Hebridean Way 28/04/25

Day 5 Monday 28th April.

It was a seriously wet and windy night, typical Hebridean weather! I was happy to be inside the nice warm dry caravan.

Looking back to the caravan in the morning 

The weather had improved by morning and was reasonable all day, low cloud and drizzle at times but the wind had abated and apart from all the water underfoot it was pleasant walking today.

A bit misty but a good path

The route this morning was an old coffin road to the west coast, so called because there was no suitable ground in the east for a grave and coffins had to be carried over the hills to be buried in the west coast sands.

The coffin road

Visibility was poor with the cloud low on the hills but it was an excellent track and a lovely walk with cuckoos calling in the distance.

West side

When the path reaches the west coast the Hebridean Way climbs over a hill slightly inland, presumably to get the view of the white Luskentyre sands.

Very misty view ot the white sands

I suspect, however, that it is a little used section as there is no sign of a path and it was a very steep, wet climb and just as bad down the other side. The continuation didn't look any better so I decided to go down to the road as it would be a much more pleasant walk.

Down to the road

A little farther on I met a couple of walkers who had camped at Horgabost last night and had an "interesting" night. They were heading north and told me that they had tried an off road section of the way further south and their opinion was similar to mine.

Sands from the road

 The walk down the road was good and allowed me to call in to a community café for watery soup and a poor, overpriced sandwich.

Artisan mustard shop

Before Leverborough I came across "The Hebrides People Visitor Centre" which wasn't showing any signs of life but there was a sign that said 'coffee' so I thought I'd give it a try.

The Hebrides People Visitor Centre 

They did sell coffee but mainly they had a masses of information about the history of the Hebrides and it's people, genealogical records and a huge selection of books about the islands, I must go back sometime with a large book carrier.

Leverborough

I got to the ferry terminal in time to go to the Harris Brewery shop and restaurant and get a takeaway to eat on the ferry before arriving at Berneray and the incredible John's Bunkhouse which I would highly recommend .

Berneray ferry

20 miles walked. 700 meters ascent.