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Writer's pictureHolly

Western Isles Tour 2022

Recently, my wife and I visited the Western Isles of Scotland for the first time. Taking the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Barra, it would be a two week journey to discover a part of our homeland we had never seen. It's fair to say that this time of holiday isn't about seeking the sun and lazing on a beach, though we were lucky to get a few days when we could do that, but really it was about seeing the sights and watching the wildlife.


The ferry crossing took over five hours and, yup, we headed into a storm. With sick bags at hand, passengers headed for quiet spots while others (including myself) photographed or videoed the rollercoaster ride that lasted about an hour. Giant waves crashed into the ship and worrying sounds could be heard from below deck where the vehicles were stored (which was much ado about nothing as they were secure) with loud banging noises causing concern.

The movement of the ferry was extreme as it veered down into the gaping hole as the waves continued to crash in and around, but during the journey we cauht sight of an Orca heading in the opposite direction followed by a group of dolphins but, unfortunately, it was too unsteady to be able to take any photos but it was a lovely sight all the same.


Isle of Barra


Eventually we arrived at the small island of Barra, famous for the 1950s film Whisky Galore about the crates of whisky washed to shore from a shipwreck. The island is tiny but the beaches would be a taster for what was to come.


We had arrived on the Saturday afternoon and were only going to be on the island for two nights, but it was long enough to get settled, see some of the sights, rest after the long journey and get our bearings.


We were told Vatersay Beach was the place to go. It was a Sunday and, like most of the islands, nothing much would be open, so we drove down the short distance to see for ourselves.



Vatersay Beach and it's pure white sands.


The beach was stunning, though looks could be deceiving. This was no Mediterranean. The water was clear blue and inviting but I was going to stay filmly on terra firma.



The view from Vatersay, looking south.


The other thing to note about the islands is the wind. It is a permanent feature (or was when we there there). No need for a dryer here. It does wonders for your skin.


Local Life

Living in an exposed land that is open to the elements the buildings tended to be bungalows on open ground. Old and disused cars, tractors, boats and coaches would be scattered to the four winds across all the islands. Rusting remnants left to nature to take care of.



Old crofts were maintained piecemeal with corrugated metal sheets covering gaps, rotting away in a futile attempt against the weather. Some looked uninhabited and only useful to the wildlife.



An old house looks uninhabited and falling apart.


From there, we drove up to Barra airport where the planes use the beach as the landing strip. Ideal if you are just carrying some light baggage but if, like us, you needed enough to last a couple of weeks, then a car was a necessity and hired cars were hard to come by but it was nice to go over and watch one landing and leaving.



Plane taking off from Barra Airport


Obviously there's a lot of wildlife across the islands, so it didn't take long for the birds to appear. The sight of a gaggle of geese wandering up the hill opposite our bothy was a pleasant surprise. The mother and her young were quick to waddle as far from me as possible.



A gaggle of geese across from our pod heading to the hills


South Uist


Time to head for South Uist and catch the ferry to Eriskay then drive up to our pod near Minngearraidh.


Calmac, as most people know, have been having problems with ferries so it didn't come as a surprise to get a text saying the ferry was broken and they had a smaller replacement. Those who would NOT be getting on the ferry would receive a text! Thankfully we didn't receive the dreaded text and we were off to the next island.


This was a much shorter journey (about 40 minutes) and the run up to our next residence only took half an hour (there's only one main road running the length of the island).



Arriving at South Uist


If the wind seemed strong in Barra, it was blowing a hoolie here. No trees and the Atlantic to drive the wind in, but we were lucky that the sun shone most days and slowly the temperature rose to a balmy 18 degrees.


There were plenty of good walks to take, in particular the RSPB by Loch Druidibeag where we went looking for eagles.



Loch Druidibeag

Loch Druidibeag


The terrain was a spongey moorland so good waterproof footwear was definately required and you had to stick to the designated path. The plantlife is a microcosm with everything low to the ground but there were flowers everywhere.


