Scalpay
Circular Walk: 6.75 miles
what3words address for parking:
///hatter.laughs.motivates
The what3words address should take you to a space beside the road where two cars could park. Alternatively, find a space in the village itself.
This is a well-waymarked walk around Scalpay, designated as a ‘heritage walk.’ We had good weather (a mixture of sun and showers with a persistent wind) and so it was fairly easy to spot the next post; if the weather was less kind it would be more difficult. Despite needing to pick our way carefully through the boggy areas (most of it!) we really enjoyed this walk and the views were outstanding. We stopped at the lighthouse for a late lunch and were pleasantly surprised to find a building designated as a bothy with a picnic table inside! This was doubly welcome because a squall blew in as we arrived and the shelter was ideal.
The walk continues past the lighthouse and eventually comes down to a minor road. The return journey is on this road; a couple of miles. However, there were lovely views out to sea as we made our way along it and the sun was setting, adding colour and not a little magic.
The walking is very wet underfoot and good, waterproof boots are a must. Good map reading skills would also be a necessity if the weather closed in and the route was less obvious. We passed a rather forlorn Belgian couple in one of the more challenging boggy areas, and they did seem well-equipped!
walking
PeterHadfield on scottexservices.com