Barra

Saturday 19th September. 

I feel as though we have been here forever yet it is only 4 nights!
We stayed two nights at the Scurrival campsite on the northern tip of the island. This was a grass site and we couldn’t get quite level despite the owner trying to make some wood levelling chocks  for us. The facilities were not open, but we were prepared for that. The views were lovely looking across two small islands to the south west coast of S Uist in the background. The beach was a short walk away. 




The first day we explored the island, making our first trip to Castlebay where we had coffee in the tearoom attached to the Post Office. We found a large (for these islands) Coop  which was well stocked. Both Kisimul Castle and the Heritage Centre were closed however the Castlebay Hotel was open and we had our lunch there. The menu was limited so we both went for the scampi and chips. Excellent scampi but pale soggy chips! 

Barra airport was on the way home and we stopped to watch the flight to Glasgow take off across the sands. Twin Otter planes serve this airport and it was quickly in the air. Watching the planes land and take off is a tourist attraction 






The next morning we went for a very windy walk up the hill behind the site. Ben Sgurabhal 79m high! On the way out we stopped at the airport to explore what was behind the dunes on the opposite side of the isthmus and we were so glad we did! Another long glorious beach! We had another good walk out to one end and back. 


View from the top of the hill

A few flowers survive up here think there would be a lot more if there we no cattle and sheep grazing


Love this!!


The beach opposite Barra airport 

Having done some research the day before, we moved to Borve Campsite which is five minutes out of Castlebay on the west coast. It is a fantastic location with a spotless shower block which is open. It also has laundry facilities. I hadn’t been able to do any laundry since the wash done for us in Stornaway so it was time!!  Alan, who runs the site on behalf of the owner could not be more welcoming and helpful. Our pitch is on the edge of the ocean and we go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the sea. The weather is beautiful which helps!!


First thing was to wash our wool socks!


Then enjoy the view


Barra and Vatersay to be continued...


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