Either we are in a spot where the hills concentrate the wind, or it has been windier than forecast. Either way we are glad to be on a mooring rather than our own anchor. Decided to take the bikes ashore and explore and did not use the outboard to lessen the load – hope we will be able to paddle back against the wind. Dinghy landing here is pretty poor but we found a spot behind the hotel and rode off to Daliburgh which is a village about 3 miles to the W which has more facilities than Lochboisdale. We found the ancient Round House (bronze age) and then followed a walk along the beach, failing to find the Viking remains or the Wheel House. The sea was far from the raging Atlantic which you might imagine – totally calm. We could have landed from the dinghy without getting water in our boots.
The machair is supposed to be a riot of colourful wild flowers, but we found it a little disappointing. It was heavily grazed by rabbits and farm animals and not far inland was turned over for arable use. It may also have been set back by the dry weather.
New today: Field Pansy, Northern Marsh Orchid, Snipe doing display flight.
Getting back to the boat was a hard paddle against the wind, but we got back before the rain started. Hopefully tomorrow we will move on to Loch Skipport.
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| The Round Houses |
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| Northern Marsh Orchid |
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| The Atlantic at its calmest. Barra in the distance |
