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Equipped with cameras, bins, scoobies and plenty of liquid, we started this walk from Caolas where there is some parking available. Down to the beach with views across the Sound to Gunna and Tiree and walking north with a stealthy approach, we catch the tide and time at the right moment to spot a couple of Otters romping about on the seaweed covered rocks 100 metres offshore. We spend a few minutes here watching them before they are gone down the far side and into the water so we continue through the small wooden gate, up over the grassy hummock and spot one of the Otters in the water nearby. What an incredible and extremely lucky start to the day.
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Following the rocky coastline as best we can then cross over the sandy waterfront interspersed with grassy tufts where we see our first fellow walkers / tourists out for a walk on the path just to our left. At NM0727 4942, we feel the terrain is no longer suitable and come up to join the track leading to the farm just before Salum Bay where we go through the gate and drop down onto the beach at Salum Bay watching the Turnstone, Dunlin, Ringed Plover et al rummaging through the seaweed and drilling into the sand.
As we approach the end of Salum Bay, the rain starts so we take shelter as best we can at the rocks between Salum and Vaul Bays and have some refreshments. After a while, the shower has past and we clamber over the rocks to join Vaul Bay where we see a seal swimming a short distance from the edge. A leisurely walk along this lovely beach and we are back on firm dry land again.
From Vaul, we follow the road south passing the golf course and cross over to the expanse of Gott Bay where we are the only 2 people on the beach.
Wandering over close to the water’s edge, we follow this all the way round towards the tidal island of Soa but don’t cross as the tide was not in our favour. Skirting the fields towards Port Sgibinis, we join the raised track until the left exit to climb up the eroded slope to the Broch; another example of devastation to our heritage with even the wall for the field passing right through the middle, and most likely using the stone from the Broch.
We drop down the hill and over the fence towards the harbour at Milton where we meet the couple we had seen earlier in the day. From here, it was an easy, steady walk along the road back to the start at Caolas.
