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Published: January 26th 2024
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The BeginningStarted in Glasgow- caught up with my sister, brother in law and nephew then a sunny day of exploring and food shopping for the hike.Day 0What’s in store?According to the blurb…“The Hebridean Way walking offers keen hikers a unique opportunity to walk the length of this spectacular archipelago. Over the course of 156 miles (252km) the route goes through 10 islands, crosses 6 causeways and includes two stunning ferry journeys. It is a route of astonishing variety – one day you may be walking on an exquisite deserted beach, with silver shell sand stretching far into the distance.The next you may find yourself amongst wild mountains, wandering past remote freshwater lochs as eagles soar overhead”.To begin the Hebridean Way you first need to get to the island of Barra, which is actually the second island on the trail. Not wanting to subject myself to a 4 hour ferry crossing
, I decide to fly. So from Glasgow I take a little 14 seater Loganair plane (a twin otter) to Tràigh Mhòr - the wide sandy beach that serves as Barra's airport runway. It’s an exhilarating 45 minute ride (reminiscent of flying into Lukla for the Everest Base Camp trek all
those years ago… but without mountains… and with beach sand).Fantastic bumpy flight with very exciting landing on the beach. Lucky to get the flight as the very big storm came in about the time we landed. I picked up my, now rain drenched, somewhat heavy backpack off the sand and made for the tiny (but dry) terminal (room) in my now drenched goretex jacket, to wait for my ride to the Croft 183 hostel. In an absolutely extraordinary feat of brilliant planning (luck) I had thought it’d be smart to have a solid roof over my head for 2 nights to get organised to start the walk. Best decision ever as the storm intensified and there were actual gale force winds all day and night- real gale, not just windy. I’d have died for sure in my tent.Anyway… Dawn from England picked me up and gave me a quick tour before dropping me at the hostel. Bonus room by myself, help yourself to light breakfast. Only 1 other guest- a German woman who convinced me to go for a (head to toe fully wet weather proofs) walk in the elements to a not so nearby hotel. Just survived… just. Dripped
all over their lobby carpet. A local fellow picked us up on the way back as we were being blown off our feet…we dripped all over his car.Bonus successful trial run with the wet weather gear.Returning to the hostel, there was another woman, English, with a car, who had abandoned her tent at a campsite a couple of kms away. We embarked on a rescue mission to go rescue her tent- it took 3 of us to retrieve it without it flying away.Decided to start the Heb Way tomorrow- 1 day ahead of schedule. Dawn offered to drop me at the start point and I’d walk to my end point plus however many more km to get back to the hostel.Can’t wait to get started. Ready for a big read?Ps- you’re going to get sick of this purple rain coat
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