Wednesday 15th August 2018
Should we go out to the castle today? Hmm, no – the weather was too dreich again. Instead, we headed out of Castlebay for a short walk. Starting at Loch Tangasdale, we first passed MacLeod’s Tower, built in 1430 by the son of Marion of the Heads. She was the widow of the chief of Clan MacNeil and had her two stepsons beheaded so that her own son would inherit.
Loch Tangasdale
Loch Tangasdale and MacLeod’s Tower
Further on, in a small glen, are the ruins of an old settlement inhabited by another MacNeil, Roderick the Dove, in the 18th century. His name suggests he was much nicer than Marion!
As the path climbed, we could see down to Halaman Bay at the side of which perches the Isle of Barra Hotel – this is where we stayed during our 1990s trips to Barra.
Halaman Bay
Isle of Barra Hotel
The climb to Dun Ban, the 2000 year old remains of a fortified broch, was rugged but worth it. I liked the way the stones had been taken over by nature.
At Dun Ban
At Dun Ban
At Dun Ban
At Dun Ban
At Dun Ban
Pebbly beach
On our return, we dropped down onto the beach at Halaman – probably a mistake! As the rain and the wind built up we got soaked through and the sand whipped into our faces. As we struggled to stay upright on two feet, hopping on one leg to don the waterproof trousers wasn’t an option. It was still beautiful though, and I don’t think you can tell from the pictures how bad the weather was. (As a bonus, I’ve included a picture of me on the same beach on a better day in 1992).
Halaman Bay
Halaman Bay
Tangasdale 1992
We have rarely been so pleased to reach the car. When we got back to the hotel, we just had time for a quick change of clothes before we caught last orders for lunch.
A relaxing afternoon with a book followed. Amazingly, the sun came out later and it was a lovely bright evening. We watched the ferry dock from our room and managed to bag a window seat at dinner. Not a bad day overall, despite the weather doing its worst – slàinte!
Castlebay
Castlebay Hotel
Linked to Jo’s Monday Walk.
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The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Scotland, Wales and Cornwall all seem to be particularly good at what I call sideways rain!
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PS fabulous walk though despite the dodgy weather 🙂
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A good phrase! I think I’ll pinch that …
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I think this is one of the ways you and I differ, Anabel. Thinking it looked gloomy outside and then deciding to go for a walk anyway is not something I would ever do! I’m glad you are hardier than me though, because then I never would have learned about Marion of the Heads! It’s such a wonderfully gruesome nickname.
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Well, I think I would be like that at home – but we were there to walk and walk we did! Marion sounds a real horror.
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The Scottish countryside is so beautiful that it’s worth braving the weather, at least for a little bit. Thanks for sharing your walk with us!
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I guess if we always waited for a perfect day we’d never go anywhere! It is beautiful, even in bad weather, but there are limits to how much of that I can take and on this occasion I was glad to retreat …
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Hi Anabel – I’m slowly catching up … wonderful how after that wet walk you were able to see the ferry dock and then get a window seat for supper – lovely. Gorgeous nature encrusted rocks … nature is so interesting isn’t it … cheers and Happy New Year to you both – Hilary
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Thanks Hilary – happy New Year to you too! I hope you arexsettling back down after your Canadian sojourn.
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I like the sound of the bloodthirsty Marion, she should be in a Scottish play. I admire your grit and ability to withstand the awful weather you sometimes encounter. I’m what I believe is now called “a snowflake” a name I’m happy to accept as it sounds quite nice, a fair weather walker, one who hates wind but doesn’t mind a bit of soft rain if well protected, but I love watching storms and rain through the window of a warm and cosy room. Nice to see the unchanged landscape between the years even if the writer has changed, just a little.
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Just a little! You’re very kind 😉. I’m a fair weather walker too at home – if it’s not good weather I’m very reluctant. But on holiday I feel I just have to deal with it – especially somewhere with little to do that doesn’t involve the great outdoors.
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Anabel, I am very impressed that you captured the walk in such terrible weather. New Zealand especially the South Island can also be very changeable at times!! No doubt one of the reasons why so many Scots made their home in Dunedin!
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Changeable is the word here too! Sometimes four seasons in one day.
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I love how you make the most of your trips, despite the weather. The relaxing afternoon with your book was an excellent idea!
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This was one of the few days where we had to admit defeat and go back to the hotel early. But I don’t know why I feel slightly guilty about spending the afternoon indoors with a book! It’s allowed …
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You certainly made the most of the day and what a terrible person that Marion was. What a contrast in the weather by evening lovely to enjoy the view while having dinner
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Marion was utterly ruthless it seems! The evening was beautiful, we just gazed at that view all the time we ate.
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I am glad you were able to indulge in some relaxing treats later in the day after enduring such terrible weather earlier in the day.
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Oh yes, we made up for it!
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There’s worse views you can have from a hotel room! Barra is definitely on my list.
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Much worse! This view was well-nigh perfect.
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