The roads on Gigha are only very narrow, and there is hardly any traffic. From the ferry we cycled to the north end, past a few small farms and roadside verges bursting with primroses, bluebells, red campions and bugles. There were more walkers than cars.
At one point the island narrows to a slender isthmus, and all along this stretch the views to Islay and the impressively mountainous Jura are quite captivating. The only disappointment is the fact that the farmers have chosen to dump rubbish in a few places which are a bit conspicuous - I know they have to make a living but I'm sure it would be better if they could dig a big hole with a JCB first!
At the northern tip (photo) the views are at their best. A Great Northern Diver was swimming just off-shore - I've never seen so many of these Iceland-/ Greenland-breeding seabirds- I think I saw at least six today. Red-breasted Mergansers, Sheldick and Eider are also common. Sandwich Terns have arrived and yesterday I heard the first Cuckoo of the year.
We met some people from Rawtenstall, one of whom knows my nephew Chris. I forgot to ask his name! Finding 'The Boathouse' closed we went up to the pub, which appears to be run by the Higha community.
... To be continued...
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