Wednesday 02/03/05

On another bitterly cold day, strong northerly winds blast in off the Arctic. I head off at midday on the postbus towards Uig. It takes the usual route, with a lengthy diversion to Scaliscro. I get off at Miavaig at 1.25, to commence a walk round the Valtos peninsula. It's very pleasant when the sun is out, but soon the showers move across and it gets very nippy. Wind is biting cold on the face. Continue through a rocky landscape to Reef. There, the road veers sharply north towards the beach, which faces due north. Very nice views of Pabay Mor, with a sandy beach on that islet. Here, the main beach is easily reached, and the freezing winds blast in straight from the north pole. Nice beach. Have to leave it at an unfordable stream, which can only be crossed via the road. Bridge located next to a public toilet. This is used in summertime by campers. But even now there are 2 caravans. The road winds on through Kneep and slightly confusingly through Valtos. I decide on the shortcut, rather than go around through the village. The shortcut is a very poor road. Come out high above Valtos beach and finally to Cliff / Cliobh. Not much there, just the odd house. Finally, the road leads along Loch Sgailleir back to Miavaig. The carpark by the church is full, and just as I pass, a coffin is carried out to a hearse. Oh dear. Quickly on to the Timsgarry road through Glen Valtos. The cliffs surrounding this narrow, steep-sided valley are 70 m high at the eastern end, dropping down to nil at Timsgarry. Here I chat to the shopkeeper who even allows me to drink a cuppa in the empty shop, rather than outside in the rain. Driven to Leurbost by the schoolbus driver at 5 pm; the Ranish bus takes me back to town at 5.50.