Category: Blog

At long last, I’ve found a window of spare time to present the final bit of my 365 day trek challenge which saw me tackle a trip down and around Whaligoe Steps for the duration of a year! Each and every day since May 1st, 2023, I ventured around this local hotspot and captured my sightings with my trusty camera.

There’s also some sad tidings within this blog entry as I address a car accident which took place on June 1st, 2024.

To recap quickly, here are some links regarding my trek challenge if you’re in the mood for contemporary fauna and flora of the coastline along the northern Scottish Highlands…

Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

Recap Magic for a Second Time! – Whaligoe Eye

April Full of Primrose Promise and So Much More! – Whaligoe Eye

Sunshine Blossoms with Petals of Beautiful Cloud – Whaligoe Eye

From April 29th, 2024 up to and including May 1st, 2024… Thank you for your support and kindness on social media during this whole exercise, it’s meant a lot. To my knowledge, I’m the only person to have ever taken on such an experience. It was such a joy to complete, and to share the sightings with you too.

April 29th, 2024: Cute baby rabbit enjoys some early morning sunshine, plus the winding nature of the fifth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

April 30th, 2024: The sixth and final flight of Whaligoe Steps takes you down onto the Bink (grassy platform), and a radiant glare from an optimistic morning sun.

May 1st, 2024: Slight haze in the air during this trek. Below are a couple of fine examples of the birdlife which is settling in at Whaligoe Steps. Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) on the left, and a razorbill (Alca torda) on the right.

Due to the larger numbers of visitors to this area since the North Coast 500 enterprise, an overflowing residential car park being utilised for campervans, motorbikes and cars, plus the fact there’s only one access lane have seen congestion, property damage and other accidents.

On August 20th, 2021, shortly after I began to sort this blogging website for public consumption, a car accident took place at the end of this lane near the phone box. Traffic leaving and entering via this route have to negotiate a few challenges when times are very busy.

On June 30th, 2019, the amazing local coastguard were called in as a visitor had issues down Whaligoe Steps.

On July 12th, 2022, another car incident unfolded within the confines of the residential car park here in Ulbster.

Sadly, as we await the Highland Council’s implementation for their Government-approved £90,000 for extending and improving the immediate infrastructure, another car accident occurred on June 1st, 2024.

Personally, I’ve not witnessed so many police vehicles in attendance, and can only hope that those involved are finding some sort of positivity in the aftermath.

On March 4th, 2021, the Highland Council announced they’d received a substantial tourism investment from the Government, and were reviewing their spending plans.

August 25th, 2022, the local newspaper tipped me off about their announcement to spend £90,000 on the car parking facilities here. The idea was that the Council had five years in which to tackle this project.

Fingers remained firmly crossed folks.

Regarding the tourist-themed conversation here in Caithness, a fabulous author called Gail Anthea Brown has impressed on many occasions with her intelligent and sensitive narrative on all things North Coast 500, and the general impact on this beautiful location. More About Me & Contact · Gail Anthea Brown

I highly recommend subscribing to her email newsletters. The latest example of this articulate expression arrived in my inbox on May 31st, titled “The Golden Goose – tourism and tension in the north”

So success found in tackling three hundred and sixty five consecutive days of treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, but also the shadow of sorrow for those who have experienced accidents in recent years.

Traffic has been steady and at times overwhelming here in recent weeks, so please be careful and aware of the hazards.

It is a modest residential car park, with one small access point leading off the main road. This infrastructure was NEVER designed for the volume of vehicles negotiating it.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

X: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X

X: Gary (@floodland08) / X

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

Part 26 sharing a fortnight of daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps, Caithness, which is an additional blog entry to the ongoing ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ challenge which began on May 1st, 2023.

From Monday, April 15th, up to and including Sunday, April 28th, 2024, this blog entry hopes to share photographs of highlights captured around this remarkable bit of Scottish coastline, and incorporating wee video clips too.

