20 Dec 19 - Aros

A Step It Up walk in the forest behind Aros.

Nice walk, pleasant company and conversation

followed (of course!) by tea, toffee soup and goodies in Aros.

17 Dec 19: Nature Walk at Braes

A party of 10 festive walkers and 3 dogs set off from Braes Community Hall for the last Nature Walk of the year. 

The weather was very kind, if a little cold, and we had some stunning views throughout the walk especially with the high ground covered in snow. 

The waterfalls were also good with lots of water flowing through.

Lichen ... or a map of Skye?

Stereocaulon vesuvianum

There was some nature around including mosses and lichens, a very sorry looking moth and even sorrier looking fungus.

We were surprised to see one of the small islands off the coast almost completely covered in seagulls.

After the walk we all retired to Aros for coffee and toasties

or, in one member's case, a huge hot chocolate.

11 Dec 19: Walk at Kyleakin

South Walk - A Kyleakin circuit incorporating Kyleakin, Caisteal Maol, The Obb and the Anavig Trail to Cnoc a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh
Route maps and descriptions: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/caistealmaol.shtml
and
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/cnoc-a-mhadaidh-ruaidh.shtml

An exhilarating walk at Kyleakin in between the very heavy hail showers followed by thunder and lightning.

We decided to do the the Anavig Trail to Cnoc a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh and did the red route which has great views now that they have cleared the pines.

Pernettya Mucronata / Gaultheria Muconata 

The landscape is a bit rough as expected but the path is very good.

Had a lovely sighting of a juvenile Sea Eagle as we walked round the hill.

We then walked back via the Obb

and reached the car just in time to avoid the only rain and hail that we saw all the time we were out.

Caisteal Maol

6 Dec 19: Step It Up - Coral Beaches

[thanks to Ray for the photos and most of the words]

Today, despite the threatening weather, six brave souls braved the path to The Coral Beaches. Luckily only a few drops of rain dared to fall until we were all safely back in our cars.

Good company and lively conversation during the walk, followed by tea/coffee and cakes at the Dunvegan Hotel where we put the world to rights and complained about everything we could think of.

Great afternoon out.

28 Nov 19: Staffin - Step It Up

A good final walk of the month. We've had an average attendance of ten throughout. So lucky with the weather too!