A British Island Adventure

How big is Jura?

2012-02-02T23:35:00.000Z

Hamish Haswell-Smith is still the undisputed expert on Scottish islands. While comparing the commonly held top 10 largest islands in Britain against our list from Ordnance Survey I was surprised to find a few points of difference. Casting around for some official figures I was astonished to find that there didn't seem to be any. Indeed, both Wikipedia and RJ Berry in the New Naturalists' Islands quote Haswell-Smith's calculations. For his results he used a planimeter to measure "the total surface area lying above sea level at Mean High Water Springs." Out of curiosity I thought I might check his results using some "digitalised map data" that he predicted would be available in the future. I used Daft Logic's online map calculator tool and after some initial excitement spent way too long plotting points around the perimeter of Jura, mimicking the planimeter but with less accuracy. Anyway, the result of my fruitless evening suggest no reason to quibble with Hamish.

My calculation for Jura is 36,359.38 hectares, Hamish's is 36,692 hectares.

Barra airport: the most scenic airport in the world

2012-02-01T14:32:00.000Z

The Telegraph has a feature this week on the planet's top 10 most scenic airport approaches and landings as voted for by readers of PrivateFly.com. It's no surprise to see Barra included, as it's the only beach runway for scheduled flights in the world. Unfortunately, T and I haven't been on the plane but we did get a very close look when it flew straight over our heads to land. As The Telegraph used one of T's pics to illustrate the article, I thought it might be a good time to show off a few more photos to describe this unique event.

Flybe and British Airways fly to Barra in the Outer Hebrides from as far afield as Southampton, Paris and Dusseldorf. The Twin Otter plane lands on the two mile cockle beach at Traigh Mhor, in the northeast corner of the island. Whenever the windsock blows, the beach needs to be evacuated for the approaching aircraft. Unsurprisingly, the timetable must remain flexible as the runway is submerged beneath the sea twice a day.

Three days in Medway movie

2012-01-11T10:45:00.000Z

I love holding down the play button on my compact camera and watching the images rush by – it feels like your life rushing before you. So I thought I'd combine all the images I shot from our trip with Dave Wise to the Medway last year into one quick-fire sequence. I think it gives a pretty good impression of the islands out there.

The movie looks a little better here...

DC's favourite islands 2011

2011-12-31T08:46:00.000Z

1. Farne Islands
This has to be one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the UK. Where else can you get as close to nesting puffins, razorbills, shags and kittiwakes? On Inner Farne, at the right time of year, arctic terns dive-bomb your head while their fluffy offspring run under your feet. But the birds are only half the story – the human behaviour is just as weird and fascinating.

2. Lindisfarne
Holy Island, tidal island, distiller of mead, home to a storybook castle and beacon for tourists from miles around. Being cut off by the tide twice a day gives the island its sense of magic and isolation. Staying overnight transforms the experience to a slower, more spacious and quieter understanding of the place, where faith and history thrum beneath the coffee shops, rambling outfits and rushed daily visits.

3. Darnet Island

At first, Medway doesn't sound quite as exciting as the Shetlands but I guess it depends on what you're doing there. We were taken out of our comfort zone on a canoe trip and a spot of wild camping on one of Medway's many islands: Darnet Island. Next to the shipping lane, a power station and amidst a ring of busy towns it's amazing where you can find wildness and the thrill of adventure. Thanks to our guide Dave Wise we discovered the incredible scent of sea wormwood, the comfort of sea purslane as a mattress, the haunting interior of Darnet Fort, the difficulty of pinhole photography and the joy of waking up on your own secluded island.

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 17

2011-12-21T10:54:00.003Z

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 147, Christmas 2011, T covers our canoe trip in the Medway.

Thames Islands Pt 3 - Thames Ditton Island...

2011-11-28T12:24:00.000Z

Ye Olde Swan public house – crossing point to Thames Ditton Island

Actually reaching the river is not always the easiest thing to do along the banks of the Thames. You can wander along the river's edge without seeing any water, just rows of houses. The access point to Thames Ditton Island takes advantage of a small slipway next to Ye Olde Swan. It wasn't until the early 20th century that holiday houses started to be built on the island.

Thames Ditton Island bridge

The bridge was built in 1939 by David Rowell & Co. of Westminter. Ownership is shared between the 49 households on the island after purchasing it from Ye Olde Swan's landlord in 1963. As well as providing easy access to the the island for residents, it also transports water, gas and electricity in, and sewage out.

Thames Ditton Island

Swan Island and Boyle Farm Island just behind

Swan Island, in the foreground, almost adjoins Thames Ditton Island. It used to house the ferryman before the bridge arrived. Just visible behind is Boyle Farm Island with its single house.

The official Ditton Island website is at www.thamesdittonisland.co.uk

A brief video...

Tagg's Island

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000Z

Tagg's Island has a long history of developmental prospecting and foiled plans. A lot of people seem to have lost a lot of money trying to make their fortune here. It was in 1872 that Thomas Tagg opened The Thames Hotel, attracting the rich and famous, and giving the island its current name.

Tagg's Island bridge

Tagg's Island bridge - going up

The road bridge wasn't built until 1982.

Tagg's Island bridge - going down

Tagg's Island houseboats

Building is not allowed on the island, so a ring of more than 60 luxury houseboats line the island. The addition of an inner lagoon in 1983 created extra space for mooring.

Tagg's Island sign

Small islet set adrift from Tagg's Island

Official Tagg's Island website (www.taggs-island.com)
Tagg's Island has a floating B&B
Tagg's Island history
More history, greater detail

Garrick's Ait

2011-11-28T04:30:00.000Z

Unlike most islands in the Thames, Garrick's Ait has no bridge access. Around 20 bungalows are crammed onto the island.

Looking over the bank side houseboats to Garrick's Ait

The western tip of Garrick's Ait photographed from Garrick's Temple

The eastern tip of Garrick's Ait

A potted history of Garrick's Ait

Platt's Eyot

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000Z

Sunbury water works

Reaching Platt's Eyot involves walking through a strange landscape of gravel filter beds and the geometric buildings of the Sunbury water works. The spoil from the creation of the nearby Stain Hill Reservoirs was dumped onto the island at the turn of the 20th century, raising the height of the western end.

Platt's Eyot bridge

While I was photographing the bridge from the island's car park a man, named Neil, asked if I was interested in the island. He ended up showing me around the island and his own photographic studio where he had some amazing furniture designs on the go. I was surprised to find that there was no residential property, just industrial units of various shapes, sizes and states of repair. Thornycroft made Coastal Motor Boats here for the First World War – a fast ship designed to skim over minefields and release torpedoes. Nowadays, Neil said, most of the units are used by artists, musicians and designers of one kind or another.

A private but friendly island

Crossing the bridge to Platt's Eyot

The east end of Platt's Eyot

The west end of Platt's Eyot

Spice Girls studio?

