Outer Hebrides – North Uist – Balranald Nature Reserve
16th May 2024
Our camping pitch looked towards a cemetery. It was still in use, and a group of men came to cut it grass. Under the cemetery was some long grass and reed, the home of a Corncrake. The strip of bare earth between the cemetery and the campsite is part of the crofting system. I have no idea what was planted there, but it seemed home to a number of Mallards who steadily walked up and down the area.
Today started off cloudy with a stronger wind. Decided to take down the awning down. We went for a walked around the headland, turned out to be around 6 miles. No seals or otters were spotted. The first beach was covered with small shells. Not much bird life here, it was on the windward side of the headland.
Further out on the headland, the coast became more rugged and rocky.
Then around the windward side there appeared to be more birds. Even twitchers looking out to sea.
The sun on this walk did start to come out, then suddenly the weather clamped down looking like it might rain. It did not but it became quite misty.
At the campsite, we missed the snack bar, closed at 3.00 It had some interesting things on offer, black pudding and scallops. In the van we had tea, but wanted cake or biscuits with it, so I was dispatched to the automatic vending machines housed in their own special barn where some groceries could be bought. Shortbread, potatoes, prawns, black pudding.