Tag Archives: Walks

Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis

Isle of Lewis has beautiful beaches too! we were off to explore one or two. On this journey, Dalmore Bay (Traigh Dhail Mhor) was our destination.

Dalmore bay is located on the north coast of Lewis across Stornoway. Below is a more formal description taken from The Beach Guide:

Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks.

The Beach Guide

As we approached the bay we could hear the water. We noticed that there was often a burial ground near the coast. I have since learned that is because the land near a beach is easier to dig compared to the rocky inland locations.

It was windy and the water was “ choppy”. The waves were strong. The beach was lovely. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. A little cold but lovely nonetheless.

The surrounding view was rejuvenating.

It was a good stop.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis

Another grey day on the Isle of Lewis but that was to be expected. It was October after all. We were making our way to the infamous Blackhouse village.

The Gearranan Blackhouse Village is a coastal crofting village located in a secluded bay within the district of Carloway, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

Isle of Lewis with the location of Blackhouse Village

Today the village is designated for a variety of self-catering vacation cottages.

The local community trust Urras nan Gearrannan Hu (the Garenin Trust) has carefully restored these once derelict properties to recreate an authentic blackhouse village. It feels like stepping back in time but with the local resident sheep on guard 😆

Traditional methods have been used to recreate the drystone masonry and thatched roofing of the original croft cottages.

What an experience to walk through the village.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/I9Bmzpnb/gearrannan-blackhouse-village-isle-of-lewis-1.mp4
Walking through Blackhouse Village

What a great thing to have done, to have preserved these homes and given them another life.

So authentic including the sheep!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Another overcast day and another adventure on the Isle of Lewis.

Our next stop was the ruins of Dun Carloway. We were heading to see a historic roundhouse known as a broch.

As we got closer we could see the structure in the distance. It looked like a stone beehive. As we did the climb towards the ruins, l looked up information about this broch. I found the following on the Visit Scotland site:

At Dun Carloway, we can get an excellent cross-section of a broch – a type of structure found only in Scotland. At 9m tall it still stands close to its impressive full height. The broch was probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.

Visit Scotland

I had no idea that these were that old, tracing back to 200BC. It is truly amazing.

Storyboard about Brochs

I was quite taken aback by the size. I wondered about the challenge of building it. There were a lot of stones in this structure and it was built on quite a hill. It was extraordinary.

We ventured inside to get a better feel of the place. It was very windy but once inside there was a sense of calm. The difference was striking. I could see for miles. I was left in wonder about what life would have been like living there.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Luskentyre and Seilebost Beaches, South West Harris

Can I say the ride to Luskentyre and Seilebost was glorious? Would that be a bit much? The ride was glorious!! 😄

The ride to South Harris

We were on our way to see the island’s precious gems, the infamous beaches along the coast of Seilebost and Luskentyre.

Maps of the Isles of Lewis and Harris with the location of Luskentyre and Seilebost

Luskentyre sands is on the west coast of South Harris. We were heading there first.

As we got closer we could just make out the beautiful turquoise water and white beach. Needless to say, our anticipation grew. We were very excited. After all, Luskentyre is one of the largest beaches in Harris and it has been recognised as one of the UK’s best beaches. We had good reason to be “energised”.

Upon arrival, we were met with mounds of white sand dunes.

As we climbed over the dunes, we were rewarded with spectacular views.

It was marvellous. It lived up to its promise. And with the temperamental nature of the weather, the entire scene seemed to change every two minutes!

Grey and moody one minute, then sparkling green-blue waters the next. It was fascinating.

It was truly beautiful. I could see how the beach may be mistaken as a Caribbean beach in photos. However, there is one “tiny little exception” called temperature which cannot be detected in a photo.

Temperature aside, we were well-wrapped and were happy to stay for a while.

The coast was a feast for the eyes.

Once we had our fill of Luskentyre beach we continued our journey to Seilebost.

We first had to negotiate our route with the residents. The Sheep. What a giggle!

Did someone say treats?!

It was easier to surrender and let them go first.

After all, it was their home. We were just visitors very much content with the beautiful surroundings of West Harris.

We made it to Seilebost! The beach was just as spectacular at this end. It was beautiful.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Sunset at The Meadows and The Born-Free Forever Exhibition in Edinburgh

I decided to go for a wee walk yesterday evening and ended up at the Meadows in Edinburgh.

Buccleuch Place Entrance to The Meadows

As I entered the park the sun was setting and the sky was suddenly golden.

What a beautiful backdrop. Needless to say, I stopped walking and started clicking. I perhaps went overboard taking photos.

Mother Nature is truly remarkable. It was lovely to see people enjoying the park and admiring the glow of the sky.

Born Free Forever Exhibition

While I was there I took the opportunity to revisit the Born-Free Forever Exhibition. I discovered the exhibition with a friend just a few days ago. I was surprised by its installation.

The Exhibit During the Day

As I returned to the Meadows, I decided to take another look.

I have since learned that the exhibition is to increase awareness to protect lions. Below is a brief description from the Foundation’s site.

In honour of what would have been the 100th Birthday year of Bill Travers MBE, we are celebrating our fearless Co-Founder’s legacy by designating 2022 our ‘Year of the Lion’. Our year of action includes a UK-wide exhibition – Born Free Forever – with 25 stunning life-size, bronze lion sculptures touring the country to raise awareness and vital funds for lions through the Forever Lions Fund, set up in Bill’s memory.

Born-Free Foundation

The statues are amazing. They looked even more life-like under the setting sun.

The exhibition is at The Meadows until Jan 2023.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Morning Walk: Portobello, Edinburgh

There are some mornings when only water will do. This was one of those mornings. So there was no doubt in my mind, my morning walk was all about getting to Portobello.

With the sun rising, it felt like the mood changed every other minute. Which was fine as I wasn’t in any hurry. It was perfect as I came prepared with my large coffee flask.

What a nice way to start the day

© The Scottish Pearl 2022