On Tuesday we headed South down to South Uist. We’d spotted
one of the local papers had a route for a “wildlife walk” down at Howmore – and
as this was somewhere we’d intended to visit in any case, we decided we’d
combine the two things. The walk was another that combined Machair and beach to
good effect – and with the sun shining brightly it was definitely a good day
for it. We were pleased to see a Corn Bunting part way round, also a Great
Yellow Bumblebee – both things you are unlikely to see in many other places,
but that seem to absolutely thrive here! In part this is due to the
low-intensity farming that’s used here on the Machair – with very few
pesticides being brought into play, and the fertilisers that are used being
natural ones.
Having completed the walk we wandered along the road a
little way to investigate something else that Howmore is well known for – an
area of five chapels, all now fallen into disrepair, but considered of national
importance nonetheless.
Naturally being Uist there are no fences, ticket booths, or
officious little men in hi-vis jackets, you simply wander around, and treat the
place with the respect it deserves. Some of these remains date back to the 12th century so it would be a crying shame if they were damaged now. They serve as
home for an astonishing range of different lichens, mosses and other plants –
and as all gardeners will know Dandelions are happy to grow anywhere…
The reason that so much is left is the superb stonework –
just look at the arch over this window…
After that we called in at the excellent café in
Lochboisdale for lunch, before heading even further South, to South Glendale,
just this side of the causeway across to the pretty little Island of Eriskay.
As so often happens we spotted a hill that looked like a short climb would give
a good view, so we started up, getting distracted occasionally by some
interesting looking flowers…
…no, I have absolutely no idea what they are – sorry! Also
as so often happens when we got to what we thought was the top of the hill,
along comes a higher bit, so we have to climb to that instead. That happened
twice this time – pesky hills! It was worth it when we finally got to the top
though and saw this view…
…see, told you it was worth the climb!
Robyn
1 comment:
What stunning scenery, no wonder you love it so much there!
Post a Comment