Skye, Scalpay and Raasay. Part 1.

After travelling up from the central belt of Scotland we camped at Reraig campsite at Balmacara Bay on the mainland a few miles from the Skye Bridge. There was a large reception of midges to welcome us as we put the tents up, and they also bid farewell to us as we quickly took down the tents the next morning. Breakfast was postponed and soon we were passing over the Skye Bridge to the launching site at Kyleakin on Skye.
Packing the kayaks at Kyleakin.There is ample parking here to leave the cars.

Cliodhna ready to go.

With the weather forecast of S/SE winds, possibly veering S/SW 4 to 5 over the next few days we would be paddling part of the east coast/Islands off the east coast of Skye depending on the weather conditions. Soon the three of us: Jim B, David C and myself were passing under the Skye Bridge on our adventure. The further along the coast we paddled the more the wind increased and the weather deteriorated. Ardnish Point came into view and as the squals further increased it was decided that we would stop for lunch soon. A sandy skerrie beckoned us as we slogged towards it, escorted by seals and a few pups. By the time we had reached the small beach it had been decided that if the weather did not improve we just might be camping on the skerrie tonight if there were suitable pitches for the tents. As it ended up we would be camped on the skerries two nights. However, the longer we stayed here the more of her secrets showed us.
Being a bit of a romantic I opted to camp on a sandy plateau above the spring water mark.

Jim and David C's pitch.


Although the sand looks like coral it is in fact calcified seaweed.The coral looking type beaches are made up from sun bleached Red Macro algae which when alive contain or secrete calcium.

Oyster Catchers nest and eggs.
Plant life on the skerrie.

Fossil: Ammonite ? The sandstone slabs held many remnants of the past.
The weather breaks. Good news for tomorrow.
David Ardrey.