From our new campsite in Patterdale, we alternated wee hills and lake side walks then the weather forced us to take a break. Initially we went back to Catbells to walk along a high path for views followed by a shore path on Derwent Water for lunch. The next day we tackled Barrow, and then finally we walked along the east side of Ullswater.

Brockhole visitor centre was an excellent wet weather option, mainly because it was largely dry, with an excellent playpark and grounds to explore. On our final full day we walked up and down around Aira Force, before having some beach time.

Today started in thick, wet mist at Brothers Water, but the cloud was starting to lift as we packed up, and our early lunch stop in Halton was hot and sunny. We hope the good weather in Repton continues as we have rather a lot of washing and drying to do…

The few days we had by ourselves before friends and family arrived started with a day of organising after the long drive and frequent moves. We managed to make it out to the beach on Derwent Water for an indulgent Booths lunch (very windy) on the first day.

Day two was better weather so after getting some washing done and out to dry, we set off up Walla Crag from the campsite. With only a short rucksack carry, we had lunch half way up, and managed to find some parallel paths to make the way up and down slightly different. With the heather in full bloom, verdant bracken, rowan and silver birch trees and splendid views, it was a thoroughly enjoyable walk. Bilberry snacks were also much enjoyed.

Day three was wet in the morning, so we had a slow start, making it to the supermarket in time for a fire alarm (false) and a walk around Keswick before it dried up and we headed to the playpark.

We then met Ruth for a High Rigg traverse and surprise tea shop, before on the final day we ascended Catbells after a tasty brunch at Lingholm.

The last ferry (a big one), a drive through the hills, a short stay with family, a fun park (not just a play park), and a very long drive to the Lakes.

We nearly didn’t bother going to Uig, it being a longish drive away, but we’re glad we did – a truly amazing expanse of golden sand with an atmospheric mountain backdrop (slightly too much atmosphere meant we didn’t get a view from our transmitter hill walk). The drive was also very scenic and allowed us to marvel at the extent of Loch Rog.

The next day, after a pleasant windy walk up our local transmitter hill (we’ve decided these are a good bet as they tend to have short walk-ins, decent tracks and good view-to-height ratios, plus occasionally exciting concrete structures), we discovered a hidden gem of a beach at Dalbeg. Warm turquoise seas, white waves, multicoloured sand, grassy headlands, sea stacks, gneiss boulders and a great little stream for paddling and sand cliff jumping.

Our last full day on Lewis consisted mainly of visiting various restored traditional thatched buildings. But the most surprising and authentic visit was to a retired local crofter doing ad hoc demonstrations of Harris Tweed weaving out of a collection of sheds in his garden (no pictures unfortunately!)

Shawbost, Stornoway, Callanish and the Butt of Lewis

After an early morning ferry across the Sound of Harris, we spent just over 24 hours exploring the fantastic beaches and local food of Harris, staying at the tiny but amazing Seilebost campsite (no tents allowed).

Three full days on North Uist: 1) Balranald beach and nature reserve (next to the campsite); 2) Berneray and Clachan Sands; 3) Langass and Lochmaddy. Mostly cloudy with some mizzle and a sunnier middle day.

We’re now on the Isle of Lewis after a rather fleeting visit to Harris. Bit more time here and potentially somewhat rainy, so we’ll try to get up to date with blogging…