Only a few Miles and Monies to go

Early August I wrote about Becky Williamson who's circumnavigating Islay's beautiful coastline on foot to raise funds for the Marine Conservation Society. Back then she raised £100 and at this moment she reached £177. She almost completed her challenging walk and since she has only a few miles left I though I'd publish this story, written by Fiona McGregor, from the Ileach to give her some extra publicity and hopefully raise even more money.

Becky Williamson has been walking around Islays coastline over the past three years (a section at a time that is!) in aid of the Marine Conservation Society. You may have seen the sponsor forms in various establishments around the island, hopefully some of you may have sponsored her already. Islay has about 100 miles of coastline some of which is extremely rugged and inaccessible so it is a tremendous achievement that she has almost completed the full circumnavigation of the island. For many of us time and lack of motivation limit our tendencies to be so adventurous sticking to a few favoured walks. Having been on Islay for 13 years I have walked many sections of the coast but there have always been locations, particularly along the wilder areas that I have aspired to walk but just never found the time. I was therefore very pleased to be able to have the time and babysitter available to accompany Becky on the long route from Bunnahabhain to Gortantaoid, parts of which I have walked but had never made it as far as Bolsa (2nd picture) from either direction.

So on a late September day and with perfect weather we finally set off although a lot later than was probably sensible on what proved to be a very rewarding, inspiring and eventful journey. Some highlights of the trip were three golden eagles soaring overhead near Rhuvaal; numerous herds of red deer that peered curiously at us before dispersing away up the hill. Also, as it was the time of the rut, the sound of roaring stags accompanied us for most of the day. Other highlights were a large flock of wild goat, a fleeting glimpse of an otter, many a large dung beetle crossing our path and around every turn dramatic views and architectural marvels, caves, natural arches and waterfalls. Unfortunately our late start meant there was little time to stop and explore every cove and cave however with cameras in hand we snapped away. Becky a very keen photographer was able to capture many wonderful views and images from the day which will hopefully be available in time on her wonderful range of greetings cards.

With time pressing we decided to traverse a small but deepening stream, which was fine for myself in wellies but Becky had walking boots so in an effort to keep feet dry I had what seemed like the bright idea of throwing her my wellies, needless to say I would be useless in a welly throwing competition as the first welly went in the wrong direction and began to float out towards the sea with the pull of the tide, so I had a desperate scramble wading into the water to retrieve it. I really didn’t fancy the thought of walking the rest of the way in just a sock but the result was wet feet all round! In one cove we came across a stag thrashing about with its antlers entangled in some old rope attached to a log which had at one time been washed up the beach, distressingly there was nothing we could do for it apart from contacting Jack Adamson the keeper on our return. The encounter draws attention to one of the main aims of the Marine Conservation Society, to highlight and campaign against marine litter and the detrimental affects it has on wildlife.

As we trekked the final distance in fading light, we watched the sunset over Nave island and just made it back to the car, fulfilled, but with tired legs. If you want to catch up with how Becky is getting on then visit her blog and if you see her sponsor form put your name down or sponsor on line. Islay has so much to offer for the occasional and dedicated walker. The Islay Community Access Project has made both subtle and substantial improvements to many of the favourite routes on the island and with land managers entering into farm management agreements opening up routes through their farms the potential to get out and about is better than ever. If you don’t fancy being as adventurous as Becky or going out by yourself then why not join Lindy MacLellen for the ‘walkaboutabit’ and ‘walkaboutabitmore’ walks.