131. Hushinish Beach

It’s the third day of my trip and the morning unveils beautiful blue skies and patchy white cloud. I have a marathon walking day planned and these are perfect conditions. I am beyond excited. I decide to start with what is likely to be the toughest walk of the day – the 5-mile circular walk to Crabhadail from Hùisinis. As anyone who’s been to Hùisinis will know, the 14-mile drive along the singe track B887 is an exhilarating experience in itself. It’s such a beautiful and remote road, so it’s a little disconcerting to arrive at Hùisinis at 8.30 in the morning to find the car park already filling up with motor homes, camper vans and cars.  The Hùisinis Gateway is a custom-made mini-village for visitors with toilets, showers, refreshments and picnic tables. There is even a HM coastguard vehicle parked at the back of the dunes. I find it surreal and a little uncomfortable. l am eager to start my walk and get away from the morning activity. For that reason, I don’t  spend too long on Hùisinis beach itself, which for some reason is partly taped off (maybe nesting birds or riptides?). On my return, a few hours later, the car park is rammed. People are waiting for my space, but still on my return I pass a dozen vehicles, mostly motorhomes, making their way along the 14-mile road. If you go to Hùisinis on a sunny day, go early!