Date: Thursday 9th May 2019
Company: Just myself
Distance: 3.4km, Ascent: 130m
Time: 55Mins
After dropping Ann-Marie off at the ferry terminal at Lochmaddy, I spent Thursday morning wildlife spotting on North Uist. Within a 24 hour period I was fortunate to spot a White-tailed Eagle, three Hen Harriers, two Short-Eared Owls and a Kestrel not to mention countless non Birds of Prey. North Uist is awesome for bird life! Unfortunately my DSLR lens is currently in need of repair (it won't autofocus) and 200mm is just lacking power, so I only managed to get a couple of poor photos of the Male Hen Harrier. I really need to invest in a new, bigger lens.
Male Hen Harrier:
Male Hen Harrier:
After wildlife spotting on North Uist, I made my way down to Benbecula to ascend Ruabhal, its highest point. En-route to Benbecula, I also visited Baleshare to ascend its highest point.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
For my ascent of Ruabhal, I parked at the island's waste facility. I initially followed the road and then a good way-marked track to the summit. Within minutes of walking I spotted a male and female Stonechat. These were the only birds I spotted during the walk although White-tailed Eagles are I believe sometimes seen from the hill.
Ruabhal:
Loch Ba Una:
The route up Ruabhal is via a grass track
Waymarked route up Ruabhal:
Looking back to Loch Ba Una:
It was nice to see Hecla, Beinn Corrodale and Beinn Mhor on South Uist. I recall the ascend of the three being a tough day.
Looking towards Beinn Mhor on South Uist:
Lochans:
Trig point ahead:
It was also nice to see South Lee and Eabhal, two absolutely fantastic Marilyns on North Uist.
At the summit of Ruabhal looking towards South Lee and Eabhal:
There are numerous lochans on Benbecula.
Lochans:
View from summit cairn:
From the summit I could see the Cuillin ridge on Skye and also the Cuillin on Rum.
Cuillin ridge (zoom):
After spending around ten minutes at the summit, I returned to the van via the same route stopping during the return to chat with a couple of locals who were out walking their dogs.
Alas, this was the final wee hill of my trip to the Outer Hebrides, my abilities currently limited due to an ongoing ankle injury and worries about being out in the sun too long with current skin cancer. I love the Hebrides and can't wait to go back.