Day Ten 09 05 25

12:30 PM

Today was one of my sitting days. The weather brought a bit more wind than yesterday, with a lot of clouds building up, though some blue sky managed to break through. On my personal monitor, I registered a wind factor of 1.5 out of 10. Even with this relatively small amount of wind, setting up my bivvy tent was quite challenging. While it does offer a modest amount of protection, I suspect these tents are likely designed for a gentler climate than what I experience here in Uist.

Over by Loch Fada, my attention was drawn to a parked van. It seemed like a scene plucked straight from a postcard: three figures emerged from the vehicle, one of whom appeared to be a younger person. Could this be a little family on an adventure? They were clutching what looked like a picnic basket.

They waded their way across the peaty boggy moorland, on what I could only assume was a quest for the perfect picnic spot.

If you have read earlier blogs posts you will know that a few days ago I experienced an episode that left me feeling rather nuts and interfering. A previous walker had shooed me away after I had raced down the hill after them, to warn of possible dangers – like some sort of bog-dwelling guardian. Today I didn’t feel compelled to warn this cheerful trio. Instead, I watched as they ventured further into the wilds, blissfully unaware of their deviation from established routes.

At 2 PM, I had a delightful encounter with Fran, an adventurer who was also gearing up to tackle the entire 156 miles of the Hebridean Way. As we chatted, he graciously allowed me to snap his photograph, capturing a moment of his long hike.

Fran shared that he had faced some minor setbacks during his journey, specifically dealing with blisters—a common issue for anyone hitting the trails. This is also an important consideration for anyone planning a long hike; blisters can quickly turn an enjoyable trek into a painful ordeal.

Today, however, Fran was enjoying a lighter load. He had left his extremely heavy backpack at the hostel where he was staying, and he confessed that walking without it felt incredibly liberating.

Today marks the official halfway point of my observational work, and what an incredible journey it’s been so far. So many fascinating things have popped up along the way, revealing layers of this place I hadn’t anticipated.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been establishing my own personal landmarks within the landscape. These aren’t just points on a map; they’re places that resonate with me, marking moments of discovery or particular beauty. Alongside this personal connection, I’ve been diving deep into the rich tapestry of the area’s history, soaking up local stories, and learning the Gaelic names for places and features.

My eyes are also becoming increasingly attuned to the natural world around me. I’m noticing and learning about the incredible variety of plants I encounter on my walks, understanding more about their roles and characteristics. And it’s not just the stationary life; I’ve been thrilled to spot a growing number of birds and insects, observing their behaviour and appreciating the vibrant ecosystem they are a part of. 

Birds spotted:

• Raven
• Oyster catcher

A Tapestry of Connection

Day Nine 08 05 25

I Decided to take my walk for this day in the afternoon, around 4:30 PM. It’s a pleasant time of day, especially in summer here in Uist, where the light lingers late, not fading until around 10:30 PM, and returns early, by about 5 AM. The air was clear, and the wind low – perhaps a 0.6 out of 10 on my personal scale. Clouds drifted overhead, but with plenty of breaks, allowing the sun to dapple the landscape with light. The air is filled with the sound of birds, including the distinct call of a cuckoo. Below that, a low hum of traffic – a seaweed collecting truck and a few motorbikes.

On this walk I dedicated my time to photographing what have become some of my landmark spots. Each location holds a unique story and significance not only to me but also to this place. As I wandered through this ever-evolving landscape, I am struck by how it has changed even in this short space of time.

During this walk, I had the pleasure of meeting Jools, an avid hiker from Kent. We struck up a conversation and exchanged photographs for our respective blogs.

Jools is an adventurer, he tackles various hiking trails across the country. He is hoping to complete the Hebridean Way, which is a 156-mile route.

As we chatted, Jools shared some of his experiences from the trail. He mentioned that he had already spent five days and nights hiking and faced some challenges along the way. Notably, he had encountered ticks—three bites so far!

On request, I offered Jools some advice on where he might find a comfortable spot for wild camping for this night.

I love how the light shifts throughout the day, casting different shadows and highlights the scenery. In sharing these images on my blog, I aim to convey not only what I see but also what I feel during this journey. It’s about more than just visual appeal; it’s about storytelling through imagery.

Birds spotted :

• Black bird
• Skylark
• Pied wagtail
• X6 heron
• Northern wheatear