Previous blog entry – April Full of Primrose Promise and So Much More! – Whaligoe Eye (April 1st, 2024 up to and including April 14th, 2024)

A blog entry was published recapping all my fortnightly trekking experiences, it can be viewed here – Recap Magic for a Second Time! – Whaligoe Eye

By the time I publish this blog entry, I’ll have tackled three hundred and sixty four consecutive days of exploring, documenting and experiencing the region directly relating to Whaligoe Steps.

Above is a clip of an oystercatcher, a seabird that has been challenging for me to photograph since beginning the whaligoeeye.co.uk website. So fleeting when perched on rocks, they hop around, poke the landscape in search of food, but nevertheless seem so restless and camera-shy.

April 15th, 2024: Birds were the highlight during this fortnight, as different species began settling on the ledges and in the North Sea. Below, I captured some razorbill swimming around just off the coastline, plus a fulmar is pleasantly relaxed on a rocky ledge and enjoying some sunshine.

April 16th, 2024: With tides shimmering and the weather certainly calming down, there’s been more nautical activity out to sea. Also below, a pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) skips on the pavement at the top of Whaligoe Steps enjoying some sunny spells.

April 17th, 2024: One of the resident rabbits bathed in the glow of some morning sun, while in another part of this coastal community a pair of fulmars communicate with each other.

April 18th, 2024: After another April shower, primrose and fulmar added their presence to a hopeful and rustic landscape.

April 19th, 2024: Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) gather nesting materials, razorbill (Alca torda) looks out to sea and a dramatic sky of cloud smothers hints of sunnier weather.

April 20th, 2024: The Whaligoe Steps waterfall…

April 21st, 2024: A clip looking out from the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of zig-zagging stone steps). The North Sea which hosts Beatrice wind farm, located just over eight miles from the mainland coastline.

April 22nd, 2024: Signs that spring have truly landed on Earth. Below, is a sighting of a baby bunny.

In the evening of April 22nd, the moon caught my eye.

April 23rd, 2024: A young seagull checks out the view as marsh buttercups blossom.

Like the night before, moon and clouds danced in the dark skies above Whaligoe steps.

April 24th, 2024: Seabirds put on a show during this particular morning trek.

Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle) beside a rusty relic, eider duck (Somateria mollissima) – female is brown, male with black and white plumage – out and about on the silky sea. Finally in this feathered gallery is the distinctive oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus).

April 25th, 2024: Slightly blinded by the glare of the sun, I was perched on a large rock on the pebble shore looking out across the shimmering sea… Keep watching, there’s a surprise on the horizon.

April 26th, 2024: Temperatures were a little low during this daily trek challenge, despite it being late April. Yet almost despite the chilled ambience, the sun relented. Below is another lovely sky photograph and one of my favourite dandelion sightings.

On this specific Friday morning trek, while I stood on the shoreline perusing the landscape I took the moment to film a panning clip of the shallow cave ending it with a distant shot of the Bink.

April 27th, 2024: Primrose and sunshine during a breezy Saturday morning.

April 28th, 2024: Waves were well-paced on the sea this Sunday morning, plus abundant seabirds still arriving and settling on the rocky ledges.

Beautiful cloud too…

One more blog entry to summarise and complete this epic challenge will be forthcoming, a whole three hundred and sixty five or more days of walking down or/and around Whaligoe Steps.

Changing of the seasons has been most insightful, the physicality of walking up and down the steps has been quite an experience, witnessing the natural highlights and those storms which battered the United Kingdom were ferocious at times.

Above is a close-up of hailstones from the morning of April 25th. Funny how the sunshine has been so present between April showers, yet the temperatures plunged to such low degrees that hail made an appearance.

Thank you as always for your time and support, your kindness and for being You.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

X (Formerly TWITTER): (2) Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

X (Formerly TWITTER – GARY): (2) Gary (✌🙄 busy) (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

On December 16th, 2023, I assembled a recapping blog entry showcasing the first fourteen parts of a daily trek challenge which I began on May 1st, 2023.

