We arrived into the port of Lochmaddy in the early evening, from a ferry from Uig (Skye). The crossing had been beautiful when we begun - with the sun bright and warming. However, as it continued, clouds settled in the sky and by the time we were deboarding a heavy rain was falling. We made the short sprint to teh ferry terminal and after deducing we didn't really want to wait over an hour for the next bus we phoned a local taxi firm for the short half hour ride to the Isle that was our ultimate destination.
It is technically no longer an island, a causeway has been built to allow easy access from the Island of North Uist (for the stretch of water that seperates the two is only a mile and a half in total). The rain has eased slightly but had, instead, been replaced with a strong wind that blew us off our feet when we exited the vehicle. Everytime I have gone to this island there has been heavy winds, so it is no wonder that the outer Hebrides have become known for it - as well as the continual "horizontal rain".
The hostel consists of two blackhouse buildings and is situated on the shores of the Sound of Harris, with an excellent view out toward North Uist, Harris and in the far distance - the Cuillans of Skye.
The time that we spent here was filled with relaxation, conversation and sitting. When the winds and rain cleared we went for short walks onto the pure white beaches, and when they continued we stayed within the warmth of the hostel (and our excellent coal fire) playing card and reading books. |
