Wednesday 18 September: It’s the northernmost tip of Skye, accessible only by a very steep and exposed “path” down the cliff face. Lots of people park at the end of the Shulista road and walk along the excellent path to the cliff top, look down and decide to visit the ex-coastguard bothy on top of Meall Tuath instead.  I’ve been to the bothy three times this year, on longer walks where the visit to Rubha Hunish would be too much for a short outing. Today I’m descending! It’s barely a mile from the cliff top to the tip of the island, but a full two hours have elapsed by the time I’m back at the top (I’d have been walking in total darkness on my January and February visits). Skye’s roads are very busy with visitors, but for those two hours, I have the little Hunish peninsula to myself – paradise! That monster cruise liner can hold over 4,000 passengers. I know where I’d rather be on this beautiful sunny day!

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Low cloud and drizzle all day, despite the forecast. The rain stopped about 5pm; around 6pm it was looking a little brighter. It’s now or never, if I want a walk with the camera. The golden eagle was a bonus; so was a hare, but he was too quick for me…

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Monday 24 June: Last chance of a leg stretch before we take to the road tomorrow – a short stroll onto the hilltop above Heribusta. It’s not a great evening. I’m fortunate to see a little sunshine, but I could easily get wet too. Sunshine and showers = rainbows!

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As mentioned in yesterday’s post, Sunday’s weather was much more friendly – bright, some pleasant sunshine, and sufficient breeze to keep the midges away… I’ve walked this circular route a couple of times recently – it’s the first few miles of the Skye Trail, linking the small car park at the Shulista road end with Kilmaluag old churchyard, or Cladh. As there’s space at the former, I’ll start there – and walk the route anti-clockwise, to get the road walk done first (it’s not bad – not much traffic this afternoon).

Once off the road, the walk is very enjoyable, passing the old settlement (now home to lots of rabbits) and cairn at Dunvannarain on its grassy ridge. Soon I’m at the cliff edge, and the coastal scenery is spectacular as far as the bothy (a former coastguard look-out) on Meall Tuath. After the compulsory choc-stop (there’s a perfectly-placed bench), the return to the start is easy and pleasant – a well-trodden way, much improved in recent years, with great views to the western coastline of Trotternish, the sea sparkling in the sunshine.

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It’s no great height – 299m, according to the Ordnance Survey – but it’s high enough on (yet another) windy day. Fortunately there are some comfortable rocks, perfect for a chocolate stop, just to the leeward side of the summit. Before I take to the hill, I’m walking along the road from Uig to the Quiraing. Judging by the number of cars, SUVs, camper vans and minibuses on this narrow road, it will be horribly busy there. Reieval may not be quite so scenic (or well-known), but it’s a great place to sit and survey the scene – and there’s no-one else there.

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…after the rain. A short walk on the longest day…
As forecast, conditions were fit for a leg-stretch in the evening – from the village hall down to the slip at Camus More. There’s no sunshine (not much light at all!), but there’s colour here and there. The camper vans have been passing in the dozens, but I’ve got this little corner of Skye to myself this evening.

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