One of Neil's stories involved this old brick building by the island's bridge. Apparently The Spice Girls recorded some early tracks within these walls and the young owners of the studio retired very early on a healthy £5 million payout!

Current incumbents of Platt's Eyot

Industrial hanger on Platt's Eyot

This pleasant, creative state of affairs may not last too much longer though. Planning permission has been sought twice in the last decade by the owners for a huge development of housing and offices. Judging from the other islands along this stretch of water, it's surely only a matter of time before they get their wish.

Nature notes

Grand Junction Island

2011-11-28T03:30:00.000Z

Grand Junction Island

The island is now owned by Thames Water, but was previously owned by the Grand Junction Water Company who built a water intake on the island for the nearby reservoirs – hence the name. A few holiday chalets exist on the island as well as some boat moorings.

Memories of Grand Junction Island

Sunbury Court Island

2011-11-28T02:30:00.000Z

Entrance to Sunbury Court Island

The light was fading fast as I raced to Sunbury Court Island. This small gate above provides the only break in the endless residential barricade, giving access over a bridge to the island's charming entrance tower, which was in fact built to house a sewage pump.

Sunbury Court Island

Around 30 houses consume almost every inch of the island.

Sunbury Court Island tower at dusk

Swan's Rest Island and Rivermead Island

2011-11-28T02:00:00.000Z

Swan's Rest Island

Swan's Rest Island is still marked on the London A-Z even though there is no longer any channel between it and Rivermead Island.

Rivermead Island footbridge

A bridge carries you over a narrow water channel or, if you prefer, you can cross the ford to Rivermead Island.

Narrow channel on the north bank

Rivermead Island park

No houses! The island is an open park with some lovely mature trees...

Rivermead Island

... and ducks.

Rivermead Island bridge

Papp A Postcard competition

2011-11-23T13:31:00.001Z

Five postcards dropped through our letterbox last week - a card a day. Each one suggested a British island for us to visit.

Monday delivered Flat Holm, enticing us with its “massive Victorian fog horn”.
Tuesday brought us Anglesey, promising “a village with the longest name in Britain”.
Wednesday gave us Handa Island, home to“North West Europe’s largest seabird colony”.
Thursday tempted us with the Monach Isles, from where “the last people… left in 1951”.
Friday completed the set with Walney and its “400 species of moth”.

The reason for these mysterious postcards? It’s all part of a National Rail promotion to get people out and about photographing whatever they discover. Pictures can then be uploaded to the Papp A Postcard app on Facebook for a chance to win a £500 Topshop/Topman shopping experience. You can take a look at www.facebook.com/Railcard to see some of the wacky entries. If you'd like to enter, the closing date is Nov 28th.

As for us, we couldn't resist Anglesey, which hopefully we'll be visiting in December.

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 16

2011-09-29T13:43:00.002+01:00

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 145, November 2011, T covers our summer visit to Lindisfarne.

Islands in the Thames Pt 2 - Teddington Island...

2011-09-19T11:40:00.000+01:00

The north tip of Teddington Island, from Teddington

The south tip of Teddington Island, from Teddington

Teddington Island steps

Teddington Island bike ramp

Teddington Island Lock is an impressive feat of engineering. It's composed of three locks and a long, curved weir. The whole complex cascades from one side of the Thames to the other. A wooded, centre island links the lock to the weir as well as supporting the busy Teddington Lock footbridge. An elaborate stilted ramp allows the passage of cyclists. A short track below runs the length of the island to locked gates at either end. Anglers cast from the shore.

Teddington Lock Island

2011-09-19T11:34:00.000+01:00

Teddington Lock Island

Teddington Lock Island flower beds

Teddington Lock Island park

Teddington Lock Island lock keeper's cottage

Teddington Lock Island is a beautifully manicured park, replete with flowered borders, benches and public toilets. The attractive lock keepers cottage is the cherry on the cake.

Trowlock Island

2011-09-19T11:28:00.000+01:00

Trowlock Island from the Thames Path

Trowlock Island

Trowlock Island chain ferry in action

Trowlock Island chain ferry

Trowlock Island chain ferry winch

From the Thames Path it's hard to see that you're walking past Trowlock Island – it looks like a continuation of the far bank. Looping round at Kingston and passing a series of private roads with "No access to the river" eventually brings you to Teddington Sports Hall and a footpath to the sailing club. From here you can observe, if you wait long enough for a resident, the eccentric little chain ferry in action, operated by a cartoon winch. A large sign on the island shore explains just how PRIVATE the island is for its 29 homes and Royal Canoe Club (the world's oldest canoe club).

An undercover report...

Steven's Eyot

2011-09-19T11:13:00.000+01:00

Steven's Eyot

The Small Boat Club hut on Steven's Eyot

A tiny island located north of Kingston that is devoted to the pleasure of river cruising. Owned by the Small Boat Club (SBC), moorings are restricted to members only. For a nice overhead shot take a look here.

Whale Island, Hampshire

2011-09-10T22:38:00.000+01:00

This way to Whale Island

Welcome to Whale Island

The history of Whale Island in five easy steps

Grade II listed drill hall, Queen Charlotte figurehead

HMS Excellent museum

Coffee and biscuits in the HMS Excellent mess

Whale Island next to the ferry terminal

Aerial view of Whale Island in 1935

Aerial view of Whale Island in 1995

Langstone Harbour Islands

2011-09-10T13:36:00.000+01:00

Farlington Marshes

Looking across to Baker's Island and South Binness Island

North Binness Island from the Solent Way

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 15

2011-08-27T22:16:00.004+01:00

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 143, September 2011, T remembers Islay.

Islands in the Thames - part 1

2011-08-22T22:33:00.043+01:00

Staying one night in London gave us the opportunity to visit a few islands in the Thames. After catching the train to Twickenham we strolled down to the water's edge and crossed the bridge to Eel Pie Island, probably the most famous of all the islands in the Thames. There's not a lot to enjoy for the visitor anymore, just a short public path to a boat yard. From its hedonistic heyday in the 60s, the island is little more than a gated community now.

Eel Pie Island footbridge

Eel Pie Island buildings

Eel Pie Island privacy

Eel Pie Island from the Thames Path

We followed the Thames Path in an easterly direction... Glover's Island is an eruption of trees from the water.

Glover's Island

Corporation Island, dripping with willows, is within a stone's throw of Richmond Bridge.

Corporation Island, Richmond

Undeniably large, but seemingly rather dull, Isleworth Ait has something unexpected to offer. Owned by the London Wildlife Trust, it is home to the two-lipped door snail and German hairy snail as well as kingfishers and herons. We would never have known as we wandered by.

Isleworth Ait

Walking past Kew Gardens, looking across the Thames to Brentford, our view is obscured by the long, split island of Brentford Ait and it's smaller cousin, Lot's Ait.

Lot's Ait

The channel splitting Brentford Ait is known as Hog Hole

Brentford Ait

Kew Bridge signalled the end of our amble. We could see Oliver's Island clearly from the bridge, shaped like a single fantastic tree.