The blog which assembles those entries can be viewed at this link: Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

The daily trek challenge began on May 1st, 2023, hopes were high that I could walk and document life down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day until May 1st, 2024. This was initially going to be utilising commentary and photography, but latterly has incorporated wee video clips too.

Personally, with all that life throws at us, something of this discipline is hard to achieve.

It is the three hundred and forty second day of my daily trek challenge and I can happily report that I remain on target to succeed in this ongoing endeavour.

Today is a Saturday, full of overcast skies and strong gusts, visitors are still dropping by to visit this location. Life goes on.

It’s also a good time to have fun with numbers. For example, roughly I may well have walked two hundred and three thousand, one hundred and forty eight steps thus far. Another way to look at such a distance is to say I have walked one hundred and one miles.

This achievement has highlighted the extraordinary stamina and results of those individuals who tackle the remarkable ‘Land’s End to John O’ Groats’ trek – Traditionally seen as the most extreme journey by foot within the United Kingdom, starting out in western Cornwall, England, and eventually finishing up in the northern territories of Scotland.

I’ve only managed perhaps a sixth or an eighth of what that distance would encompass. But still, it’s provided an insight to a coastal way of life, for those who would frequent the trail or stone steps down this cliff to the North Sea below.

Below is a photographic highlight which can be found via this link: Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye (November 13th up to and including November 26th, 2023)

Dramatic skies are vibrant in the photograph below, found via the following link: Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

Photograph of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps, found via the following link: Daily Trek Challenge during December, 2023 – Whaligoe Eye (December 11th, 2023 up to and including December 24th, 2023)

A serene rainbow captured during the fortnight I document during my daily trek challenge via the following link: New Year for my Daily Trek Challenge! – Whaligoe Eye (December 25th, 2023 up to and including January 7th, 2024)

Winter weather strikes me as I tackle another fortnight of daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps: Daily Trek Challenge in January! – Whaligoe Eye (January 8th up to and including January 21st, 2024)

The moon tries to hide unsuccessfully during another fortnight of daily treks: Spring Whispers on a Daily Trek Challenge… – Whaligoe Eye (January 22nd up to and including February 4th, 2024)

A mixture of weather conditions captured during my daily treks throughout February: Frozen Frolicking in Fabulous February… – Whaligoe Eye (February 5th, 2024 up to and including February 18th, 2024)

Short video clip of the Whaligoe Steps waterfall: Dancing Waterfalls To Windswept Songs – Whaligoe Eye (February 19th up to and including March 3rd, 2024)

March offers up some pleasant weather in 2024: Beautiful Nights and Daily Flights – Whaligoe Eye (March 4th up to and including March 17th, 2024)

Beautiful coastal signs of spring photographed in another fortnight of daily treks: March Springs with Light and Life – Whaligoe Eye (March 18th up to and including March 31st, 2024)

Thank you for your kindness and support up to this point. All going well, I’ll be sharing another blog entry as April continues to entertain with changing weather conditions and visitors continue to arrive in larger numbers. At the time of this entry, the Bink (grassy platform at the base of the six flights of Whaligoe Steps) is still quite muddy and slippery, so caution is advised.

Take care, stay safe and thank you for being You.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

X (Formerly TWITTER): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

X (Formerly TWITTER – GARY): Gary (✌🙄 busy) (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

Thank you for dropping by this freezing cold, blog entry. If you’re looking for some winter-themed images then you’ve come to the right place. Perhaps you’re simply curious about the coastal location where Whaligoe Steps is situated and wish to see photography showcasing snow covering? Then once again, you’re in the right place.

The fortnight documented below from Monday, January 8th up to and including Sunday, January 21st, 2024, was remarkable for the snowfall and prominent wintery weather. I was caught in a blizzard which was both alarming and comical simultaneously. Just wait until you see a selfie I struggled to capture once I returned to the top after a serene and frozen descent.