Bog Cotton (or Cotton Grass) was everywhere. The texture was just like cotton to the touch.



Bog Cotton Plant

Bog Cotton


Small pink flower

Plantlife was extremely small to cope with the weather.



Bird sits on rock surrounded by heather

The boggy landscape seemed ideal for the birds.


We drove on west to Lochskipport where the road ends, facing east towards the mainland. Islands are plotted everywhere and we watched as a boat headed out towards the fish farms that are common on the islands.



A boat heads out to sea towards the fish farms.

A boat heads out to sea towards the fish farms.




Islands are plotted everywhere in the distance.

Islands are plotted everywhere in the distance.


Turning back, we headed west to the main road. It had been a good three hours walking and we were ready for a bite to eat but not before passing bye the wild ponies that roam the lands, reminding me of a trip to the New Forrest many years before.



Wild ponies eat the grass.

Wild ponies eat the grass, a foal amongst them.


Flora MacDonald's Birthplace

Almost diagonally across from where we stayed was the birthplace of Flora MacDonald. We had previously visited her grave on the Isle of Skye so this kind of completed the circle. A tall cairn-like structure stood in the middle with a plaque surrounded by the stones that made up the shape of the croft with a gap to where the doorway would have been.



Plaque explaining the birthplace of Flora MacDonald

Plaque explaining the birthplace of Flora MacDonald



Flora MacDonald's croft

The remains of the croft where Flora MacDonald lived.




View from Flora MacDonald's birthplace

A view that has probably changed little since she was a child (minus the house and pylons, of course)


Isle of Lewis

We left South Uist and headed on north to the Isle of Lewis and Harris and this time there were no problems with the ferry, which would be taking from Berneray to Leverburgh.



Arriving in the port of Leverburgh

Leverburgh in the distance.


Once we were off the ferry we were desperate to get a bite to eat and it didn't take long to find a fantastic cafe/restaurant with adjoining craft shops to stop at. The cafe had a veranda that looked over Scarista Beach which was just jaw dropping to view.



Scarista Beach on the Isle of Harris

Scarista Beach on the Isle of Harris


The wind had eased up and the sun was out and so was nice to sit back and just enjoy the scenery without a care in the world.


Mangersta


On we headed to Mangersta on the west coast where we had a pod lined up and hosted by a lady by the name of Tosh. She was an absolute delight and I would highly recommend (you can view it here on airbnb) if you ever think of visiting.


It was about a two hour drive from the ferry but the roads were good, so it was a dawddle. Beaches stretched all the way up the west coast with a cove near to where we stayed. A local store and petrol station were nearby and I always made sure the tank was full.


As soon as we arrive, we dumped the cases and headed straight out for a walk to the cove with the coastline to our right. There's nothing like sea air to cleanse the head. It was beautiful.



View from our pod

The view from our pod in Mangersta



Stacks hug the coastline

Stacks hug the coastline


Reaching the hilltop, we could look over to the cove and the stacks out at sea. Ahead stood a tall cairn with the mountains in the background. That'd make a lovely photo.



Cairn on the hilltop with mountains in background

A cairn sits atop a hill with the mountains in the background


Our meander took us across the sandy beach and we continued till we arrived at the road which supposedly would take us back around to our pod, so we continued on up the road. We'd been walking for nearly an hour and started to think maybe we had taken the wrong route. We seemed to be walking further from our pod. Anxiety set in that maybe we were going the wrong way and, with the tide starting to come in, we'd be caught on the wrong side and end up walking for miles.


So we doubled back. We might be able to cross the cove beach before it was too late. It was all downhill towards the beach, so back we went only to notice a herd of deer watching us. Suddenly we realised they were everywhere.



Wild deer on the hills

Wild deer watching us


Herd of deer on the hill

Deer on the hilltop


Eventually we got back to the pod, knackered. We'd only intended to go for a short walk and ended up being out for hours.