Oliver's Island, Kew

A quick stop at Castelnau offered up Chiswick Eyot, substantially leafier than my maps suggested.

Chiswick Eyot

Scottish Islands feature in Britain magazine

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

A really good selection of T's Scottish island photos are featured in this month's Britain magazine. The pictures accompany her general survey of the isles.

Close Up & Macro Photography book out now

2011-07-20T08:49:00.001+01:00

T's latest book has just been published. As well as being a technique guide, it is crammed full of her beautiful close up shots.

Close-Up & Macro Photography (Expanded Guide: Techniques) at Amazon.co.uk
Close-Up & Macro Photography (Expanded Guide: Techniques) at Amazon.com

Medway - day 3 - Deadmans Island

2011-07-08T22:30:00.009+01:00

Landing point on Deadmans Island

Exposed grave on Deadmans Island

Cockle shell banks

Flowering sea lavender on Deadmans Island

Safe return to Sheppey

Wake at 6:30 to find Dave already packing up camp — I feel happily unwashed and grubby — before we know it, we're pushing the canoe off of Darnet for the last time — another punishing headwind awaits — hug the edge of Nor Marsh — dock, and promptly settle on a bench for breakfast — a chipper Kent bloke barks a few friendly words at us, impressively using the term 'ritzy' — canoe on car, we're off to the Isle of Sheppey — with comments of 'good luck' and 'mind the curse' from local fishermen we paddle off from Queenborough slipway to Deadmans Island — dodge through the yachts on a fast moving tide — hoist the canoe onto a cockleshell bank, dragging it over a human bone or two — check out the uncovered graves — no one fancies eating the samphire here — walk over the sea purslane to a stake-lined channel separating us from Chetney Marshes — dismal impression in the rain — with the tide out, it's a two-man bobsleigh charge across lots and lots of mud — back in the canoe, we edge our way back to the slipway — the yacht club public conveniences allow us to get some dry clothes on — a quick stop on Elmley Island — a long safari drive through the grassy flatlands to the RSPB reserve for lunch — handshakes and smiles farewell

Take a look at Dave's version of our Medway expedition...
If you fancy having your own Kent canoe adventure with the expert guidance of Dave you can find out more here

Medway - day 2 - Darnet Island and Hoo Salt Marsh

2011-07-07T21:27:00.019+01:00

Kingsnorth power station from Darnet

Darnet Fort viewed from the east end of the island

Pinhole lessons

Wrecks on Hoo Salt Marsh

Hoo Fort viewed from the channels at high tide

Crossing the temporary gangplank to Darnet Fort

Inside Darnet Fort

Waiting for the baked apples to cook

Thankfully, no 4:30 wake-up call to paddle to Deadman's island — with the tide now out, exploring Darnet is the order of the day — after breakfast, a red sailed barge tacks patiently into the wind — the east side of Darnet extends an unexpectedly long way at low tide — we discover lots of bricks, pottery shards, Victorian bottles, and clay pipe stems — photos are taken by all — re-group at the fort for pinhole lessons — post-lunch, with the tide in, we cross the choppy shipping lane to Hoo Salt Marsh — examine the picturesque rusting and rotting boat hulls — an identical fort to Darnet, but without the flooding — float between a portal of two rusty barges to a sheltered inlet and shallow channels — peaceful, calm paddling in the sun — in contrast to the exertion of paddling back across the whitewater shipping lane — cross the perilous gangplank to Darnet Fort — impeccable Victorian construction of thick iron and brick archways — vodka and tonic time — veggie sausages, tomato and chilli sauce, couscous, fire-warmed flatbread and hummus for supper — impatiently, we develop our pinhole experiments with mixed results — the strong wind buffets the tent all night

Dave runs guided canoe trips around the Medway, the River Stour and Hythe Royal Military Canal. For more info, check out www.canoekent.com

Medway - day 1 - Nor Marsh and Darnet Island

2011-07-06T13:55:00.020+01:00

Wheeling the canoe down for launching at Riverside Country Park

First stop on Nor Marsh

Dave attaches a solargraph can at Nor Marsh

Approaching Darnet Fort

Base camp on Darnet island

Not exactly the normal camp fare from Dave

A speedy 2hr 15min drive to Riverside Country Park, Kent — look out over Medway's big vista, big sky, and big industry — Dave arrives with a giant canoe strapped to his car's roof — T and I struggle with the single task of getting our backpacks into a drybag — after some brief instruction, we set sail from Horrid Hill — aggrieved to hear that I'm 'the engine', while Dave steers and T's the ballast — murky green water laps at the edge of Nor Marsh, our first stop — thick with gulls and sea purslane — taste the samphire: refreshing and intensely salty at the same time — paddle past the ruined jetty to stop number two — discovered treasure: an Adidas Jubliani world cup football — a solargraph can is attached to a rusting post — Dave mentions these islands might be lost to the sea within 50 years — the strong wind and big waves make paddling tough — slip in behind three sunk, concrete barges to a sheltered landing on Darnet — we explore the island, while Dave sets up camp — the 19th century fort dominates, ringed by a deep moat and brambles — a bee, overladen with pollen, heaves itself about the flowering sea lavender — vodka and tonic with a lemon slice! — an upturned milk crate provides a seat next to the driftwood fire — salad, homemade bread, creamy pasta, red wine: this is not how I remember camping — travel stories over baked apples — the lights of Gillingham and Kingsnorth Power Station glow — a restless night, despite the unbeatable comfort of a sea purslane mattress and the calming calls of oyster catchers

Dave runs lots of different canoe tours around Kent, often involving great food and wild camping. To go on your own adventure, start here

Northumberland - day 7 - north coast

2011-07-01T15:58:00.010+01:00

Berwick-upon-Tweed walls

Cocklawburn Beach

Road down to Newton Haven

Great coffee and magnificent view from The Barn at Beale — Berwick-upon-Tweed's remarkable town walls — pop in to the excellent Berwick Gymnasium gallery — lay on the picnic blanket beneath overhanging wild rose at Cocklawburn beach, listening to the waves — back of the dunes clotted with yellow and purple flowers — a crumbling lime kiln — the briefest look at St Aidan's Dunes — at Newton Haven a man in a straw hat free-wheels past on a Raleigh Burner, not a care in the world — shallow, enclosed Beadnell Bay — a group of elderly tourists point at things, silhouetted in the sun — snorkel out through the bladder wrack, skimming over the stoney bed — crabs of various sizes and armour markings — T glimpses a camouflaged flounder winking at her — gravity tugs when clambering ashore — warming fish 'n' chips at Seahouses — too tired for evening photography

