Biod an Athair dramatic cliff views

First day of our short Skye trip. The good lady with me today so a short local walk. Picked Biod an Athair because of its fairly straight forward moorland terrain but more importantly the reward for the Mrs of the spectacular views from the trig and they were just that.
We followed the Walkhighlands directions for the outer walk.
Pothole avoidance on this narrow road a priority if you want out again, some big holes.
Parked at the end of the Galtrigill minor road and side on with the croft. Did look around but nobody to chat with to check leaving car ok.

Crags from coo field

Took the rough track up the hill to the left and after climbing a gate soon encountered the coos. No way of avoiding them but apart from looking at us and an extremely pregnant one blocking the path they never moved.
After the mess of the coos field you are onto rough moor. No tracks just keep Ben Skriaig to your left. Biod an Athair is in view for most of the walk from and from here it is slightly to your right at one o‘ clock. The track passes through another gate.

Tight barbed wire fence

Keep the higher ground to your left and after just under a mile you reach the barbed wire fence and the Galtrigill burn. Tight barbed wire so take care.

Looking back to Coral sands

The forward views are all moorland so stop and look back over to Waternish as well as the Coral sands. Walking is reasonable, and as expected, wet in places.

Easier walking

The route report suggests arriving at the skyline well to the left but we must be out a bit as our line took us right to the trig but no issues doing this.

Western Isles behind trig

Once there the views open out big style and two paces on from the trig is the might drop down, a thousand feet quick descent, not good for my vertigo. 

Sheep down there

Bravely, peeking over, I can see sheep on a football pitch size very green plateau, how did they get there?

Brave lady

The good lady loved the island views but so disappointed no whales, dolphins or even porpoises could be seen on the vast open water below. Getting rather cold up here, very strong wind. 

Eagle came this way

However, coming up the cliff tops with the wind, from Neist direction, a golden eagle glided majestically along the tops before planting itself on an old fence post not very far from us. What a beauty it was, close ups through the binos but as I slowly moved the camera up it looked us right in the eye and dropped off the cliff, gone, photo shy.
On the way down two skylarks flew, hung and sang. I have seen a few this year but none singing in flight, spring is coming even if this cold wind doesn’t feel like it.

White croft in sight

On the descent we stayed well away from Ben Skriaig and followed the line of the burn with the fence on our right, far easier walking and also a faint track to follow although not needed. Enjoy the views.
The farm is in sight all the way. Near the bottom some stones have been placed, cross fence and burn here. Meander up and down some fields and the original track found almost at the farm. No coos this way, always a bonus.
A short walk with excellent views, what better.

Wildlife: Golden eagle, skylark.
Time: 2.32
Ascent: 253m
Distance: 5.86km