Taking a walk on the wild side

Strong winds in the mountains have forced our hand and turned the objective of our hike towards the stunning and remote Sandwood Bay, rather than a summit attempt on Arkle. Sitting over six kilometres from the road it is one of the most remote and stunning beaches in Britain. Beautiful in any weather. Most who visit it walk the inland footpath across open moorland but we chose the more adventurous line, hugging the coast.

With a staggered departure, the four teams picked their own routes out from the small crafting township at Sheigra. Once you reach the cliffs the route is fairly straightforward, following the rise and fall of the cliffs to the small rocky coves of Pol Mor and Pol Beag. The beach itself is guarded by an imposing sea stack called Am Buachaille, meaning the shepherd.

Blustery winds and squally showers blowing in off the Atlantic reminded us why we weren’t in the mountains today. You could see each squall coming in off the sea and the brightness beyond as they rolled through. The girls and boys have been in great spirits today, ducking in and out of their group shelters as and when required and exploring every nook and cranny of their routes.

This evening the Red Deer took their turn out in the workboats to lift lobster creels and see the Atlantic rowing boat. Rock climbing and ‘search to survive’ (our wilderness orienteering course) tomorrow before the boys and girls head to survival island.