The Blackhouse and the Callenish Stones


The next day we wanted to really pack a lot in. We had a plan. We'd be travelling up the west of the island and there were a few places to try and see. Our journey would take us up as far as Arnol then from there we'd head back south and visit the locations we wanted to see. The sun was out and there was a mild breeze. Perfect conditions.



Map of journey up the west coast of Lewis

Map from Mangersta to Arnol


Arnol is literally a street that comes to a dead end. A few houses are plotted around and the path leads out to a cliff edge. The house, with a small shop for buying your ticket, is run by Historic Environment Scotland.



A typical Blackhouse in the Western Isles

A typical Blackhouse.


Explanation of the Blackhouse:

The floor was generally flagstones or packed earth and there was a central hearth for the fire. There was no chimney for the smoke to escape through. Instead the smoke made its way through the roof. This led to the soot blackening of the interior which may also have contributed to the adoption of name blackhouse.



Interior of a Blackhouse

Interior of a Blackhouse where the peat is stored.



Hearth inside a Blackhouse
Hearth inside a Blackhouse


Blackhouse with raised wall and blocks of peat

Blackhouse with raised wall to protect from the elements. Piles of peat lie to the side.



Entrance to the Blackhouse

Entrance to the Blackhouse


Opposite the Blackhouse stood the remnants of original houses. The one thing you notice is how low they are and how small the people must have been.



Exterior of old Blackhouse

Exterior of original Blackhouse



A perspective on the height of the doorway

An illustration of how low the doorway is.


Adjacent to the original Blackhouses stood another old house but this one was designed and laid out as if from the 50s/60s. As you entered, you stepped back in time and there were many recognisable items that I remember seeing at my grandparents. A bar of Fairy Soap, a metal bread bin which apparently are worth over £50 these days (supporting my theory that you should never chuck anything away.



Fireplace in old house

Interior of 50s/60s house


Fireplace in old house

A small bed behind the curtains


From the street you could then walk out over the moorland to the cliff edge where another RSPB site was located. A popular place for bird watchers. Again, there was a signed path to follow but typically there was a couple ahead of us who had digressed from the path and were walking towards a small loch to get a closer look. There they were trudging over the land oblivious to any damage they might be doing to the plantlife and, in all probability, clearing any birds that might be there as they verged closer!


We headed across to the cliff where we could watch the birds nesting on the stacks.



Birds nesting on the stacks


Gulls nesting on the cliffs

The white plummage of the birds nesting on the rocks gives away their spot.


It had already been a fair bit of walking so we were ready to head towards our next destination and stop of for something to eat.


At Garenin, just south of Arnol, stands another Blackhouse village but this is much larger, with some of the houses available to rent. The village was more populated with visitors than Arnol and there was a nice cafe to replenish after the walking.



Houses in the Blackhouse Village

The Blackhouse village which also offered holiday accommodation

Close-up of the houses in the village

Narrow paths between the Blackhouses

View out to sea from the Blackhouse Village

View out to sea from the Blackhouse Village


It was easy to imagine what life must have been like all those years ago, but a hard life. Very picturesque in the summer but it must have been wild in the winters. I'm not sure I could have lived that life.


The Callanish Stones


Our next stop was the Callanish Stones. Older than the pyramids, I'm told which is just mind blowing! The good thing about visiting them is that, unlike Stonehenge, you can still walk right up to them and touch. I guess some people get very 'spiritual' when they are there but, again, it's just awesome to be standing there by such ancient monuments and try to imagine when it all began.



Callanish Stones landscape

The Callanish Stones stand tall

Close up of the Callanish Stones

We'd had a good venture through the Blackhouses and the Callanish Stones, so it was time to continue south to Reef Beach: one of many stunning beaches in the area.


