Tags
beach, buzzard, Clashnessie, goldfinch, Highland cow, Lochs, nature, oystercatchers, Photography, sandpiper, seaweed, Wagtail
We are so lucky – the fine weather is reported to remain for the rest of our stay at Clachtoll so we set off for a drive today with confidence.
Our journey takes us north of the campsite, through the village of Stoer with it be-lilied loch…
Ewe and lamb in perfect harmony
Sandpiper
… and down the steep hill towards Clashnessie and its fabulous pink sands.
There is a convenient parking area built into the cliff so we took advantage of this and walked down to the beach. The colour is the result of the local red sandstone and there are striations all over this huge area. It’s as if someone has made patterns with icing sugar.
The sea is many shades of sapphire and aquamarine, under a blue sky with rows of small scudding clouds.
Oystercatchers seeking pastures new
I have never seen so many different types of seaweed…
… and the retreating tide has left interesting sand sculptures…
Anyone else think this looks like a ship’s figurehead?
A couple of Shags swam by – we think that the brownish one is a juvenile.
Tearing ourselves away was difficult but nevertheless we left Clashnessie, resolved to come back again tomorrow when I can perhaps do some painting.
The coast road was rugged and climbed dramatically.
We were heading for Drumbeg now – apparently there is an excellent shop there and we are in need of some provisions – when Peter suddenly spotted a large bird in the sky so naturally we stopped to take some pictures. No Golden Eagles in this vicinity but we’re pretty sure this is a Buzzard.
Ahead of us lay a dramatic scene – a sapphire blue sea dotted with islands.
Our first Goldfinch of the trip…
The Drumbeg Stores proved to be a find, with some unusual groceries and, at last, home-baked bread! This Highland cow looked handsome beside the loch outside.
We took our bounty back to the nearby viewpoint which had a sturdy wooden table and benches. We ate our crusty bread with some Isle of Mull cheese and cranberry & red onion chutney. Fantastic. The view of Edrachillis Bay, with its myriad of islands, was simply stunning.
A Wagtail hopped around, hoping for some crumbs.
Back at the campsite, the sun started to go down in a dramatic fashion and the rocky headland turned a fiery orange. Amazing.
Adventures with Bessie & Madge 
Fabulous colours again! Yes, I know what you mean about a ship’s figurehead. Two of my favourite common birds – Goldfinch and Pied Wagtail, plus great shots of the Buzzard.
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I was about to write fabulous colours when I saw Sean had written exactly the same!
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