Misty Waters

A small hill she said. Small. Okay, in the grand scheme of things Ceapabhal, overlooking Toe Point and Scarista Bay on Harris isn't massive, less than half a Munro, but Mel's words proved hollow after we walked; climbed; scrambled; and whinged our way up the mount. An alternative guidebook, checked in the evening, described it as a stiff climb.

The morning was easy enough, a wee spin down the Golden Road to Rodel and St Clement's Church. Further north and we were walking through the orchid dotted machair, populated by Redshanks, a gazillion nesting Lapwings, and a heard, but sadly not seen, Corn Crake.

It has to be said though, for the views of Scarista Bay, Taransay (setting for the BBC's Castaway) and St Kilda it was well worth the hike. Even more so when we descended (steeply and rockily) the other side to a couple of secluded bays for another Atlantic paddle.

Having recovered in the evening we headed back round to that side of the island in the hope of a sunset, but none was forthcoming, so instead I played about with the water - et voila, le blip.

Incoming Storm
Daisies follow the sheep path line
An alternative 'Swirling' Water