Geo-Trips :: Rhenigidale from Shiant Islands
Rhenigidale
A boat trip from Shiant Islands, Sun, 29 Sep 2013 by Toby Speight
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Blessed with the same calm weather as yesterday, I left the Shiant Islands in a good mood. First, I headed west past the Galtachan, photographing the western end as I passed, then to the Shiants buoy that marks the southbound shipping lane.
Crossing the shipping lane, I headed for Lewis, spotting an interesting feature as I arrived. Was it a cave? Or just an overhang? As I reached it, it gradually became apparent that it was indeed a cave, and I was able to carefully enter it. As I did so, I came alongside a sleeping seal (cunningly disguised as a round rock from a distance). I was right next to it when it woke up and got the fright of its day! In the back of the cave were a couple more seals, who flumped about in the darkness.
The rest of the day was spent generally following the coast westwards. I went fairly far into Loch Bhrolluim, but didn't properly explore Lochs Bhalamuis or Claidh (and certainly not Loch Seaforth - that's an entire trip on its own!). I did make a couple of forays onto the land, which gave pictures of quite different character to the marine ones (and made a nice change for me, too).
I arrived at Rhenigidale, intending to stay in the hostel that I visited (but didn't stay in) four years ago on a cycle trip. Arriving at the village, the first people I saw were the warden's husband and children fishing from the shore, so I had a bit of a chat before checking in and treating myself to a well-earned sleep.
On the map below, the grey line is the GPS track from this trip. Click the blue circles to see a photograph taken from that spot and read further information about the location. The blue lines indicate the direction of view. There is also a slideshow of this trip. ( )
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Western end of the Galtachan
Galta Mòr and a few tidal skerries to the west. A theory for the etymology... more
Shiants marker buoy
Although a starboard-hand buoy, this one is normally passed to port, as it... more
Uamh Mhic Iain Dhuibh
This cave extends about 15 metres into the rock, and is (just) wide enough at the... more
Rubha Bhrolluim
Coastal scenery typical of this area.
Extreme tip of Rubha Bhrolluim
Tidal rocks below the cliffs
Loch Bhrolluim coastline
Allt na Coilltich
Water cascades into Loch Bhrolluim.
Loch Bhrolluim coastline
A tiny island at the western side of Loch Bhrolluim.
Near the mouth of Loch Bhrolluim
Shallow water close to shore.
Cormorants and Sgeir a' Bhataidh
Gleann Mòr
Poll Dhonnachaidh
A small inlet of the Lewis coast.
Àrd Chaidhanis
The rocky southern end of this promontory.
Eilean Dubh a' Bhàigh
Eilean Mòr a' Bhàigh in the background, right.
Eilean Beag a' Bhàigh
A small low-lying island, distinguishable from the main island behind only by its... more
Sgeir Hal
Spelt Sgeir Thal in Gaelic. Rhenigidale beyond.
All images © Toby Speight and available under a
Creative Commons licence 
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