) and chips at the Lochmaddy Hotel with a ginger beer hit the spot for lunch.
Super wet today - so headed back to my bed and breakfast for a quiet afternoon. Did not want to spend the whole day in the car and it was too wet to head out again.
Enjoyed a quiet afternoon reading and relaxing.
Still managed to clock over 11 kms today, even though I did not get the 11 kms in this morning. Happy with that!
Heading to the Isle of Skye tomorrow.
This featured blog entry was written by Cruicksie from the blog Skanky Goes Solo.
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