Anyways, you don’t want to see my icicles, you want to know how my daily trek challenge is going…

Link to my last episode about this daily trek challenge – New Year for my Daily Trek Challenge! – Whaligoe Eye

Other useful links relating to my daily trek challenge: Recap for Whaligoe Steps 365… (Parts 1 to 14) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge (Part 15) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge: Part 16 (Nov. 27th – Dec. 10th, 2023) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Trek Challenge during December, 2023 – Whaligoe Eye

Now that you’ve caught up, let’s get to this blog entry and what I had the luxury of documenting.

Jan. 8th, 2024: If you were a seagull or fulmar flying over this part of the coastline, I wonder if you’d see this sort of view?

The Bink with a section of the zig-zagging lower flights of Whaligoe Steps, and the Salt House.

Jan. 9th, 2024: After the recent couple of years where bird flu has ravaged the seabird populations, it’s a joy to confirm that there are building numbers of feathered friends returning to rocky ledges once more.

Jan. 10th, 2024: You know by now that I like a silhouette, and I hope this doesn’t disappoint.

Jan. 11th, 2024: Some gravel litters these steps after being dragged by rainfall and stormy conditions above. This is a photograph of the fifth flight of Whaligoe Steps.

Jan. 12th, 2024: This image tickles me due to the posture adopted by the gull in the top left hand corner.

Jan. 13th, 2024: In the early hours I found this image to be atmospheric. Tranquillity in a moment of cold, yet calming ambience.

Jan. 14th, 2024: The trek was evident for really freezing temperatures, and knowing how subtle changes to the landscape had taken place over the past two months, it wasn’t a surprise to find the broken anchor had moved.

Jan. 14th – Afternoon… Later in the day, I ventured down and around Whaligoe Steps for a second visit. A light covering of snow as temperatures held firmly hinting that perhaps more was to come…

Jan. 15th, 2024: Plenty of snow fell and gripped the landscape. The photo below is of the first flight of Whaligoe Steps in the early hours.

Jan. 16th, 2024: Icicles aplenty… The freeze continues.

There is a blog entry sharing images of this day which you can view by clicking on this link – Beautiful January Days of White Satin – Whaligoe Eye

Jan. 17th, 2024: The view along the coastline as it travels northwards from Whaligoe Steps.

Jan. 18th, 2024: A personal fave, I ended up using this photograph in conjunction with a daily poem too…

Solace swoons where mingling matters whisper winter words (#Only8Words)

Jan. 19th, 2024: An ominous ascent from the bottom of the first flight heading back to my home.

Jan. 20th, 2024: By the time I ventured out for my daily trek on this Saturday, the snow was melting considerably and I took an opportune moment to craft a ‘snow heart’ on some grass, located on the Bink.

Jan. 21st, 2024: As the thaw continued, some feathered friends took to the sky in celebration.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, and with just over three months left until I finish my daily trek challenge where I go down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a whole year, look out for further entries as I continue my adventures.

All going well, the next blog will be documenting the fortnight from Monday, January 22nd up to and including Sunday, February 4th, 2024.

Thank you for your generosity of time and kindness, stay safe and take care.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (X) – GARY: Gary (busy ✌🙄) (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

I’ve just returned from a daily trek this morning, amazed at the beauty here at Whaligoe Steps and how these winter vibes bring out new delights.

A recent question came my way regarding how I was progressing with the ‘Whaligoe Steps 365’ daily trek challenge, where since May 1st, 2023 I have been visiting and documenting each and every day since.

The answer is that I’m thrilled to say I am still on course to achieve this awesome feat. Despite the aspects which life throws at us, I remain on course to achieve the objective of going down and around Whaligoe Steps each and every day for an entire year.

More blogs regarding this will be forthcoming.

Thank you to one and all who have made enquiries and been supporting this whole challenge, and for the kindness I have been experiencing on Twitter (X), Facebook and in person. It really means a lot.

The above photograph was taken moments ago as I negotiated precarious and remarkable snow under foot. It brings me joy to share this image and the following ones…

I saw the waterfall, landfall, rabbits and landscape in a new light today. It was also a pleasure to witness those icicles again this year.

