South Uist walks
On our recent venture to South Uist we spent most of our time walking on both Uists and Eriskay, mostly routes we had done on our 2018 visit, but some new ones. Where a walk is repeated I have added a link to the original post in the title and tried to vary my images this time. These are the South Uist walks.
Loch Druidibeag
This was a familiar walk from the RSPB carpark on a small B road at Loch Druidibeag. We took part of the Hebridean Way across the moors to the main road and the east coast machair which we followed back round to the B road junction, returning along it to the car.
When we arrived, the only other occupant of the carpark was Rosie, an enormous Swiss ex-army truck. This was not our only sighting of Rosie, but we never met her humans.
We went in the opposite direction to the RSPB Bird of Prey Trail, but I liked its sign.
This memorial would not have been here on our last visit. A lovely place to be commemorated.
Andrew has taught me to enjoy a good washing line, and I wonder if this house will ever be reclaimed from the sheep?
And finally, a scarekite, if that’s a word, and one of many examples of abandoned farm machinery which I find quite artistic. I suppose it’s expensive to get things off the islands: wrecked cars are also a common sight.
Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile and Ormacleit
We had done the first part of this walk before, out to the headland of Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile, South Uist’s most westerly point. As we approached the trig point a large dark shape became apparent – yes, it was Rosie!
This time we extended our walk along the beautiful beach to the north as far as Ormacleit.
At Ormacleit there is a “castle”, basically just an old ruin behind a farmhouse. From here we returned inland through fields to St Mary’s Church where the car was parked. Last time, the church was open and we were able to look round. This time, unfortunately, it was locked.
Loch Eynort & Cladh Hallan
Two separate walks which, coincidentally, we seem to have done on the same day on our last stay. On the shores of Loch Eynort one local man, Archie MacDonald, has planted over 100,000 trees and provided 5 km of pathways through his croft at Arinaban providing some very pretty views.
As we drove south to visit the standing stone at Polochar we got held up behind a large vehicle – Rosie of course! From where she turned off we think she was heading to Eriskay for the ferry – we certainly never saw her again.
After lunch we headed for Cladh Hallan, a circular walk with remains of Bronze Age houses.
However, as with the walk at Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile, the most spectacular part was along the beach. So much of the west coast of South Uist looks like this – it’s stunning.
As an added bonus, towards the end of the walk we had a graveyard to explore. The first stone in the gallery is Mrs Mackinnon, our B&B hostess on our very first visit to South Uist in 1989. We knew she had died just before our second visit in 2018 so were glad to find her again.
A few extras
These are not from walks, but from stops on the way to and from walks.
Flora Macdonald’s birthplace:
Home of the “French MacDonalds” and the interior of the small church nearby:
A roadside memorial to two bards, and a panel from Kildonan Museum which gave me food for thought (enlarge to read more):
There is always a danger that history comes to mean the past, as opposed to an interpretation of the past.
Our Lady of the Isles:
As well as South Uist, we also spent a couple of days walking in North Uist and – coming up next – a day in Eriskay.
Linked to Jo’s Monday Walk.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Hi Anabel – having only just got to this one … I see Rosie is a ‘furriner’?? But fun seeing her out and about – pity you weren’t able to meet her owners. I love the runnels on the beach … so much change when the tide goes in and out – it looks a glorious place to visit and walk, especially with warm clothes! Also that washing line … good stories – cheers Hilary
LikeLike
Yes, Rosie was Swiss – I can’t imagine driving her all that way! The beaches were certainly glorious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How did I manage to miss this? The scenery is lovely and I could quite happily live beside any one of those beaches. Seeing Rosie in several different places but never seeing her owners reminds me of the 1971 suspense film Duel where a travelling salesman is constantly terrorised on the highway by a truck but you never see its driver.
LikeLike
Ha ha, I feel sure Rosie’s owners were much more benign than that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
stunning walks, I am envious of your visit – and those are such wise words about history
LikeLike
The beaches on that island are just wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful place. The scenery is incredible especially these beaches. Thank you for this virtual visit Anabel 😊.
LikeLike
The beaches are astonishing, especially in that light. Glad you liked them.
LikeLike
Stunning beach and looks like you had nice weather. I’d love to walk and explore this area.
LikeLike
We were very lucky with the weather – not much rain. However, strong winds and quite cold – but that counts as good in the Hebrides!
LikeLike
So much to see and do in this pretty area. I’m glad it’s not me trying to find a suitable parking spot for Rosie. 😯
LikeLike
Rosie was a big girl on some very little roads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would have loved to have seen a photo of the people who drive Rosie around! I can’t imagine trying to navaigate something that large. And the photos of the beach are stunning!
LikeLike
Especially not on the island roads which are often single track with passing places! I’d be worried meeting her coming the other way.
LikeLiked by 1 person