Vatersay and Castlebay 06/05/25

Waiting for the ferry, Tuesday 6th May

A beautiful morning, no wind, blue sky and sparkling sea.

Monument to the Annie Jane, an emigrant ship that was wrecked on Vatersay ln 1853 with the loss of over 350 people 

I only had to wander round to Castlebay today ready for the ferry in the morning but first I thought that it would make sense to walk out to the southern point of Vatersay which is the furthest south it is possible to get on the Hebrides without the use of a boat.

The southernmost part of Vatersay, looking to Sandray.

Back to the Vatersay community café which was open by then for tea and an egg butty. I got talking to a cyclist who was originally from Aberdeenshire but now lives in New Zealand and he gave me his contact details and insisted that I call in as I walk through on the Te Araroa Trail at the end of the year.

Vatersay east beach

A wander round the road to Castlebay where I spent some time drinking tea and eating scones before checking in to the hostel. There is a really good community shop and among many useful items they had a selection of hand knitted garments including a gorgeous sweater that was very tempting apart from the price.

Castlebay marina

I went to the hotel to see about food for the evening and met a couple of bird watchers whom I had previously met on South Uist and they recommended a curry restaurant by the ferry terminal. Excellent recommendation.

Castlebay

I went back to the hotel for a little something to help me sleep after the meal and got talking to a local who turned out to be a friend of someone I know in Burghead, connections everywhere!

Kisimuil Castle 

8 miles walked, 250 meters ascent.