Northumberland - day 6 - Lindisfarne

2011-06-30T15:41:00.006+01:00

Lindisfarne dunes

The shelter on Lindisfarne causeway

Walking back on the Pilgrim's route

Paying £3 each allows us to pass through the beaded curtain to look at the exhibits in Lindisfarne Heritage Centre — an interesting film on the first Viking attack in Britain (793 AD) plays out — but not as interesting as the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibit, with its mesmerising film of the strange tools and processes involved in binding books (honestly) — Pilgrims Cafe is closed at 1:30pm, so we head to The Stables instead, just in time to queue behind a large walking group of religious Norwegians — a pair of Scottish ladies discuss spiritual concerns — sat in this sunny walled garden, it finally dawns on me that we are truly on a holy island, and that it has a greater significance to some people than just another tourist destination — with this in mind we head to St Mary's, and become absorbed by the illuminated page of bishops stretching back to St Aidan in 635 AD — a letter of conciliation from Norway in 1993 also hangs on the wall, officially declaring peace between the Vikings and Lindisfarne, 1200 years after the first invasion — on trying the Lindisfarne Mead T declares it to "taste of bees" — walking through the humps and hollows of the dunes, we're amazed at the flora and fauna: common blue butterflies, a swathe of cotton grass beneath a hawthorn, orchids everywhere, purple headed grasses — at The Snook, T possibly spots a Lindisfarne Helleborine — walk through the middle of the low dunes to Snook Point — cross the clean strip of tarmac into the sun — sit in the causeway shelter — follow the poles back to Lindisfarne — mirror-like pools of standing water reflect the clouds — so much further than it looks — Craster kipper supper — I still don't like kippers

Northumberland - day 5 - north coast

2011-06-29T15:28:00.004+01:00

Ross Back Sands

Rain over the Farne Isles

Bamburgh Castle

In bright sunlight we drive to secluded Ross — glorious walk through the farm pasture to rippling dunes — on the way, a truly disdainful look from a farmhand on a quad bike — wide open, endless sandy beach beneath fluffy clouds — Bamburgh Castle, as ever, looms in the distance — walk through the cool, shallow water, avoiding washed up jellyfish — Bamburgh offers few options for a quick lunch — enter, then rapidly depart the Copper Kettle tearooms — settle on takeaway from the deli — the sun disappears — we stroll around Bamburgh Castle, from the cricket green through the dunes littered with chrysalises, marvelling at its size — walk along the magnificent beach wondering why more people don't choose Northumberland over Cornwall — um and ah about snorkelling at Harkess Rocks — eventually we suit up and join the eider ducks in Table Bay, one of the many plunge pools along the rocks — bladder wrack streams from the stones, jellyfish tumble in the seaweed — a shivering escape from the wetsuit — warm up in the car — a couple in the car next to us stare out to the Farne Isles, sharing a bottle of wine in plastic cups while getting down to Bruce Hornsby and the Range — we sit for a while ourselves, watching rain fall over the Farnes

Northumberland - day 4 - Lindisfarne

2011-06-28T15:07:00.005+01:00

Wild flowers on Lindisfarne east coast

Sandham, Lindisfarne

Rippled ledges at Back Skerrs, Lindisfarne

Lazy start, decide to maroon ourselves on the island today — as we leave, six crowded house martins smile from their nest below next door's porch — tasty scone, jam and cream at Pilgrims Cafe — walk along the grassy coastal track scattered with flowers — orchids and burnet moths all over Emmanuel Head — dark green fritillaries waft over the dunes — buckled ledges at Back Skerrs create brilliant rock pools filled with hermit crabs and sea snails — a colourful limpet rotates itself 120˚ — a toy machine gun, squeaky toy and other relics hang from the ceiling of a dry-stone shelter — get lost in the sweltering dunes trying to find the road — pass two unlucky hitchhikers who can't get a lift — more evening photography

Northumberland - day 3 - Farne Islands

2011-06-27T12:10:00.010+01:00

Boat trip booths at Seahouses

Sea columns of Staple Island

Longstone lighthouse

Brownsman island cottage

Disembarking on Staple Island

Puffin burrows on Staple Island, looking over to Brownsman island

Staple Island, northeast side

Bird life on the cliff edge

Entry to Inner Farne (The Wideopens in the background)

For the birds or the humans?

Thinning vapours, sunny morn — drive the stunning coastal route to Seahouses — join the queue at Billy Shiel's booth — the surprisingly basic Glad Tidings III departs, we board the slightly less basic Glad Tidings IV — we've never seen so many long lenses in one place — the first puffin dips beneath the water, patches of guillemots scatter — a powerful waft of ammonia as we approach Staple Island — a panorama of grey cubist rocks splattered white — guillemots, shags, kittywakes and other gulls sit on stone shelves making a collective din — bobbing heads of grey seals in Brada bay, Longstone — third in line to dock at Staple Island, beneath a canopy of puffins — bedlam: the human life is as frenetic as the bird life — no quarter is given in securing territory for the best shot — within touching distance, shags pant, preen their fluffy young, arrange the nest, call out — the eyes of sand eels (clamped in the beak of a puffin) glint like a row of sequins — sandy burrows among white flowering sea campion — cross the lumpy Staple Sound to Inner Farne — lushly vegetated rise to old buildings — a flurry of arctic terns swoop to feed their chicks either side of the boardwalk — decorative tail feathers fan as its red beak pecks at my head — sun departs, wind rises — cold, tired and jaded — a black backed gull swoops overhead with a chick hanging from its beak — good take away chips and tea from Neptune's on a wind blown bench overlooking Seahouses harbour

Northumberland - day 2 - Lindisfarne

2011-06-26T11:00:00.011+01:00

Lindisfarne Priory

The classic position for photographing Lindisfarne Castle

Lindisfarne Castle, Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Isles provide the view from the window seat — wander into the village — a Scottish girl at the NT shop gives her boss short shrift, while remaining impeccably polite — the gruff Post Office owner observes us closely in case we shoplift a map — Pilgrims Cafe offers a great cup of coffee and a selection of birds to try and nibble your cake — 12 noon opening at Lindisfarne Castle — the genius of Lutyen conveyed in door handles and fireplaces — the brilliant, slightly mad, wind indicator created by MacDonald Gill— outside: impressive lime kilns, and a by-the-numbers Gertrude Jekyll walled garden — ravaged by centuries of wind and water, Lindisfarne Priory would not look out of place at Petra — a large group of laughing Filipinos congregate on St Cuthbert's Island — we cross to the tidal island with a boy and his dog — in the evening light, T and I wait for the sun to emerge from behind a cloud to take the classic Joe Cornish shot of the castle — walking home, the apparition of a barn owl

St Cuthbert's Island, Lindisfarne

2011-06-26T01:05:00.000+01:00

The standing cross on St Cuthbert's Island

The tidal island of St Cuthbert's seen at high tide from Lindisfarne

Northumberland - day 1 - arriving on Lindisfarne

2011-06-25T10:33:00.007+01:00

First sight of Lindisfarne Castle

M3, M25, M1, A1: nine hours on the spine of England to Holy Island, Lindisfarne — countryside soundtrack in the Little Chef toilets — poppies and wildflowers grow on roadwork banks like the long border at Great Dixter — eight lanes, hovering kestrels, continuous farmland — the tarmac causeway parts the orange sand to Lindisfarne — an exodus of ramblers — arrive at the perfectly placed 3 Herring Houses — instant tiredness migraine — T hastily steps out with the camera to capture the warm, late light — a photographer's paradise — fall asleep in the bath listening to the creepy moans of the seals on Long Ridge

