A Tapestry of Connection

Day Five, 02 05 2025

Today, the weather took a turn for the worse. A cold wind from the northwest is whipping through the landscape —about 3.4 out of 10 on my personal monitor.

As I sat in the familiar spot, just as I did on April 30th, 2025, I found myself grappling with my insubstantial bivvy shelter. Erecting it was no easy feat; the wind seemed determined to thwart my efforts at every turn. Once I finally managed to get it up, securing it became another battle altogether. I scoured the area for rocks and used them to weigh down the tent pegs. To ensure that my bivvy wouldn’t take off like a kite, I even placed a hefty rock inside it. I’m reminded of how nature can be both beautiful and unforgiving. The wind serves as a reminder of my smallness in this vast landscape.

The sky above was cloaked in thick, dense clouds that hang low and heavy On a positive note, at least it wasn’t raining—yet! Despite the chill in the air and the blustery conditions, I didn’t feel overdressed. I bundled up in a thick windproof coat layered over two jumpers and topped off with a warm hat. The layers provided me with enough comfort to withstand this brisk day.

I settled into my perch, and did some sketchbook drawing work. I saw three walkers during my two hour sitting stint.

With no trees on the horizon to obstruct my view, I can see walkers coming from quite a distance—a bit like watching colourful ants marching.

As one walker approached they veered off course, taking the same wrong turn as previous walkers had done. I remembered the conversation with the hiker who had experienced a minor crisis due to getting lost, I felt an overwhelming urge to intervene and help this person out.

I waved enthusiastically and shouted “HELLO!” but alas, the wind decided it was not in the mood for communication that day. The walker continued on their merry way, blissfully unaware of their impending misadventure. As they took yet another wrong turn—this time heading across country—I began to worry. What if they fell into a bog?

I leapt from my perch and dashed down the hill like an over-caffeinated mad person. My mission? To catch their attention before they wandered too far into trouble! But as I got closer, it became painfully clear that this particular walker was not interested in engaging with me at all. In fact, they seemed intent on shooing me away as if I were an overly friendly fly buzzing around.

Feeling rather foolish at this point—like a misguided superhero without a cape—I retreated back to my original spot. There I sat, chuckling at myself while reminding my inner voice that sometimes it’s best to watch rather than interfere. After all, who knew if this person had their own adventure planned? Maybe they were just looking for some solitude or perhaps they were training for an extreme hiking competition.

In retrospect, maybe I’ll stick to drawing and observing in the landscape instead of trying to save wandering walkers, who clearly are set on their own adventure.

A Tapestry of Connection

Day Four, 01 05 25

Today was one of those lovely Spring days. The wind had a noticeable presence, rating about 2.5 out of 10 on my personal scale. The sky seemed big and full of lovely fat puffy clouds floating fast across this vast landscape.

This day was one of my designated walking days—an opportunity to immerse myself in nature and reflect on my thoughts. I didn’t meet any eco walkers today. This solitude is part of what makes this place so enchanting; it offers a rare chance to connect deeply with nature without the distractions of others.

The absence of people allowed me to fully appreciate the sounds and sights surrounding me. It’s moments like these that remind me why I cherish my time outdoors; it’s not just about exercise but also about finding peace within myself while sharing this beautiful space with nature.

Na Fir Bhrèige (translated into English as “The False Men”) is a set of three standing stones on the Isle of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. They lie on the northwestern slope of Blashaval. The stones inspired Mhairead MacLeod’s novel, “The False Men,” based on true events during the Highland Clearances. I have bought the book and will be reading it over the next couple of months.

As I continued my walk, I let my mind wander freely, contemplating life and all its wonders. You know how it goes—one moment you’re pondering the mysteries of the universe, and the next, you’re knee-deep in thoughts about footwear. Yes, footwear! It’s a crucial topic when you’re out on a long trek.

Currently, I’m sporting a pair of wellies. They’re great, but let’s be honest: they are not exactly designed for long-distance adventures. The grip is about as reliable as a politician’s promise—good luck with that! Sure, they protect against mud and water, but when it comes to navigating rocky paths or slippery slopes, they leave much to be desired.

