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Getting a 10k run when there
is only 4k of road means a bit of off-road running. The route I enjoy is
to take in one of the north beaches (Traigh Bhan - 'White Strand of the
Monks' or Traigh an t-Suidhe - 'Strand of the Seat') and the Machair on
the west. The route has a nice mix of sand, grass, sheep poo and
undulating road.
Tips:
Try to do your run in the
early morning - the island is wonderfully peaceful at that time and you
can imagine that you are the only person on it. Alternately do it after
the last ferry so you don't have all the day trippers spoiling your fun.
As you cross the farmland
towards Traigh Bhan watch out for black rabbits. A few years ago there
was an abundance of them but they seem to be fewer of late.
Alternate routes to try;
a) Include Dun I in the above
route.
b) Run to St. Columba's Bay -
it's about 8k there and back from the village.
c) Run to the marble quarry -
though this usually involves getting a bit wet and muddy. (It's about 8k
there and back from the village - 12k if you get lost.)
10k Running Route Map
Start at the pier.
Go north past the Abbey.
At end of road go through the gate and
cross to one of the beaches.
On return route, when you reach the
school take the path by the village hall. at end of path turn right and
go west towards the Machair.
At end of road go through the gate
onto Machair and head towards the beach.
After 500 meters (or sooner if you are
dive-bombed by an angry seagull) head back - this time taking the road
along the east coast.
A bewildered lamb wonders why I'm
in such a rush first thing in the morning . . .
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