Reef Beach is one of the larger beaches and it was nice just to relaxe after all our walking. Small islands could be seen off shore and the water was emerald blue and as clear as glass.



The surf comes in on Reef Beach

The surf comes in on Reef Beach



Reef Beach, Isle of Lewis

Reef Beach stretches across with clear blue water as clear as glass


Cliff Beach offered a good spot for surfers and there were a few challenging the waves. I'd been told that surfers from Hawaii had visited and discovered the need for wetsuits.



A surfer at Cliff Beach

A surfer holds his balance at Cliff Beach

A surfer holds his balance at Cliff Beach



The waves crash towards a bird walking on the sand

The waves crash towards a bird walking on the sand.



Bird stands on a rock as the wave crashes over

A bird stands on the rock as a wave crashes over


We'd packed a lot into the day and we were ready to head back. I was satisfied I'd managed to get a lot of photos and we'd learnt a lot about the island.


The Golden Road

It was a Sunday and nothing was open, so we decided to take a run down the Golden Road. Now they may call it that but it's anything but 'golden'.



Map of the Golden Road on the Isle of Lewis

Map showing the route of the Golden Road


Single track road for most of the journey, it winds up and down and in and out with hardly a place where you can stop. It would be a brave soul who took a journey through this land in a large camper van (and we passed one making the journey, so it is possible). Make sure your car is filled with petrol, especially on a Sunday (although when we got to Leverburgh there was a self service petrol pump).


It was certainly picturesque but there was only one spot where I managed to find a decent place to park and take some photos, but the weather was grim this day so it seemed more like an endurance test than a relaxing Sunday run. Still, we did it and it could be ticked off as an achievement.


View from the Golden Road with islands in the distance

Looking out from the Golden Road


On we continued till we came to the gothic St. Clement's Church in Rodel. Built in the late 15th century for the chiefs of Clan McLeod, it is 'atmospheric' with it's stone carvings on the wall and a staircase that leads up the tower. Good and evil are prominent in the messaging of the carvings which, I guess, went into putting the fear of God in the locals.



St Clements Church in Rodel

St. Clement's Church on the Golden Road

Stone carving of an angel and a demon

Stone carving of an angel and a demon with the angel holding a sword



Headstone depicting a tall ship

Whoever this headstone was for, it was probably a sailor


We continued, circling around the south of the island and back up the west coast on the same journey when we originally arrived on the island. We had gone full circle and seen a fair amount of the south of the island and Harris.


West Coast Sea Trip and Birds A Plenty


We took the opportunity to take a trip out to sea on a rib trip (power boat) to catch the wildlife. It was a couple of hours hugging the coastline. I hoped we might see some dolphins in passing but it was not to be, but we were taken to some nice spots and were able to watch a variety of birds (I'm no expert but Shags, Cormorants and Gannets were the most common) and we got good sightings of large groups of seals. My zoom lense came in handy for some of the photos I took.



Seal lies on a seaweed covered rock

Seal with newborn pup

Seal with a newborn pup which had only been born earlier that day and not even ventured into the water.



Three seals on the rocks

One seal in the water and another three on the rocks

We're being watched



Young seal pup with mother on the rocks

A young seal rolls in the seaweed


We headed towards a cave and the smell of the birds just hit you.

Large cave to enter from the sea

A large cave like something out of a fantasy movie


The cave was filled with Shags and Cormorants. It was obviously breeding time with lots of chicks feeding.

A Shag cranes it's neck as it looks out from a rock

A Shag cranes it's neck as it looks for potential food.



Birds nesting with chicks

Chicks with their parents in their nest.



A Gannet flies close to the water

Gannet flying close to the water (not an easy shot with the boat and bird moving)



Cormorant flies past

A cormorant flies past our boat



Gannets catching fish

Gannets catching fish from the sea



Flock of geese swim by

A large flock of geese swim past



A large hole in the rock face looking through to a landscape behind


Heron standing in seaweed