Wanderings on Skye

When we arrived on Skye we were told that there had been virtually no rain for about two months. This accounts for the unusually low level of water in the River Romesdal, seen here entering Loch Snizort Beag below West House. The rocky shore of the loch was home to several pairs of indignant oyster catchers all of whom seemed to have young chicks. They were greatly distressed by any intrusion in to their territory, running about among the rocks anxiously calling to their young. One morning we saw an oyster catcher successfully mobbing and driving off a hoodie crow.

Within 48  hours of our arrival the rains came turning the river into a torrent. This shot was taken looking directly downwards from Romesdal Bridge into the hazel lined gorge. We could see, but not photograph, a large expanse of a saxifrage, possibly St Patrick's Cabbage (Saxifraga umbrosa)  growing on the side of the gorge. Note the potholes. 

Uig Wood the largest broadleaved wood on Skye, covers an area of 18.5 ha but is bisected by the road. East of the main road the wood includes a deep gorge cut through basalt by the River Conon and it is possible to walk along the bank for a short distance to the weir. The floor of the wood is carpeted with pungent wood garlic and lush ferns, the trees are a mixture of beech, elm and ash with the occasional sycamore and lime.

The shore wood originated in the 1800s as a shelter belt forming part of the policies of Uig Lodge and contains a mix conifers and broadleaved trees such as hazel, alder and birch. There are huge sprawling dog roses which were prettily in flower the first time we visited but which lost their petals in the torrential rain. Both sections of wood have many mosses and lichens, their lush greenery seemed suited to the jungle conditions of warm dampness we experienced during our visit.

The shore wood is bounded by a dyke through which a path leads down to the shore of the loch. The Lewis ferry leaves from the pier. 

'The castle' in the Fairy Glen, Uig

The road down to Cuidrach, Eileen Beag and Ard nan Eireachd in the middle distance, Waternish beyond. Grey Granite and Rufus repeated a favourite walk down to Cuidrach across the myrtle scented moor, then along the hillside track,  and over a buttercup field by the loch to Caistel Usdein.  

Casteal Uisden (Hugh's Castle)

We enjoyed several walks in Glen Hinnisdhal, from the Kingsburgh Community Woodland, mist permitting,  there are spectacular views over to Waternish

The wood is being carefully managed to provide fuel for the residents of Kingsburgh. Natural regeneration of the coniferous trees is being encouraged whilst broadleaved species have been planted near the road. There are several winding footpaths, some of which involve quite steep climbs. From this vantage  one can look up Glen far side of the glen.

When not out walking or sleeping off the effects of his walks, Rufus carried out  an in depth study of the rabbit population of Romesdal.