Sgurr na Stri

Stayed at the Sligachan Campsite on Skye for a few days, glorious weather, sunny, warm with a good midge deterring breeze, Walkhighlands had what looked like a good run from the campsite to Sgurr na Stri, with what was meant to be some of the best views in Britain, route guide said 14 miles and 1800' of ascent, turned out over 15 miles with 2700' of ascent, but the views were good! Reasonably flat for the first and last 5 miles, the 5 miles in the middle had most of the ascent. Good breeze but still hot, crossed lots of streams and used them to soak/cool my hat/head. A few walkers out as well. The first part of the climb is up and over the shoulder of Sgurr Hain then a rocky traverse to Sgur na Stri, walked quite a lot of this section taking care over the rocks and taking in the views to the surrounding hills Loch Coruisk and the stunning Black Cuillin Ridge, a 6 mile chain of rocky peaks and spires. The last climb up to Sgurr na Stri steep but thankfully short, with a short jog along the top to the summit. Took inb the views with a few pictures which don't do it justice then set off for the return, slow traverse across to Sgurr Hain then the trail back to Sligachan, tired for the last couple of miles but happy.

Loch Garbad and Eas Mor from Seal Bay

Another weekend away, a long postponed ferry trip mean we chose Arran, after a night in Brodick we set off for Seal Bay Campsite at Kildonan, found a shortish trail to Loch Garbad on Walking The Highlands, 5 or 6 miles, the first and last mile on the road, although I saw a few paths that could have reduced that. The trail starts beside a cafe with a sort drop over a bridge/river then a steep climb beside a stream, the trail passes a tikki style outdoor bar then a small cottage called The Library, its internal walls and roof covered in messages, notes and stories left by the visitors along with a few books. the trail exits the forest and climbs gently for another mile or so then a short steep grassy path that tops out at the loch, a narrow path seemed to skirt the loch but I turned back towards the forest, took a path down the other side of the stream passing the Eas Mor waterfall, impressive height even if there wasn't much water, back on the road for a mile or so running through the village of Kildonan and its impressive beach side properties.

 

Lismore

High winds forecast for the hills, chose a low route today, a 9 mile loop round the north end of the Isle of  Lismore. Found the route on walkinghighlands website. I had walked some of it a few years ago but downloaded the gpx file from their website as I was going a few extra miles over ground I hadn't been on, Worked well, only a couple of minor route issues and the app tells you when you go off course. Got the ferry over from Port Appin to Point, ran round the coast anti clockwise to Port Ramsay then on to Castle Coeffin, from there run across the island and back up to Point via Tirefour Broch. A mixture of coastal paths, fields, farm tracks and a couple of miles on the road back to Point. A couple of eagles soaring up prompted the camera to come out the bag, too late to catch them, the scenery was good. Weather showery to start and as I forgot my jacket fashioned a makeshift wind and waterproof layer from a large plastic shopping bag. Worked well enough to keep me comfortable. Finished in about 2 1/2 hours so had a half hour wait for the next ferry back to Port Appin.