Thorney Island

2011-06-11T16:26:00.004+01:00

Crossing the bridge at Thornham Marina

The MOD gate to cross onto Thorney Island

Stanbury Point

Marsh channel

Stepping onto Pilsey Island

Pilsey Island

West coast path returning towards Emsworth

Reed beds in the late evening sun

Emsworth Deckhouses

Emsworth Marina

Park by the (pop-up cafe) scout hut — a path of bridges — The Great Deep creates the island — buzzer entry through the MOD gates — a cresting wave of hawthorns to Stanbury Point — MOD structures in the 'Forbidden Zone' — the constant rasping hum of landing microlights — creeping tide on Pilsey Island — memorial bench with a moving book of remembrance for a Gulf War veteran — serpentine grassy path to Wickor Point — reed beds aglow in the late light — not Potakabins nor loos, but Emsworth Deckhouses

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 14

2011-06-10T16:48:00.001+01:00

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 141, July 2011, T writes about St Mary's, Isles of Scilly.

For sale: one remote Scottish island

2011-06-09T19:51:00.004+01:00

The island of Taransay in the Outer Hebrides has been the site of many battles over the centuries but, sadly, most people know it purely as the location for thehugely popular BBC TV series Castaway.

Over a decade after the BBC moved out, the island is up for sale. For

£2 million you could own a windswept patch of rock, bog and sand in the middle of the Atlantic. But before you get your wallet out, be aware that you might enter into a modern day battle with TV presenter Ben Fogle.

In all fairness, Ben has more reason to buy Taransay than most - while he may talk about 'the talc-white sandy beaches and turquoise waters' much of his devotion must surely derive from the fact that the island pretty much launched his TV career.

Ben has hopes of turning the island into a wildlife reserve, and for that alone he gets my vote. For the full story see The Telegraph.

Quote from a boat

2011-05-18T17:50:00.004+01:00

'Throw the lumber over, man! Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink, for thirst is a dangerous thing.'

Three Men and a Boat by Jerome K Jerome

Scolt Holm Head, Norfolk #398

2011-05-03T21:44:00.002+01:00

Distant Scolt Holm Head

Sandwiched between two four and a half hour drives we had an interesting day in Norfolk on a madcap house renting mission. The house didn't work out, but we managed to get a glimpse of an island, walking along the beautiful beach at Brancaster. Scolt Holm Head looks a doozy, with some terrific sand dunes. A boat runs out to it, so it seems a return visit is in order - just not in a single day next time.

Hayling Island

2011-04-21T12:35:00.008+01:00

Langstone Bridge

Hayling Island is set up perfectly for cycling. A quiet cycle route swept us through a tunnel of trees from Havant train station to Langstone Bridge - the crossing point to Hayling. The Hayling Billy track then follows the old railway line that used to carry my dad to his boyhood summer holidays on the island. The train stopped running in 1963, and now the route takes cyclists away from the traffic clogged road, along the west coast past a nature reserve, mudflats and rapeseed fields.

Rapeseed field near Newton

Lunch at the Sunset Cafe

An arrow-straight, tree-lined road brought us to the beach area. Where turf covered sand, studded with gorse, gives way to dusty car parks and pastel coloured beach huts. A seemingly endless bank of shingle runs in either direction before the sea. The Sunset Cafe provided a tasty lunch.

Shingle banks facing Portsmouth

Beach huts and esplanade terracing

Hayling Light Railway sits next to the fun fair

The fun fair feels like the centre of the island. Downwind, the sporadic roar of the rides is carried great distances. Up close, the sudden lack of space becomes suffocating. Hayling Light Railway offers an escape - the rusty rails meandering east beside the beach.

looking over to Wittering

The south-eastern shore offers greater tranquility despite the density of housing squeezed into every available nook.

Sand dunes by the sailing club

Leaving the southern shore, we followed the busy main road north before gratefully branching off to the peaceful country lanes of North Hayling, which perhaps provide a glimpse of the island my dad visited all those years ago.

Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve

2011-04-17T16:37:00.003+01:00

Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve

On a scrubby stretch of land at the end of the A326 in Hampshire is a left-over place of shingle, where beach huts turn their backs on the looming presence of Fawley power station. Somehow there's also room for a lifeboat station, coastguard tower, castle, campsite and a giant activities centre.

Calshot outdoor centre

Between the power station and the activity centre lies the scraggy, hunkered down, bristly islands that make up Calshot Marshes nature reserve. Sadly ignored by most visitors, the islands barely bother to raise themselves out of the mud. However, for birds it's a different story. Designated an SSSI, the area "supports nationally important numbers of migratory and over-wintering waders and wildfowl."

Low-lying mudflats of Calshot Marshes

The report from English Nature continues: "It regularly supports more than 1% of the national winter populations of wigeon, teal, ringed plover, grey plover, black-tailed godwit, redshank and dunlin and is thus considered to be of national significance to each of these species. It also regularly holds more than 1% of the world population of the dark-bellied brent goose and is thus considered internationally significant for that species."

Clashot Marshes looking back from the power station

"The numbers of some other species, notably the great crested grebe, gadwall and shoveler, often approach or achieve nationally important population levels. Total numbers of all waterfowl regularly exceed 10,000 in winter and sometimes approach twice that number."

Fawley power station

This protected area is so crucial because of the immense industrial pressures that surround it. From the busy cargo port at Southampton to the thrumming, oil-burning power station right next to it. But, for good or bad, the place wouldn't have the same atmosphere without the menacing vibrations of the power station.

Fawley power station hanger

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 13

2011-04-16T13:16:00.000+01:00

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 139, May 2011, T writes about Lewis and Harris.

Tea and cake with Chris Packham

2011-04-09T11:18:00.002+01:00

We had the great pleasure of meeting Chris Packham at the judging of The Master Builder's photographic competition at Buckler's Hard last weekend (where T was awarded 'runner-up'). Chris was generous with both his time and his expertise, and organiser Jackie Neylon (who took this photo of T and Chris) did an excellent job of arranging the event, and keeping us happy with generous helpings of orange cake! Thanks to everyone at the hotel for a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

Canon EOS 60D - The Expanded Guide

2011-04-02T22:37:00.002+01:00

The latest expanded guide, written by Tracy, has just been published. As you may have noticed from the image above, it's on the Canon EOS 60D. Besides being a great read, it's also lavishly illustrated with T's photographs.

