Friday 20/05/05

Set off on the 12.30 Harris bus in the sun, but clouds are gathering in the south. It's gloomy when we reach Laxay, and rain can be seen over the Harris hills. This commences at Airigh a'Bhruaich, and it turns into a downpour. Cyclists are heading north and I pity them. At Bogha Glas, a new section of road has been put into use, parallel to the old one, which is being dug up. Only the stretches that serve the 3 houses in this hamlet are left in situ, for the time being. I alight at the Huisinis road end, and go up Glen Skeaudale. It's absolutely pouring with rain now, and it doesn't make the rough going in the glen any easier. It's actually quite a spectacular valley, with crags rearing up some 300-400 m above the valley. Because of the heavy rain, the Skeaudale River is in spate. As is every tributary coming down the hills. I end up with sopping wet feet. Come across an old homestead, just walls, only inches high. Half an hour into the trip, the rain begins to relent, and when I reach my turning point at 2.30, it's dry. The clouds still shroud the higher reaches of the hills. Some of the summits go up to 531 m (1770 ft). Bealach Garbh / Rough Pass is at the head of Glen Skeaudale, and lies at 400 m (1330 ft). As this is shrouded in cloud, I cannot cross. The other reason being time - bus back goes at 4.20. Return to the A859, this time keeping to the north of the river. When I try to cross further down, this proves to be impossible. So I have to struggle on, right the way through to the junction. Bus turns up at 4.20, and takes me back to town in just under an hour. Cloudbase has lifted to 2,400 ft, and sunlight dapples the mountains and valleys. Chat to Sally on the way back to SY. At mrs B's B&B there is heavy demand for rooms. One couple requires the early ferry and go to bed early. Snoring heavily.