Uig and Duirinish
By now, you’ve probably worked out that most of this trip revolved around the next meal. And so it is, now. We arrived in Uig (“oo-ig”) in perfect time for a late lunch at the Uig Hotel (orange knife and fork), which boasts lovely views over the harbour (where you can take the Calmac ferry to Harris or North Uist). It also boasts good car-parking and excellent food, even at a bit of an odd time on a winter’s day. Dad had a sandwich with chips (it’s the sort of place where you get six massive chips served in a little fryer), and I indulged in sea-food chowder (always a favourite). All very tasty.
After lunch, we needed to pick up the other camera battery (heavy usage so far), from the Anchorage, and then some fuel for the car, and then we decided we’d take in the sights of Duirinish – primarily heading along the long single track road to Neist Point. From Uig we headed back across the middle of the island again, stopping for a couple of pictures of the picturesque River Snizort (with its backdrop of the dramatic Cuillins – dark green camera symbol).
At Neist Point itself (G), it was blowing an almighty gale, and dad wisely decided to stay in the car whilst I explored. There was no way I could have walked to the lighthouse, as it was all i could do to stay upright in the wind, let alone make any headway. The sun, however, was shining brightly, illuminating the cliffs and waterfalls beautifully.
On the way back across Duirinish, there was time for a couple more detours, one to see the memorial Cairn to the famous MacCrimmon dynasty of pipers. It was here that they lived, and here they founded their piping college in the 15th Century. A spectacular stone cairn, erected in 1933 stands as a memorial. This is near Borreraig, and is reached by a particularly narrow and unused road – not many passing places, and quite a lot of grass coming up between the tarmac!
Pizza
After all that, it was pretty much time for a rest before dinner (H), then heading back to the Old Inn in Carbost (I) for more of their excellent Pizza, and their fires! A lovely sunset was punctuated by the return of the downpours.