Have a look at:
Canon EOS 60D (Expanded Guide) on Amazon.co.uk
Canon EOS 60D (The Expanded Guide) on Amazon.com
The publishers: Ammonite Press

Sula Sgeir guga hunters

2011-03-22T12:00:00.003Z

The departing Guga hunters by Donald Morrison

The men of Ness, on Lewis and Harris, have hunted guga (gannets) for centuries on the remote island of Sula Sgeir, 40 miles north of the Butt of Lewis. The rocky stack supports thousands of gannets, of which 2000 can be culled for the cooking pot by the Ness community. Donald Morrison was lucky enough to witness the tradition living on in the new millennium. His pictures on Flickr offer a fascinating insight to the hardship of harvesting, and are recommended viewing. Take a look, here.

Island Fact - no.4

2011-03-21T10:52:00.002Z

Wild Cat Island, the magical location featured in Arthur Ransome's book Swallows and Amazons, is based on Peel Island on Coniston Water in the Lake District.

Water of life

2011-03-17T16:32:00.003Z

crossing the Sound of Islay, 16/5/09

ScottishPower Renewables has been given the go-ahead for a 10-megawatt, £40 million tidal stream project in the Sound of Islay (between the islands of Islay and Jura in Scotland). The energy generated will be used to power the whisky distilleries on the islands, as well as homes and businesses.

To find out more, visit www.guardian.co.uk

Island fact - no.3

2011-03-16T16:35:00.002Z

According to UK Coast Guide there are 291 inhabited islands in the UK. To find out more, visit www.ukcoastguide.co.uk

Top 10 hit

2011-03-10T16:16:00.003Z

The Shetland isles have been voted 'one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit' by Lonely Planet. The archipelago is made up of more than 100 islands, and is rich in wildlife and history.

To find out more, visit The Lonely Planet.

Island cottages for sale on Colonsay

2011-03-04T20:41:00.003Z

If you've ever been on holiday and felt like never leaving then Colonsay Estates may have the answer, but only if you have £200K to spare. The Scottish island of Colonsay has two ex-holiday cottages available for purchase...

Port Mhor

Garta Ghoban

"In a magnificent location with outstanding views over the sea to the west, these cottages are in excellent condition and are amongst our best holiday letting properties. Both properties are on approx 1/4 acre plots. More photos and details on our website. Offers over £195,000 for each property. We are looking for a completion date in early October."

There is also a "1/4 acre building plot on the west coast with detailed planning permission for a 5 bedroom zero carbon house with outstanding views over the sea to the west. Offers over £95,000.

Further details are available from the Estate Office on 01951 200211 or to jane@colonsayestate.co.uk or alex@colonsayestate.co.uk

Dark Chamber at Dimbola Lodge

2011-03-01T08:39:00.004Z

Dark Chamber is a group exhibition of pinhole photography at Dimbola Lodge on the Isle of Wight. The Open View takes place on Saturday 2nd April from 4 - 7 PM.

The exhibition will run between Friday 1st April until Sunday 26th June, (Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm).

Nhung Dang is one of our favourite photographers, and co-authors the brilliant blog: The Lost Promenade. Dimbola Lodge is a remarkable gallery/museum on the wonderful Isle of Wight. It is a veritable 'match made in heaven' and well worth a trip over to the island, especially if you have a spot of lunch at Dimbola.

More island explorers

2011-02-28T16:45:00.003Z

As much as we enjoy our own method of exploring the Scottish islands (a combination of Shanks' pony and public transport), we can't help but feel we might be missing out sometimes. Two different blogs cover alternative transportation that sets the mind a dreaming. Click the links below for a few minutes of happiness...

By motorhome on Travels with Ian and Sue

By sea kyak on SeaKyakPhoto

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal part 12

2011-02-18T21:06:00.013Z

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 137, March 2011, T writes about Berneray.

Islands, encapsulated

2011-02-06T20:53:00.002Z

D E Allen sums up the lure of islands in Flora of the Isle of Man.

"All islands have a special fascination: they can be an adventure to get to; they are liable to harbour entities that occur nowhere else; they are satisfyingly well-defined areas, "

An island definition

2011-01-20T09:29:00.005Z

There are many definitions of what makes an island, but one in particular still seems to hold sway:

"the 1861 Census decreed that an island is 'any piece of solid land surrounded by water which affords sufficient vegetation to support one or two sheep, or is inhabited by man'."

BERRY, R. J., 2009. Islands.

This works for us. It makes it easier to find the cut-off point between a rock and an island. M. Shea agrees:

"If a piece of land will support a sheep, it is an island; if it will not, it is a rock."

SHEA, M. 1981. Britain's Offshore Islands

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 11

2011-01-06T09:55:00.009Z

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 135, January 2011, T writes about our stay on Benbecula.

D's three favourite islands of 2010

2010-12-31T21:36:00.002Z

1. Harris
For the stunning journey from Berneray to Tarbert that begins with the slaloming ferry to Leverburgh, followed by the winding coastal road along sandy beaches, before rising up and over the strange, blunted mountains.

2. Shiant Isles

What began as a compromise after missing out on St Kilda, became one of our best island trips. The sun shone, puffins bobbed and sea cliffs reared. As we returned to the boat for coffee and cake before departing, a white-tailed eagle glided above us.

3. St Mary's

We had our doubts (cost, scarcity of accommodation, smugness) but we were wrong. We found what everyone else finds: a beachy paradise of warm air and cold, clear water. Despite the chill, it was the perfect place for our first snorkelling experience.

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 10

2010-10-25T11:32:00.009+01:00

In Outdoor Photography magazine, Issue 133, December 2010, T writes about South Uist.

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 9

2010-09-21T15:46:00.006+01:00

In Outdoor Photography, Issue 131, October 2010 we've got to Barra.

Isles of Scilly - day 14 - St Mary's to Penzance

2010-09-15T13:02:00.005+01:00

Scillonian III docked at Penzance

Clean and tidy the flat, ready for departure — leave bags for pick up by the gate — bus to Hugh Town — a dull day waiting — queue for boarding passes in the Harbour Master's Office — rocking Scillonian home — hood up, reading on deck as the sun sets — three porpoises round off the trip

Isles of Scilly - day 13 - Bryher

2010-09-14T12:56:00.008+01:00

Hell Bay, Bryher

Choppy sea, rocking boat, leaves T waving from the quay — solo mission to Bryher — rapid climb up Samson Hill — dramatic Rushy Bay with its string of rocky islets — round stones stacked on wooden posts along Great Popplestone — wave battered coast, turf peeled back like grazed skin — remote, blustery Shipman Head — Hangman Island — roadside produce store guarded by a cat — early trip back on the Sea King — join T scribbling notes at the museum — stuffed birds and ancient finds — visit the brilliant Rat Bags: makers of all things involving sail cloth — first time snorkelling at Pelistry Bay

Isles of Scilly - day 12 - Eastern Isles

2010-09-13T12:45:00.008+01:00

dinghy to Nornour, Isles of Scilly

Hugh Town via Holy Vale nature trail — board the Blue Hunter for a trip to the Eastern Isles with historian Katherine — patched-up rubber dinghy landing on Nornour — diminishing prehistoric settlement — breaking of a hundred cobwebs to ascend Great Ganilly — dinghy to Little Arthur — crossing the stone strand to Great Arthur — cairns and Iron Age pottery

