We decided to go on our first Skye walk nice and early to make the most of the morning sunshine on the basis that it was due to rain later. We landed on walking out to the MacLeods Maidens - a set of three sea stacks so called after the historical Lairds wife and two daughters who drowned in the waters there.
The walk started at Orbost farm and we followed a good track and path with lovely wide views across the bay to the Cuillin ridge. We were able to let Ivor off the lead at this point. We passed through various gates and eventually reached Rebel Wood (where native trees were planted in memory of Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash). We're not sure what has been planted and when but there was very little evidence of anything other than bracken!
The paths in some sections were stoney and narrow but largely good and we eventually reached the Maidens after about 2 hours. The weather was remaining good and warm and we stopped at the cliff edge, looking down onto the Maidens to enjoy an apple - or at least tried too! The midges were in full throttle and we lasted less than a minute.... all this way to stay for one minute!
The return was by the same route and on our way back we met our first fellow walker and then further on two hardy mountain bikers and then a couple - one of whom was wearing wellies! Good luck to him!
By this time all three of us were getting tired. The path was quite punishing on the feet and my gammy knee was starting to pinch. We also picked about half a dozen ticks off Ivor.
After a shower and some lunch we headed 100 yards down to the road to the Red Roof Cafe. This wee bothy has a really good reputation and I couldn't believe it when I saw it next door to us on arrival. It was really busy but we managed to get a table within five minutes and enjoyed some coffee and cake. No doubt this wee place will be taking a bit more of our money before the week is up!
10 miles/3hrs 45 mins
