Balmacara Woodland circuit

Walk: Balmacara Woodland Circuit

Another short outing for the good lady but with more ascent than yesterday will it have been a good pick? The forecast had not been great but thankfully it stayed dry for the ramble.

A good track got the ascent going quickly, behind I sensed all was not going so well!!  There has been deforestation around which leaves a mess but does give views over to Skye that would not have been the case with the trees intact.

The guides talk about following the red walk markers, only blue ones up here. But it is straightforward. After the construction junction the path goes alongside a wood before opening out in the deforested zone. The one advantage is that there are constant good views where previously there would only have been glimpses. Back into the old woods and a special place indeed. There is a very, very steep descent through the trees before joining a track. Surprise, surprise the red markers are everywhere and on a stretch where you cannot get lost!!

An excellent little ramble to break up the journey. Good views a success with even the good lady agreeing.

Walk start where is the red marker?

Not happy!!

Sub2k on left but we are going along the tree line

Looking back to Glen Sheil

Going over that soon, majestic hills behind.

Ascent: 242m

Distance: 6.01km

Time: 1.59

Wildlife: Robin; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Sparrowhawk; Blackbird; Goldfinch

A fine sea cliff outing.....The Old Man of Stoer

Walk; Point of Stoer (Assynt)
Height: 360m
After my solo outing yesterday to Cul Beag it was time to keep the good lady pleased, well kind of. Today was the landing of Storm Francis but if the forecast was accurate our area was not going to be affected until mid afternoon and even then not as badly as the south.

That way

A study of the map brought this gem to my attention. I love sea cliff walks and this one had the added bonus of being the best walk in Assynt as a whale/dolphin hotspot so good to go. Yes dear, no problems a short straightforward walk!
A stunning drive, but not for the nervous as long stretches of twisting single track and hidden passing spots. A few screams and moans from the good lady, some directed at oncoming traffic, but we got there safely.
Blue skies and a beautiful spot. Binoculars and camera to the fore and off we went.
Beside the lighthouse the cliffs are a regular nesting spot but this late in the season it was only pairs of Fulmars that were roosting and not many of them. I imagine a few months ago it would have been bedlam. Still great viewing. 

Colourful rocks

I love the colour of the rocks below the water as well as the colour of the cliffs. Underwater it looks like pods of something growing away, a Dr Who episode maybe.

The track hugs the cliffs

There is a clear track which does go very close to the edge at times. Not advisable in these strong gusts, it is a long way down, so drift slightly inland. The first challenge for you know who, there is a steep grassy gully to be descended and reascended, not positive looks from the good lady but at least there were good steps cut, no scrambling.
The local crofting coos clearly like the path better than the moor as it was well churned up in places. A regular very deep hoof print, wonder if that is the bull?

Brave in this wind

When we reach the outcrop of Cirean Geardail some kids are scrambling across the top, brave them in the high winds.
Down below I spot an Artic Skua, a first for me for this predatory seabird. As we walk more appear and in the wind their aerobatics are admirable.

1st view of The Old Man of Stoer

Shortly after a slight climb and the Old Man is first spotted further along the coast and impressive it is. Who wants to climb you? Not me. I saw that a climber fell and is missing from a similar sea stack last week.

Looks easy!

A steep grassy descent is required to get close to the Old Man, yip more looks from you know who. 

Old ropes in the middle and on top

It is impressive and there are some old climbing ropes blowing in the wind in the middle and at the top. It is not just the climbing it is getting onto the stack in the turbulent sea. Nearby a similar stack has lost most of its structure from these pounding seas.

Sutherland

A gradual ascent to the trig with a few stops to take in the great views across to Sutherland and its mighty peaks. Trying to spot the ones I have been up.

Great view over Assynt for minimal effort

When we crested the hill the short ascent was well worth it as the views of the Assynt giants were spectacular. 

From left: Canisp; Suilven; Cul Mor; Cul Beag; Stac Pollaidh

It is only from this viewpoint that you see them lined up with the gaps in between and you can marvel at the glacial geology that created this outstanding landscape. Even with the dark storm front looming over them it is impressive. 

Not to be ignored the 3 Corbetts of Quinag

Once again another fantastic view for so little effort. And this trig does not even have Sub2k status, with these views it should have.

Lighthouse but where are the whales and dolphins?

We returned via the inland path back to the lighthouse where the height gave clear sea views over to Skye and the Western Isles.
A super little walk but despite it being prime season no whales or dolphins. Another excuse to return if one is needed.

Wildlife: Skua; Gannet; Cormorant: Fulmars; Rock Pipit; Raven; Hooded Crow.
Ascent: 336m
Distance: 6.6km
Time: 2.16

A Covid sea front walk Ayr - Barassie

I needed a change from starting walks from my doorstep so the good lady gave me a lift into Ayr and I started this walk from Wellington Square. Essentially following the Ayrshire Coastal Path route.
The forecast was for warmth but at this early stage a cool breeze meant top kept on.

I have walked around here many times but was surprised and delighted when I glanced behind the courthouse to see another war memorial which I didn't know existed. Dedicated to the Royal Scots Fusiliers, happy to add this to my blog.

I headed along the shore front, initially following the Lang Scots mile signs, which proves we were hardier than our southern counterparts.

Down at the docks this ruined boat is going nowhere soon but it does make a decent snap.

Heading into town this Black Guillemot was not the least bothered when I looked over a fence to get a closer look.

Most of the mute swans were in this sleeping pose but I am sure the eye was open watching me.

