Hebridean Adventure

On the bridge of a Calmac Ferry

Trekking the coast of Britain is challenging enough. But the challenge goes to another level when you reach the west coast of Scotland with its Outer and Inner Hebridean islands. Not yet being able to walk on water, unlike the man he has followed all his life, Derek Adams, our 81 years-old church steward has had to resort to ferry crossings for his island-hopping.

In this endeavour, he has been greatly helped by the staff and crews of Calmac Ferries that operate in that area. Not only have they helped his journey planning in very practical ways but he has also been warmly welcomed by all their ferry crews he has encountered. So many thanks to them.

Derek began the eighth leg with a ferry from Troon to the Isle of Arran. A mix of coastal trekking and ferry journeys took him from Islay and Mull to the Outer Hebrides. From Castlebay on Barra in the south, he trekked and hopped his way up to Port Ness on the Isle of Lewis in the north, once again visiting all the RNLI stations en route. On the return journey, he took the east coast of Lewis, ferry to Skye and and thence a trek to Fort William and a return to Glasgow.

He arrived home earlier than expected, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the wonderful people he met in Kyle of Lochalsh. They ensured his journey home was much quicker and more comfortable than usual!

On this leg of the journey, Derek covered some 800 miles on sea and land. He trekked an average of 15 – 20 miles a day and passed the 3,000 miles trekked mark in the process. You can read more about his adventures on his Facebook page by clicking here. You can also contribute to one of his three charities (RNLI, BHF and Cancer Research UK) by clicking here.

Derek's wife Sue reports that the ninth leg will probably start strainght after Easter next year.