06 Castlebay (Barra) to Lionaclete (Benbecula)

A decent ride nearing 50 miles/80kms today from Castlebay up the western coastline to Ardhmor with a quick detour to Barra Airport, how curious I was that planes can land on wet sand.

Although I didn't get to see any landings or take offs, inspection teams were patrolling the "runway" presumably looking for any deep puddles?! Cars were dropping people off too so maybe a flight was in the offing.

After a short ferry hop to Eriskay, and a chunky climb out from the port, again some beautiful beaches and signs for AM Politician a sunken ship made famous in Whiskey Galore when crates of whiskey and bank notes were washed ashore. 

Over the causeway then to South Uist, herons standing in the shallow water looking for a fish supper!

Following the blue Hebridean Way signs helped stay away from the busier roads still mainly single track with numerous passing places and cattle grids.

Sunny all the way with mainly crosswinds, so nothing to stop the cranking out of decent miles, while stopping frequently to snap another turquiose sea or white sanded beach.

There was a bit more traffic around on South Uist than I had noticed before on the other islands. Don't know why that should be on a Sunday. Maybe it was the fine weather bringing everyone out.

And so onto tonights resting place at Lionaclete on Benbecula after a decent ride today.  Three more longish days before I then have to start the journey home from the top of these magnificently remote islands.

Riding in aid of Radio Tyneside, delighted to hear we'd won Gold and first prize in the coveted HBA awards while raising funds to stay on air.  Just go to www.radiotyneside.co.uk for more information.


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