Isles of Scilly - day 11 - St Mary's

2010-09-12T12:40:00.009+01:00

cream teas and swing bands on St Mary's

Slow start, missed bus — coffee at the quay from The Pilchard Pit — Heike, the famous vet, sells calenders from a stall — sunny, clear views over to The Western Rocks — amble around the walls once again — slow walk home — quick change and down to Pelistry Bay — T dons the wetsuit, I struggle in without — spurred on by a pensioner and her dog who make it look easy — kelp forests and fish — a revelation — shivery exit, warming walk home

Isles of Scilly - day 10 - St Martin's

2010-09-11T12:37:00.006+01:00

floating in Great Bay, St Martin's

Early bus to the quay — return to St Martin's, docking at Higher Town — Little Arthur's is closed — pass the Dr Seuss Day Mark — over Burnt Hill to St Martin's Bay — wetsuit swim in the turquoise water — weary walk along St Martin's Flats — hedge defended campsite — shaven-headed skipper of the Guiding Star talks non-stop into his mobile phone — amusing fish and chip 'raffle' from the van at Hugh Town — another swim for T — ladies gig race — night walk home

Isles of Scilly - day 9 - Tresco

2010-09-10T22:35:00.007+01:00

Kettle Point, Tresco

Gloomy day — meet our neighbour and her dog Kai as we wait for the rickety bus — miserable bus driver, even here — his cardboard sign reads: "I despise 1ps, 2ps, 10ps and 20ps with a passion bordering on obsession" — boat to Tresco — submerged field walls revealed at low tide — stroll the long dunes of Pentle Bay — an amateur sound recordist sits on a bench — water colour islets in a gauzy sky — the ruined Old Blockhouse overlooking Old Grimsby — take advantage of the extreme low tide and walk with shoes off to Bryher — just enough time for a sandwich before walking back as the tide surges in — the final participants of the inter island walk follow — scale Plumb Island, covered in a hottentot fig hat — fancy pants Tresco Stores — explore Cromwell's Castle — round the rocky northern coast to Old Grimsby

Isles of Scilly - day 8 - St Marys

2010-09-09T20:41:00.005+01:00

palm tree, blue sky, St Mary's

Packed up and expelled from paradise — bags left for pick-up — look round the excellent Phoenix Craft Workshops — great prints, stained glass, paintings and jewellery — trudge across the island to T & I's next stop: The Moos — a circuit around Toll's Island — cider and crab sandwiches at Juliet's Garden — more Troy Town ice cream — wave the family off — night walk to Porth Hellick — "Please do not ride horses over this scheduled ancient monument" — up into the early hours working on a feature for B+W Photography

Isles of Scilly - day 7 - St Martin's

2010-09-08T20:34:00.006+01:00

St Martin's Bay

En masse sailing to St Martin's on the Surprise — expert boat handling in the shallows — low tide dock at Lower Town — morning coffee at the hotel beneath a Polynesian thatched umbrella — stroll around Tinkler's Hill, gazing at the smaller islands — seals sunbathe on Great Merrick Ledge — stone and seaweed crossing to White Island — sea beet and camomile — a spine of micro mountains — probably the finest British beach yet: St Martin's Bay (see above) — a sea holly bouquet for sale at the roadside — freshly decanted brown lemonade from The Bakery — hot pilgrimage to Little Arthur cafe — cosy, trellised booths — superb wholewheat pasty and scone on blue patterned china — sandy track to English Island Point — Eastern Isles stud the blue water — Day Mark just out of reach — high tide pick up from Higher Town — farewell meal at The Boatshed — unmissable duo of chocolate mousses

Isles of Scilly - day 6 - St Agnes

2010-09-07T20:26:00.006+01:00

the view from Gugh to St Agnes

Arrive at the crammed quay too late for the overflowing 10:15, so catch the second boat to St Agnes — big swells in the sun — exquisite jetty position — tide out, cross the sandy bar to Gugh — ancient cairns among the heather and bracken — sweaty dash to meet the others back on St Agnes — ankle testing quest to Burnt Island — deserting tide observer — stunning spot for camping at Troy Town — banana, Bailey's & cinnamon: ice cream doesn't get better than this — ridiculous, oversized, film-set boulder formations — horizon gazing at Wingletang Bay — a quick scoot through Middle Town — new build houses! — two lads in wetsuits acrobatically entertain the waiting crowds at the jetty — L & J put on a serious BBQ

Isles of Scilly - day 5 - Old Town, St Marys

2010-09-06T20:17:00.005+01:00

stacked stones at Carn Leh Cove, Old Town, St Mary's

Cloudy start — walk to Old Town — ordered allotments slide down to the coastal edge, trimmed by tall hedges, silvery in the light — balanced stones on Carn Leh Cove — sandy stretch and concrete sea defence of Old Town — sweet Old Church with acres of graves — steamy windows in the cafe — on a rocky promontory, plane after plane flies in over our heads to land at the airport — feet in the water at deeply recessed Porth Hellick — Pelistry Bay hemmed in by ferns and lines of cedar — a tongue of sand pokes out to met Toll Island — a fishing net hammock laces a tree — circuit complete, cut back through the island — duck ponds and locally grown produce

Isles of Scilly - day 4 - Samson

2010-09-05T20:11:00.011+01:00

ruin on South Hill, Samson

Morning swim for T (in wetsuit) at Porth Cressa — quiet before the 9:30 inter-island boats depart — delicious rolls from the butcher for breakfast — walk to the middle of the island — fascinating Carreg Dhu community garden sits in a disused quarry — a bag of tools available for anyone who fancies a go — super view from our outside table at the Heritage Centre cafe — a sign apologises for the temporary site of the Centre but it would be a shame to lose its dilapidated, half-arsed charm — head to the quay but nowhere seems to be open for sandwiches — we gather by the sign for Katherine's historical walk on Samson — pass a spoonbill on Green Island — "I'm trying to tell you what to do, it's up to you if you listen" says the deckhand as a large lady panics getting out of the dinghy, landing with a wet thud on her side — our group of 40 is taken around Samson's ruined dwellings — Katherine is clear in speech, well-practiced and knowledgeable — back to the dinghy and a bumpy ride home — L & J's scrumptious chilli as the sun sets over the isles

Isles of Scilly - day 3 - Tresco

2010-09-04T21:38:00.004+01:00

Tresco orderliness

Awake to a sea mist — join queue for boat tickets — the first boat to Tresco appears to be full of refugees clad in rambling wear — our tiny boat circles the leviathan Europa — dock at New Grimsby, Tresco — the atmosphere of a very clean holiday/retirement complex — people pass by on golf carts — all sorts of spikes and giant leaves in the Abbey Garden — a pacing golden pheasant — ok pasty and great Cornish beer from the garden cafe — fine rain across the dunes — a servant waits beneath a brolly and fluttering Hapag-Lloyd flag to offer refreshments from an overladen table to cruise passengers — wet boat ride back — make the chippy with 2mins to spare — the garrulous owner explains he only opens 2hrs a day, seven months of the year — closing for the season soon: off to his second home in Cornwall, then a long driving holiday in Spain, and some skiing in Switzerland — X-Factor for L & J

