Bit of an Indian summer going on so it was off to Sandend for a wild camp. I had originally been planning to go into local hills but the weather was too good not to go to the coast. I packed the gear mid-afternoon and was in Portsoy by late afternoon. The car was deposited in the main square and I decided against a pint at the harbour in order to get on with the walk.
The walk meandered along the cliff top via Redhythe Point, giving stunning views over the sea towards Sutherland. Lots of seabirds were sitting on the cliffs - mainly Cormorants I think. I arrived at a bay just before Sandend where I thought there might be a good spot for a tent but kept going because I could see a flat bit of lush grass on a rocky point. This turned out to be perfect - soft grass and a view of Sandend across the bay.
I didn't pitch the tent straight away as there were still quite a few walkers about so I had dinner consisting of Fuizion Lamb and Pearl Barley. Tasty and mess-free.
It was then time for a few photos as the sun went down behind Sandend and I was in bed by 9 pm as it was quickly getting dark. The resident heron was keeping an eye on me, flying from one rock to another. I was a bit worried that at high tide some spray or waves may have hit the tent but it was pretty calm and according to my Tide app the sea would only rise by about another metre and a half so I took the chance. Great thing an iphone!
I was in bed well before the local farmer! At first I thought there was a lighthouse above Sandend, but I think it was a farmer combining his crop. The lights from his vehicle were dancing on the outside of the tent for a good while. The usual restless night followed with waves breaking and the need to unzip my sleeping bag as the temperature never went below 13 degrees C inside the tent. I always seem to get a dead arm because of the confined sleeping position.
Dawn broke and it was very grey outside. I had been hoping for some more photos of the tent in low sunlight but it was not to be. A quick brew of herbal fruit tea and a few handfuls of peanuts and the gear was soon packed. It's great when there is no rain and little wind - so much more pleasant.
The 2.5 mile walk back to the car was soon done and it was back to Alford after probably the last wild camp of the year. I would do more in the winter months but it is a bit like being in a coffin for 10+ hours with nothing to do. The weather's not the problem. Until next year ...