Here are some more winter themed images I caught during the trek this very morning…

Somehow, the rabbits this morning were not bothered by my presence and went about hopping in the snow.

Thank you again, for your company during my daily treks, and for reading and looking at the documentation via social media and on this humble website. I’ll be gradually catching up as my photos continue to be taken, and my thoughts continue to assemble, as I reflect on so many things.

The waterfall…

It also brings me pleasure to share that another of my poems has made an appearance amongst some wonderful talent in a book titled ‘We Are The Waves’

If you enjoy poetry and art in the shape of the written word, this recent publication could be just what you need as you wrap up warm and cosy in these winter days.

I’ll leave you with a photo of my ornamental cat which ponders life in my garden.

Take care and stay safe. You’re awesome, don’t forget.

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (X) – GARY: Gary (✌🙄 busy) (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

Welcome to my challenge of venturing down and around Whaligoe Steps for each and every day for an entire year. As my adventures continue, I’m accumulating quite a few photographs and also documenting a lot of activity. Therefore, I felt it only appropriate to provide you with links from my previous blogs…

Here are some links to previous blog entries showcasing my visits from May 1st, 2023, up to and including Sunday, November 12th, 2023…

Enjoy!

New Challenge (Part 1) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 2) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 3) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 4) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 5) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 6) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 7) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 8) – Whaligoe Eye

Daily Challenge (Part 9) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 10) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 11) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 12) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps 365 (Part 13) – Whaligoe Eye

Whaligoe Steps – Three Hundred and Sixty Five (Part 14) – Whaligoe Eye

The first fourteen blogs covering my daily treks down and around Whaligoe Steps since May 1st, 2023 up to and including November 12th, 2023.

I hope you find it interesting, maybe beautiful and also stimulating. To focus attention on one specific location and watch it evolve and change over the seasons thus far, has proved most intriguing.

Nature continues to share changes and new revelations. I’m currently in the process of sorting two more blogs bringing us up to speed with the calendar as I have successfully maintained my daily treks to this very point in time.

Thank you, only always for dropping by and supporting my endeavours and for being You.

Until the next one, take care and be safe.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (X) – Gary: Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (X): Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEyeToo@gmail.com

Notice: This blog entry is going to focus on the infrastructure issue which some people are still unaware of here at Whaligoe Steps. When you visit Whaligoe Steps, you may well encounter congestion, frustration, logistical challenges and many other things.

What will you find if you visit Whaligoe Steps during busy times?

You’ll find a residential car park designed with residential activity in mind. This consists of eleven parking spaces in total with a modest lane running alongside a pavement utilised by pedestrians as the only access point.

The authorities (Highland Council) are aware of the congestion, frustration and the need for creating a better and more suitable infrastructure here. Thanks to a government funding scheme directed at tourism, the Highland Council have reviewed at length their budgetary requirements and allocated £90,000 for investment in increasing the car park size here in Ulbster.

This was part of an ambitious plan incorporating a great many sites and situations in other areas too. As a consequence, it will take from the time of this blog entry, anywhere within the next four years or so.

Yes indeed, that means currently there will remain further possible property damage, vehicle damage, frustration and congestion and generally unwelcome feelings being negotiated by both residents and visitors alike.

Let’s have a pause before we head into photographic evidence of the traffic activity here, and realise that the Highland Council are doing what they can with what they have. A Council Ranger periodically drops by and picks up litter around the car park and monitors things. Below, they tackle some of their chores.

Pot holes which were becoming prolific due to the traffic, and wear and tear of the lane. These have been attended to. Some light to the shade.

I was thrilled to hear from a representative for a Member of Parliament (MP) recently who really had a good grasp on the infrastructure issues here. It was somewhat comforting that despite the Highland Council not communicating with me about anything, that someone else was quite happy to converse about the situation.

There are no facilities here for visitors/tourists. You may witness an individual in need of a toilet and this can create awkward situations, as with the above example caught for posterity via a security camera.

