That's fine say the RSPB and SNH

The RSPB and SNH have dropped objections to a proposed wind farm on Lewis following Lewis Wind Power's decision to reduce the number of turbines from 42 to 36. This reduction apparently significantly reduces the threat to golden eagles and red throated divers. Really? One of the best decisons I ever made was to stop my membership of the RSPB. The article is here

Olympic Torch

The Olympic Torch passed through the village this morning.

Tuesday 5 June - Ben Suardal

I often find views from low hills superior to those from their higher brethern. Certainly the prospect of Bla Bheinn from diminutive Ben Suardal was exceptional today, the view across Strath Suardal to the rounded granite hills of Beinn na Caillich, Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag no less so.

Orchids, mountain aven, tormentil, dog violet, butterwort, birdsfoot- trefoil, tufted vetch and moss campion were all spotted (by Lynne mainly) on our way to the summit. Ben Suardal has the biggest expanse of Durness Limestone in Britain and some 63 million years ago molten volcanic rock combined with it to form Skye Marble, mined locally for 200 years.

A short descent brought us to Cill Chriosd where Lynne indulged her interest in such things before we walked the Marble Railway Path back to the motorcaravan. Next time on Skye, when the weather is a bit indifferent, we'll take the path to Boreraig and Suisnish on Loch Eishort, an area brutally cleared in the mid-19th century by Lord MacDonald's factors.






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Sunday 3 June - Healabhal Bheag

We set off on foot from the site taking the minor road which skirts Loch Follart then crossed the moor, dry for once, to Cnoc-na-Sgath. From here we followed a wandering line over the bumps of Beinn Bhuidhe and An Cruachan until below the steep SE slopes of Healabhal Bheag. At the top of these slopes a grassy gully exits west of the rock prow, which is in view for most of the approach, then a short walk leads to the trig point.

Today we could just make out St Kilda; the Cuillin across wild Loch Bracadale filled the view south;
the Outer Hebrides were crystal clear; that towards Trotternish was degraded by turbines. An occasional cloud cover and strong NE wind combined to make the western end of the small plateau a cold place for a lunch stop, but it was as good as any.

MacLeod's Tables, Healabhal Mhor (469m) and Healabhal Bheag (488m) ,named not in accordance with height but size, make an enjoyable circuit amid some of the most varied scenery on Skye. I spent thirty years during which Skye meant only one thing: The Cuillin. A belated visit to Struan in 2001, visiting the graves of those great Cuillin pioneers Norman Collie and John MacKenzie, introduced me to the wild and dramatic north west corner of this magical island. Don't make the same mistake by waiting so long.

Alan R - excellent post. This brought back memories (though not of the kilted fellow) even though we did Corserine in winter. Same cold wind! Sounds a grand day out - and no midges. Enjoy the rest of your trip. It's a lot quieter than Skye which is packed.

Phil R - sorry BB won't allow me to comment directly on your blog. What a fabulous day to climb such a peak as your first Munro and first Scottish hill. You'll remember this day when you 'compleat' and register with the SMC! Save an equally good one for last.

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Friday 1 June - Skye

Now on Skye for a few days.

The Cuillin are looking magnificent but, being a bank holiday weekend,they'll be busy so we won't be treading their summits for a few days yet, if at all.

Instead there are headlands to walk, the odd lower hill to explore and sea cliffs to visit. I'm also hopeful that the beautiful yacht, 'Sleat Lady', which I covet in my dreams, anchors in the loch tonight!

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