Back to the Hebrides
2022, I can barely remember it. The last time I uploaded anything here. That is definitely a lifetime ago. What has happened in the meantime? Two football world cups, Donald Trump has become president again, more UK prime ministers than I can count, in fact, too many things to write. More importantly though, I am no longer the parent of a primary school child, yep, I am officially old!
Anyway, as a blast from the past, here are some photos from our 2022 summer holiday. A trip to the outer Hebrides with my parents. As a family, this is one of our favourite places to go. Mountains that go on forever, pristine white sandy beaches that you can walk for miles on and not see a soul and, of course, midges and rain - it is Scotland right!
Our first week away was to the beautiful Island of Harris, rugged and mountainous. Split from the Isle of Lewis by a mountain chain it is the smaller cousin but the scenery is more dramatic. We stayed in one of the little hamlets on the Golden Road. Beautiful scenery but no sandy beaches, they are all on the west coast. However, it did not stop us from travelling to some of our favourite spots and, of course, our favourite beach, Luskentyre.
No trip to Harris would be complete without a walk out to the lighthouse on the Isle of Scalpay. We go every time we visit Harris and have to have the obligatory picture, standing on the same stone.
Week two was spent on the Uist chain, in this case in a cottage on the beach in Eriskay. The Uists are gentler islands, more rolling hills and open expanses. Having crossed from Leverburgh to Berneray, we had the pleasure of driving the full length of the Islands. Mum was very greatful for the change of Island as the roads go from the twisty, single track, mountain roads of Harris to the open straight ones of Uist. We stopped at the Namara cafe on the way down for lunch. What in any other part of the UK would be called a greasy spoon, no burgers on the menu, lobster, langoustine and fish much to James’ delight. All served with chips. He was in heaven. One lobster later, he has expensive tastes, we were back on the road.
No trip to the Hebrides would be complete without some wildlife. I managed to get two of my all time favourite photos on this trip. A wild stag and an Eriskay pony. Both are currently sat on the walls of our house. We would go one better on a different trip to Uist, but that, as they say, is another story.
One of the things I love about these remote areas is that there is less concern about flying drones, as long as it is done legally. They bring a unique perspective to the places we visit and allow you to see things where you are in a completely different way.
All in all, an amazing holiday. Two weeks we were all in desperate need of and a wonderful way to finish the school holidays. We would be back for more adventures, but I will leave you wanting more, or maybe less depending on whether you have enjoyed this post.
Bye bye for now!