The above photograph is the car park completely full and the campervan closest is going to end up reversing candidly due to the lack of space. The principle of cause and effect is going to be most evident. Only eleven spaces, and a constant stream of vehicles coming and going is bringing about congestion, frustration and hampering the experience of driving to a popular location.

Being a resident is also stressful. Traffic cones are set out to protect spaces which has proved futile.

The residential lane runs along the front of the properties here. It was never designed for the traffic flow which currently takes place due to tourist promotion and the increasing popularity of the Whaligoe Steps.

The Whaligoe Steps are situated on private land but have public access rights. So keep in mind if you owned the land, what sort of cost would it take to make them safe for visitors and tourists who wish to walk down and around them.

Fancy investing an amazing amount of money creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone coming here? Examples to make it a safer environment for all may include netting to keep overhanging cliffs safer?, providing fencing and barriers across a vast expanse of coastal terrain to provide safer infrastructure for unaware visitors. Constantly maintain the six zig-zagging flights of stone steps so they’re safe to walk on. Maybe with hand rails to assist mobility throughout the 250 feet drop from the top of the cliffs too? Provide toilet facilities and cater to those who set up tents and camp overnight?…

The reason I ventured into making a website regarding life down and around Whaligoe Steps in the first place was due to a need for raising awareness. These included issues of safety concerns, recognition for the increase in visitor numbers which impact residents, each other, vehicles and property in this location.

On July 11th, 2023, part of my outer wall was knocked down (again!) by an unsuspecting visitor. Stress therefore on the unsuspecting traveller and on me. Please be mindful of the car park being designed for local residents, and also be aware of the lack in health and safety, facilities and the surrounding environment.

Thankfully, my sister found a note left by the visitor, and we hope to get things resolved in due course.

Just a reminder of earlier times regarding the traffic issues captured in archive photographs which showcase my concerns, as I talk with visitors and residents about the unsettled nature of the busy months around this region in these present times too. Thus far, nothing has changed, just plans made and motions behind the scenes to improve things as logistically as possible.

Here are some sights captured by a security camera in recent weeks…

A quick comparison for you if you’re not familiar with this location. A sensible and contained photo of a parking space where visitors are walking in a relaxed manner (on your left as you look below) – Then another photo showing me doing a vigil of my outer wall surrounded by traffic (on your right as you peruse below).

Whilst walking home after a shift at work, I heard clearly a resident raise his voice and explain to someone how we need the pot holes looked at and the car park isn’t an issue. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the idea.

Well, the Highland Council have dealt with the pot holes around here and I think they’re in the loop with the congestion and evident traffic issues.

When I hear this local individual say out loud how things are not going to change, I cannot help but wonder why they’re so negative? The individual concerned even holds up the traffic adding hindrance to what is already quite a fragile situation.

I try my very best to share positivity where and when I can. That’s another reason why this blog entry was so difficult to declare. I enjoy the natural beauty here and the historical discoveries I’m uncovering as I research in the background, so it saddens me to present a blog with such observation.

There are so many reasons to remain hopeful, and I will remain vigilant in the face of further possible intimidation, to share my daily challenge taking photographs of nature and interesting observations down and around Whaligoe Steps.

Thank you to YOU for your generosity of time and understanding. The next blog entry will be coverage of another fortnight of my treks down and around Whaligoe Steps. The sunrises and mayweed are keeping me company in conjunction with a rustic and versatile ambience.

Take care and stay safe.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/WhaligoeEye

X (TWITTER) (Gary): Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

My attempt to go down and around the Whaligoe Steps each and every day for a year, starting from May 1st, 2023, is still going strong despite several challenges and events which have been close to ceasing this target.

There are six previous blog entries showcasing a fortnight on each publication with two photographs documenting the day in question I’m sharing.

New Challenge (Part 1) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 2) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 3) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 4) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 5) – Whaligoe Eye

New Challenge (Part 6) – Whaligoe Eye

Now it’s time to share with you some highlights from the latest fortnight of visits down and around the six flights which make up the Whaligoe Steps… From July 24th, 2023 up to August 6th, 2023.