I’ve noticed that eco-conscious walkers I have met seem to be wearing waterproof trainers. These marvels of modern engineering are light and grip well. Plus, they look pretty stylish!

However, there’s one thing my trusty wellies do offer: protection against ticks. Yes, those little bloodsuckers can turn your lovely nature walk into an episode of “Survivor.” While my wellies may lack grip and style points in the fashion department, I can at least strut around knowing my ankles are safe from those pesky critters.

I spotted

An oyster catcher
A buzzard

A Tapestry of Connection

Day Three 30 04 25

Today, I spent time sitting in the landscape. The weather was fair, a bit breezier than yesterday but still warm, with a slight mist and more cloud coverage. The ground felt drier compared to the previous day. I dressed appropriately for the conditions, wearing a light windproof jacket, a jumper, wellies, and a hat. This outfit kept me comfortable throughout my time outdoors.

I set up my bivvy tent, which is an easy-to-assemble pop-up shelter. Although the wind was only about 1.5 out of 10 today, I found it somewhat challenging to set up my slightly flimsy shelter tent.

As I sat quietly in the landscape, I gained a new perspective. The sounds of raven caws caught my attention, and I peered outside my bivvy tent. To my surprise, two ravens were engaged in an altercation with an eagle. I believe the eagle to be a golden eagle. I base this identification on the size and plumage characteristics, as sea eagles are generally larger and often display a flash of white on their tail feathers, this is often visible during flight.

I watched, the ravens and the eagle engage in an aerial display, gliding and diving through the sky. The ravens’ caws fill the air, while the eagle drifts higher and higher, seemingly unbothered. Today, these birds own this airspace, and I feel privileged to witness their interaction. The sound of raven caws and the sight of these birds gliding and diving in the sky is a truly exhilarating experience.

I spent three hours immersed in the landscape, sketching and observing the surroundings. During this time I encountered two solitary eco walkers. So far the walkers have all been solitary men of varying ages each of whom came from different parts of Europe—Poland, Germany, and the UK.

From my vantage point, I watched both the two of the walkers, at different times, taking the same wrong turn. It was only a short distance off course, but one of them seemed visibly distressed by this mistake. They were not walking together; each was on his own journey. When they came across me they seemed pleased to engage in a short conversation, I was also able to reassure them of the correct route.

It struck me how well-prepared these walkers were and had to be for this journey. They had clearly done their homework about the route ahead. I found myself imagining what it must be like to traverse this unfamiliar terrain—desolate and foreboding as it is. The weather, for the past few days has been great – however, I know that conditions change rapidly in this region.

Walking the Hebridean Way is no small feat; it presents a real adventure for those brave enough to take on its challenges. It’s fascinating how modern technology—social media platforms and informative apps—have instilled a sense of confidence in these adventurers.

A Tapestry of Connection

Day Two 29 04 25

Today’s walk was completely different to yesterday’s experience. There was a hazy mist lingering on the horizon, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. The air felt warm and inviting, and made me feel alive. Light clouds drifted lazily across the sky, merging with the mist. The landscape was transformed into something almost magical.

The walkway beneath my feet was still sloshy from recent rains, but as I looked around, I noticed new flowers and plants had emerged overnight. It’s incredible how quickly the weather can change not just our surroundings but also our mood and perspective.

As I walked, I took a moment to appreciate how these subtle shifts in weather can completely alter my experience of this place. Each step felt like an exploration of a new world, one where every detail seemed amplified by the soft light filtering through the clouds.

I spotted:

A skylark
An oystercatcher chasing a raven
Two seagulls
A cabbage white butterfly
A moth
A beetle
A walker
A hen harrier
A heron

**Na Fir Bhrèige** (transalated into English as “The False Men”) is a set of three standing stones on the Isle of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. They lie on the northwestern slope of Blashaval.
The name derives from two local legends. One is that they mark the graves of three traitors who were buried alive. Another is that they are three men from Skye who deserted their wives and were turned to stone by a witch.

