Hi from the Outer Hebriedes

[dbozkurt]

Where do you stay? at the camp site at Liniclate? I do recommend you try the Autumn, the Whooper Swans have arrived and their are flocks of Redwinds everywhere. I have had a few weeks off work so have been (weather permiting) walking around the hills and bogs (100mm above average rain fall in October). Its back to the bright lights (stornoway) Monday but I will be back most weekends. I will continue to look out for a red camper and I hope you have many more wonderful years visiting. May I ask what's your favourite part of the island?

Nice to hear from you Debbie

[John D]

Welcome to WAB, Debbie. Hope you enjoy it.
John D

[PMG]

Hello again Debbie - read your post elsewhere about the snowy owl - there was one last year I think at Balranald but we didn't see it! When you think about all the pale rocks on the reserve I think we probably walked past without noticing it!

Favourite bits . . . well . . . where would you like me to start?! Poss by a short nose Rubh Ardvule on South Uist because of all the nesting birds in such a small space. I've sat on the little turn around car park at the end of the road with a cuppa in my hand and watched ringed plover go back on its nest, gannets fly past and over my head in rough weather. A male hen harrier one year came down off the hills and flew round the camper - obviously looking to surprise some wader or chick for his tea. . . We know the storms have cut off the road now at Dulan Bay which is such a shame as the vehicle made a good hide to watch all the nests from.

We normally stay with Katie and Allan at Shellbay but when we take both mothers we have stayed in self catering crofts which can be nice if the weather isn't so good. This last June we had the worst holiday ever - losing 9 out of 12 days to bad weather - very frustrating.

Look forward to hearing tales from the isles and seeing pics!

Pauline

[dbozkurt]

Hi PMG

This picture was taken 2 weeks after the storm and you can see what damage was done. Was at Rubha Aird a Mhuile a couple of weeks ago and it was pretty grim, we have had a lot of rain and it was difficult to get around the headland to the trig point. Not too many birds mostly Oyster Catchers but their were a pair of seals in the bay below the Dun which I watched for about 1/2hr. I love the east cost of Benbecula its so peaceful, My partner and I walked across to Roisinis.....through endless peat bogs until you come to large Sand Dunes (very rare on east). This is where Bonnie Prince Charles and Flora rowed over the sea to Skye.......whats so great is not many people get there you feel like you are the only ones on the island, just incredible scenary.

If you are up this way do contact me....it is so interesting to here of other peoples thoughts on the islands.

Debbie

[canny]

So nice to hear from other Outer Hebrides lovers. I feel as though I am going home when I get on the Cal Mac ferry at Uig. (Haggis tatties & neeps for lunch, yum) It's a couple of years since I was there now but have been on lots of holidays over the last 20 or so years.Camping in the early years but now self catering. I cannot pick a favorite island, all have their own different charm. Have stayed on every island from Barra to Lewis. Had a wonderful holiday on Scalpay off Harris and I had great views of an Otter family. Love chasing the Corncrakes on Uist. We go usually in May when weather is usually pretty good and sometimes has been amazing.
Also holidayed on Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Skye, Islay & Mull.
Feeling homesick now

[dbozkurt]

They are lovely islands, I must admit I have never been to Coll, Tiree and Islay. Have been to Mull....lovely but too many trees.

Although the weather is bad at the moment (sustained 30 miles wind for 3 days) that brings its own nature watch, i.e. I love the waves crashing on the rocks and beaches. Got to take ferry to work tomorrow so hope it doesn't get any stronger!

Not too much haggis on the Island, have you tried Charlie Macleod award winning Black Pudding from Stornoway he has just been awarded a gold star for it. Charles MacLeod - Makers of Stornoway Black Pudding

Now hungry off to find dinner Debbie

[RobSutton]

Like a lot of you I too love the Hebrides - as to my favourite at this time of year it has to be Islay. Stunning seascapes, 50,000 geese, otters eagles and if the weather's bad there are always the distilleries to try.

[mikemarsden]

Hello Debbie

Welcome to WAB, you'll find it's a great place to meet similar minded folk, and post your mud spattered photos!

Rgds
Mike.

[PMG]

Just found this post and pic Debbie - yes it was like that but getting overgrown when we came in June. Such a shame - I did so love driving to the end and sitting with a brew and just watching all the nesting activity. I don't know anywhere else easier to reach and sit and see a birds family life than here - about 8 - 10 species could be in view and with the camper as a hide/blind the birds almost forget you're there.

I know just what Canny means when (?he/she sorry no indication of which!) talks about going home when boarding the ferry (and I'm not a Scot - except maybe in my mind?!) I'm so full of anticipation outbound - I feel I can take really deep easy breaths. . . . Coming home is the downside - I always start to cry when they cast off and I keep it up until Loch Boisdale has sunk from view. . .

Pauline

[dbozkurt]

I know what you mean sometimes the beauty of it just gives you goose bumps. Travelled to work this morning over the Sound of Harris through Tarbet. Just pass tarbet saw a hoodie seeing off a buzzard....they just don't care. Not many birds across the sound today just a few divers it was too cold and windy to sit outside and the windows were a touch grubby. Whilst I was waiting for my bus at Harris the seagulls were playing in the wind, no scavenging in bins for the gulls up here.

I stay at Mary Bank just out side Stornoway in the week with the enterance to the castle grounds opposite. In the summer months I walk to work early with my camera to get that shot of birds you normally don't see in the Hebrides, like gold finches. Too dark now but I still take it to work as I work opposite the ferry terminal in the NHS building and I take a walk around the marina in my lunch break weather permitting to see what the winds blown in.

Take Care

Debbie