I had a nice surprise meeting Lorna on the bridge, so after a social distancing chat I headed down to the Newton area. Sadly this is the most depressing run down section of the walk but soon I have passed it by including the new travelling site. Four portable toilets situated for 6 caravans. Don't they have loos in their vans? Special treatment all right.

The place was very quiet but it twigged as In crossed the golf course that people were in their homes listening to Wee Nic and our future. Well this course will not be empty soon. Needed some food so headed into town to the excellent Electric bakery for a non healthy sausage roll and apple tart. Well, i am walking off the calories and I have a pear in my rucksack!

A nice walk across Prestwick golf course hoping to get a new butterfly but nothing spotted. Passing the caravan park a stoat ran out of the foliage onto open ground but by the time I got camera out it was back in the long stuff. It has been a long time since I spotted a stoat and certainly not here. Still Troon golf course reached, time for an apple tart picnic enjoying the view over to Arran.

Tranquility disturbed as this military transporter roared overhead heading over Arran, USA bound?

Although the skies were blue it was not the scorching heatwave predicted. The police at Troon do not have any problems clearing the beach today.

Almost home and the last stage of the walk. To be fair I was getting a bit tired, not enough water I suspect. The tide was out at North shore beach, a nice NW view to lead me home.
This felt like a new normal day in these sad times. Glad I did it and now I think time for a beer in the garden, cheers to more walks like this.

Cunbrae at least it is a walk

Walk: Isle of Cumbrae
Category: Other walk

This weather has been doing my head in, three walks cancelled in the last week or so. So it was with some relief to get a short walk in. I realised I hadn’t walked the island this year, usually do it two or three times a year, so off I went. 
Not a full blog, I will let the snaps do the talking. A very enjoyable walk but my feet were sore at the end, too much tarmac walking. And this was in trail walking shoes rather than boots.
From Millport spotted a nuclear sub on the horizon passing Arran, made a young boys day when I pointed it out to him.
There is always plenty of birdlife to be seen on Cumbrae and today didn’t disappoint. Lots of butterflies and a black bunny.

Its always the holiday feeling when getting on a ferry

Approaching Cumbrae

There must have been over 50 of these off Largs

Peacock likes the thistles

Black rabbit all on its own

Nuclear sub heading home

Tide is out round Millport Bay

View from the highest point

Plenty of berries on the Rowan, winter fuel?

scenic spot for lunch

Has it had a coat of paint?

Wildlife: Gannet; Herring gull; Hooded crow; Curlew; Large White; Painted Lady; Small green veined white; Peacock; Chaffinch; Meadow pipit; Swift; Pied Wagtail; Swallow; Wood warbler; House Martin; Raven; Sparrowhawk; Buzzard; Eider; Stonechat; Mallard; Common seal; Lesser black backed gull; Widgeon; Chiffchaff/Willow warbler; Meadow brown; Black Rabbit.

Time: 4.09
Ascent: 791ft 
Distance: 10.55m 

Cracking little walk to the Bone caves

Walk: Bone Caves, Inchnadamph
Category: Trail
Height: circa 200m
Rest day so out with the good lady to take in this short walk that I noticed on a map. Glad we did it was a little cracker.
A beautiful day for a short but extremely scenic drive from Lairg along roads most tourists have yet to discover.

Start

Missed the turnoff, a very small camouflaged wooden pole it turned out, but found it on drive back.
A lovely warm spring day and it starts with a walk up the glen beside the fast rushing Allt nan Uamh.

Falls

 The waterfalls were in good flow considering the lack of rain but there was a better surprise for this burn later.
Just after the falls I spotted a stag on the near horizon on our right with a big hind, both turned and disappeared when they spotted us.

Metres above springs arid

A couple were dangling their feet in the water when it dawned on me that the water concourse above was totally dry, rocks and boulders. On closer inspection the water was bubbling out of the ground, small pockets of amazing springs which in a matter of metres was a fast flowing burn. Never seen that before, a natural wonder.

Metres below springs full burn

There is an easy track to follow that climbs gradually although probably more awkward for poor footwear in wet conditions.

Easy track in

I saw more Wheatear today than I have ever seen on a single outing, beautiful birds. We also had a short sighting of a similarly upright bird, slightly larger but beautiful blacks and greys. My immediate thought was a shrike, I know of no other like that, no binos but we both saw it. If so a gem of a sighting.
With the glare of the sun and the shadows we almost missed the cave entrances up on our right.

Caves

A continuation up the track then turns back on itself climbing along a narrow path to the cave entrances. It is steep and exposed, loose stones so take care. A raven had been flying close by it turned out its nest was just above one of the caves. It made close fly pasts but nothing threatening.

Looking towards Conival

These caves have bones from many of past animals including: arctic fox; lynx; reindeer; bear; wolves etc probably occupied by the hunter gathers. There are links between some of them but only for the brave. In one it looked like a small shaft of light far back but no exploring for us.
Standing on the ledge outside the caves you can appreciate the importance of the site as well as for us the views it gives. A stunning stony but bleak and barren landscape.

Looking back towards the start

Scanning our eyes across to Creag na h Iolaire, ever hopeful, but no eagles only the raven patrolling the ridge.
Either retrace your steps or follow the obvious path back down to the valley.

Colour in the grey

The dried up burn mentioned earlier provided colour with gorgeous yellow primroses breaking up the many shades of grey.

Newt

On the way back we stopped at a deep black pool which had pond skaters on top and newts below.
A cracking little walk and one that I would highly recommend.
Wildlife: Raven; Wheatear; Red Admiral & Peacock Butterfly; Newt; Red deer stag & hind, Meadow pipit, Grey shrike?

Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 200m
Distance: circa 3 miles.