We woke up to another glorious day, overlooking the pure white sand of Luskentyre beach from our wildcamping spot.

Our ferry to North Uist was at 11.40 and because we knew we could get wifi at the port, we set off a little early. Sad isn’t it? Having caught up on our electronic lives we boarded the small ferry and settled outside facing the bow – although it was difficult to know bow from stern since the boat is identical at each end.

Ferry

The boat steered an extremely erratic course in getting us to North Uist, not because there was any deficiency on the part of the captain, but simply because the channel between the main islands was dotted with rocky outcropps which had to be navigated.

North Uist

Our drive south, once we had landed, showed North Uist to be, in this weather, one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. Less mountainous than Harris, almost the entire west coast is one long beach. And what a beach. Bright white sand washed by translucent turquoise seas. It was like being in the Caribbean or Greece, but more spectacular.

After a forty minute drive we arrived at our campsite, located at the RSPB reserve at Balranald. The site (57.604475, -7.518487) is picturesquely situated, surrounded by traditional meadows, which support rare Corncrakes and Corn Buntings and adjacent to a large peninsular which hosts an enormous array of sea and shore birds. £16 without electricity.

Common Tern

After lunch, out came the birding lens and Sarah and the dogs accompanied me on a three mile walk around the reserve. We saw a huge range of birds, many of which I photographed but two I have still not positively identified. We both enjoyed the walk and Sarah claims she enjoys the bird spotting. She’s a dab hand at Oystercatchers, of which there are literally hundreds here.

Turncoat

As for the Corncrakes, we have heard them calling, right next to the campsite, but not seen them yet. They apparently keep a low profile, which is not surprising really considering they were once widespread throughout the UK and are now confined largely to this isolated island.

We have decided to stay a second day at this site, mainly because it has a washing machine, which we haven’t seen for the last two weeks! It is a beautiful site on which to relax in this extraordinarily good weather and we are, of course, surrounded by gorgeous beaches.

Starling

Lapwing

Eider Duck

Pair of Great Northern Divers

Skylark?????

Dunlin???????