Isles of Scilly - day 2 - St Mary's

2010-09-03T21:30:00.004+01:00

watching the gig racing

A young man prods crabs with a stick at Newford Island — his girlfriend collects shells to arrange into an Art Attack — a lady sings along to Fleetwood Mac over her loom at Portloo Studios — coffee at beautifully positioned Juliet's Garden — walking over bouncy, rounded heather — Devonshire Ruby cows munch the scrub, penned in by electricity — Iron Age village at Halangy Down looks like a well-kept rockery — a lozenge of wild meadow overbrims with small tortoiseshell — needle carpeted woods, blackberry bushes — a creatively arranged stack of round boulders at Innisidgen — cut back through pastoral fields, high hedges and swallows — watch the back-breaking gig race from the quay — not sure who wins until we check the results board in town — victory to Nornour!

Isles of Scilly - day 1

2010-09-02T21:16:00.007+01:00

onboard the Scillonian III

cairn on Buzza Hill above St Mary's

Queasily plucked from bed at 2:15am — begin the family trek down to Penzance — the near edge of the car's headlight ripples over the hedgerows like a bar code scanner — the flavour of place names change as we move west through Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall — 4:30am pit stop at Exeter services — a lone manager sits and goes through paperwork — the sun rises above disused tin mines — the Penzance stevedores compete to look the most Cornish — the crane lifts a car onto the Scillonian III — onboard: a sheltered sunny bench and a snooze — land sneaks up without us realising — the vessel lodges into the harbour at Hugh Town — a horse box is lifted from the boat, and effectively dropped to the ground 5ft below — follow the throng into town — tourist info chalkboards tell you everything you need to know — arrive at Jus Limin with its amazing view over the harbour — welcomed at the butcher's by the resident parrot — trolleys at Co-Op filled with holiday maker's orders —plod up the steep hill to Star Castle — the garrison walls of St Mary's gleam white like battlements from Greece — one section is home to the helter-skelter shape of autumn lady's-tresses — free apples on a roadside table — PRIVATE daubed on a boulder stops us from reaching Newford Island — after dinner, a collective appreciation of the sunset — all asleep by 10

2010-08-06T12:54:00.002+01:00

OK, I know it's not island related, but we got married on Tuesday. After 13 years together, we are now looking forward to more adventures as Mr & Mrs Calder. Thank you to everyone who attended our wedding picnic, and to those who sent their best wishes. When gnome bowling becomes an Olympic sport in 2012, we know who to call.

Outdoor Photography: Island Journal Pt 8

2010-07-05T10:51:00.005+01:00

In Outdoor Photography, Issue 129, August 2010 we have reached the Isle of Bute.

Outdoor Photography Island Journal Pt 7

2010-07-03T10:45:00.005+01:00

In Outdoor Photography, Issue 127, June 2010 we arrive in Cornwall.

Island fact - no.2

2010-07-01T12:36:00.007+01:00

Eilean Glas lighthouse, Scalpay

In 1821 Robert Louis Stevenson paid a visit to Eilean Glas on the island of Scalpay. During the trip his crew captured a great auk, which they took aboard intending to take it to a zoo. The auk escaped 'while being allowed to fly for exercise'. It was last seen off the Mull of Kintyre. 'This bird is thought to have been one of the last living great auks'.

This fact was sourced from the Eilean Glas Lighthouse Guide Book.

Flight attendant

2010-06-30T22:31:00.003+01:00

More than 300 birdwatchers have requested further information about a job vacancy at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory, 24 miles south of Shetland. With a healthy resident seabird population, and the possibility of rare migrants passing through, the island is a twitchers paradise. The closing date for applications is 5 July 2010.

This fact was sourced from The Sunday Telegraph.

Island fact - no.1

2010-06-29T11:35:00.005+01:00

Anna Meredith from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sudies in Midlothian is currently investigating a disease affecting palmate newts on the Isle of Rum in Scotland. Symptons include 'blister-like nodules or lumps' on the skin 'caused by a protozoal parasite'.

In a bid to discover how widespread this condition is, Anna is asking for people across the UK to report any sightings of newts with lumps and bumps to anna.meredith@ed.ac.uk. (Please do not handle or disturb the animals).

This fact was sourced from the June issue of BBC Wildlife magazine.

Waterloo

2010-06-16T10:54:00.003+01:00

out of place in the city

Inverness

2010-06-15T10:51:00.002+01:00

the old and the new

Ullapool - day 3 - The Summer Isles

2010-06-14T10:48:00.002+01:00

kite man of Tanera Mor, Summer Isles

Ullapool - day 2

2010-06-13T10:47:00.001+01:00

Ullapool

Ullapool - day 1

2010-06-12T10:44:00.001+01:00

arriving on the ferry at Ullapool

Lewis - day 7 - Great Bernera

2010-06-11T10:18:00.002+01:00

Bosta Iron Age House

Lewis - day 6 - Gearrannan to Dalbeg

2010-06-10T10:10:00.002+01:00

mobile shop

Lewis - day 5 - Butt of Lewis

2010-06-09T10:06:00.001+01:00

Butt of Lewis lighthouse

Lewis - day 4 - Westside tourist route

2010-06-08T09:53:00.005+01:00

Callanish Stones

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

inside Arnol Blackhouse

Lewis - day 3 - Tolsta

2010-06-07T09:50:00.001+01:00

Traigh Mhor, Tolsta

Lewis - day 2 - Stornoway

2010-06-06T09:19:00.001+01:00

Lewis - day 1 - Stornoway

2010-06-05T09:18:00.000+01:00

Harris - day 7 - Huisinis

2010-06-04T09:14:00.001+01:00

old lazybeds at Loch Crabhadail, Huisinis

Harris - day 6 - An Cliseam

2010-06-03T23:59:00.004+01:00

from the top of An Cliseam (Clisham)

Harris - day 5 - West coast beaches

2010-06-02T23:54:00.001+01:00

Traigh Sheileboist, Harris

Harris - day 4 - Scalpay

2010-06-01T23:48:00.001+01:00

Scalpay

Harris - day 3 - The Shiants

2010-05-31T23:44:00.001+01:00

The Shiants

Harris - day 2 - Reinigeadal & Loch Lacasdail

2010-05-30T23:42:00.000+01:00

Harris - day 1 - Tarbert

2010-05-29T23:40:00.001+01:00

Tarbert harbour

North Uist - day 7 - Beinn Langais & Lochmaddy

2010-05-28T23:34:00.001+01:00

Barpa Langais, North Uist