The stones inspired Mhairead MacLeod’s novel, *The False Men*, based on true events during the Highland Clearances.

A Tapestry of Connection

Welcome to my blog!

Today, April 28, 2025, I started my project by walking a mile that I will be observing. I recorded an audio piece in an Open Country style to share my experience during the walk.

As I begin on my journey along a mile long section of the Hebridean Way, I am filled with a sense of anticipation and purpose. This mile-long walk is not just a physical endeavor; it is a reflective exploration of the intricate dynamics between eco-tourism and sustainable environments. Supported by #vacmascotland, my project aims to delve into how these two elements interact and influence one another in this increasingly popular rural landscape.

I will be taking regular walks over this mile long section for a month, I will be spending time sitting in the landscape documenting my experiences through a variety ways audio and visual. I aim to immerse myself in this environment and observe the intricate dynamics between eco-tourism and sustainable practices.

Over the course of two months I plan to create photopolymer gravure etchings that visually represent my research findings. These etchings will be inspired by both the natural beauty surrounding me and the insights gained from observing the interactions between visitors and the environment. By combining art with ecological observation, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of how we can appreciate and protect these precious landscapes.

In this blog, I will document not only my personal reflections but also insights into how we can enjoy these unique remote landscapes responsibly. Eco-tourism is more than just visiting; it’s about understanding our role in and the importance in preserving these environments for future generations.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you!

This audio piece will serve as a personal narrative to reflect on my observations and thoughts. I hope it helps me to share my thoughts and observations with you so that you understand this place better.

A Tapestry of Connection

An Immersive Journey of Belonging Over Ten Weeks

Beginning May 2025…

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The Hebridean Way, is a celebrated walking route in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the intricate relationships between human activities and ecological sustainability. This blog will serve as a chronicle of my project, “The Tapestry of Connection,” where I aim to delve into these themes through both physical exploration and artistic expression

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Through walking, I will actively engage with real-world environmental issues, utilising photopolymer gravure printmaking techniques to document and narrate my experiences and reflections.

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This project is centered on exploring a mile-long section of the Hebridean Way, a renowned walking route known for its stunning natural beauty. By immersing myself in this environment through walking, I aim to reflect on the intricate relationships between human activities and ecological sustainability.

During my walks and time spent in this landscape, I will focus on studying the local fauna and flora, examining how these elements are interconnected and dependent on one another. This exploration will enhance my understanding of the ecosystem and will highlight the importance of preserving our natural surroundings as we navigate our own paths in life.

Project supported by a Visual Artist & Craft Maker #VACMAScotland

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Walking in Nature

The Outer Hebrides, an archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, is known for its stunning natural beauty, characterised by rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and rolling hills. The islands are home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including machair (a type of coastal grassland with wildflowers), peat bogs, and marine environments. This unique landscape not only provides breathtaking views but also supports a variety of wildlife, making it a significant area for biodiversity.

Walking here has allowed me to develop a deep connection with nature. Studies have shown that walking in natural settings can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

As I walk through this landscape, I observe various elements of nature—flora and fauna that are unique to the region. For instance, I might encounter species like the corncrake or various seabirds that inhabit these islands. Additionally, I have been searching for artifacts from history or remnants of ancient structures to help provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of the area.

This environment encourages reflective thinking. Being surrounded by nature has led me to contemplate my surroundings more deeply. This introspection has fostered a personal growth and provided me with a greater appreciation for my place within the ecosystem.

Listening is another vital aspect of this experience. The sounds of waves crashing against cliffs, birds singing, or even the rustle of grasses create a symphony that enhances my connection to the environment.

Finally, being fully immersed in this landscape has meant that I am more aware of my role within it— not just as an observer but as part of a larger ecological community. This awareness has lead to a sense of responsibility towards conservation efforts and sustainability practices essential for preserving these environments.

living and working in the Outer Hebrides has given me the opportunity to engage with nature through walking, observing wildlife, reflecting on personal experiences, listening to natural sounds, and feeling connected to the landscape itself.PageBlock