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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I believe it was a TV programme? No, this is a walk on the north side of Uig bay, via Idrigill to the headland of Creagile. Along the way, there are good views of the pier and the Hebrides, loading for its departure to Tarbert, Harris. Up on the headland, there’s a stiff breeze – the views may be great, but it’s not easy to hold the camera still.
Rather than retracing my steps all the way, I return via the playing fields and the woodlands by the shore, to admire once again the amazing lichen-clad trees.

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