I woke up this morning sore, the body didn’t want to walk. I really had to push myself into sixth gear today and I’m so glad I found the mojo with it being our last day on Colonsay. 8 miles walked out to Balnahard and Tràigh Ban via Carnan Eoin the highest point on Colonsay and bag the Trigpoint. The hike up to the trig was hard going in the wind but the views were stunning across Kilroan Bay, we found a geocache and literally were holding each other up at points.
From the top we could also see the sculpture of a whale on the machair, the outline is complete and as the years go by visitors are filling it in with stones. The track seemed to take forever walking in the strong winds passing Balnahard Farm and several herds of cows with young calves, they started to call to each other which put me on edge but much to my relief it was only the excitement of the farmer coming along with feed. Finally we reached Tràigh Ban a secluded beach with white sands and the remains of a shipwreck. It was amazing to explore and to have it to ourselves and be mesmerised by the crashing of the waves and forgetting about the world for a while.
On the way back it felt like a total slog along the concrete track and the cows were all over it much to my horror, however I caught a glimpse of the wild goats! Injuries finally caught up with me and my car never seemed to get any closer, concrete just kills me, hobbling back I hugged the car with relief. I have bulging eyeballs from island wind and serious cankles tonight. My adventure on the ‘jewel of the Hebrides’ has ended and one day I shall return!
Disclaimer: Photos and names of other people who have participated in walks alongside myself, will not be published on the blog unless permission is specifically granted from that person.