July 24th, 2023: It’ll be no surprise that the odd dead seagull was seen floating in the North Sea at this particular time of the year. Enough to raise suspicion that some sort of bird flu may be present. Even the mainstream media had begun speaking about it. A great black-backed gull posed while waves made a splash along the rocky shoreline.

July 25th, 2023: Standing at the base of the landfall, I peered over the vegetation toward the shallow cave on the furthest pebble shore. During this specific trek, I observed a beautiful sky.

July 26th, 2023: Below are two distinctive views from 250 feet on top of a cliff beside Whaligoe Steps. The photograph on the left is looking along the coastline to the north. Looking south, I photographed the coastline jutting out.

July 27th, 2023: A beautiful sunrise on this trek, plus the offshore wind farm called Beatrice. Not always visible with the naked eye from the mainland as it hovers on the horizon just over eight miles away.

July 28th, 2023: Two young gulls go swimming before the abundance of dead gulls appear later (due to avian flu). Meanwhile, Star, the resident feline stretches her claws on a post relating to the John O’Groats trail.

July 29th, 2023: Another beautiful morning greeted me here at Whaligoe Steps, as the sunrise blazed across the skies, delighting the seabirds.

July 30th, 2023: During my early morning saunter, I was standing on the far side looking over the zig-zagging Whaligoe Steps at another stunning sunrise. Also, wildflowers complimented each other with hints of yellow and purple.

July 31st, 2023: Sighting of a grey seal quite some distance out to sea, showing off their belly to a soft sunrise. Meanwhile on land, 250 feet on top of a nearby cliff, a wild rabbit remains alert as a photographer and known blogger attempts to take their photo!

August 1st, 2023: A dandelion provides yet another opportunity to make a sneaky wish. Below is also a chance to admire the stonemason’s work on the third flight of the Whaligoe Steps.

August 2nd, 2023: During this Wednesday morning trek, the bodies of many gulls were littering the pebble shoreline. As a tribute, I took these photos. Here is a link to the RSPB regarding their online information about ‘bird flu’ – Avian Flu (Bird Flu) | The RSPB

August 3rd, 2023: Flurries of yellow and purple break up the greenery here at Whaligoe Steps currently. On this particular trek during a Thursday morning, I observed jellyfish.

August 4th, 2023: Watching a light show out to sea doesn’t happen everyday, but on this particular early morning outing I was able to photograph this cruise liner sharing some speckled neon. A drizzly ambience welcomed me once I reached the Bink at the base of the Whaligoe Steps.

August 5th, 2023: Thistles are doing very well around the ‘Steps at this time of year, plus a wild rabbit greeted me at my front door.

August 6th, 2023: The stonemason’s tribute can be seen on the bend between the second and third flights of Whaligoe Steps. Charlie’s Mum Etta has a wonderful plaque.

That’s all from me for now, but I’m preparing a blog entry which’ll be addressing the car parking fiasco here. I’ve reached out to an MP and have notified a department of the Highland Council. Awaiting replies, but have some amazing documentation which I’m currently negotiating of a tourist urinating against my wall, cones being run over, campervans nearly colliding, a resident holding up traffic and general vehicle-themed ambience as traffic overwhelms this cosy corner of the Scottish Highlands.

To those visitors which I’ve been lucky enough to meet and speak with regarding the chaos here in the residential car park, I wish to say thank you for your patience and understanding regarding the pandemonium. The lack of facilities and infrastructure are something I’ve been addressing for quite some time and as I’ve mentioned prior, the Highland Council were gracious enough to accept some government tourist-related funding and will be investing £90,000 within the next four years from the time of this blog entry.

Take care, stay safe and thank you again for your time and interest.

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Steps. | Facebook

TWITTER: (2) Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / X (twitter.com)

TWITTER (Gary): (2) Gary (@floodland08) / X (twitter.com)

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

Thank you for your company and precious time as you join me for a trek down and around Whaligoe Steps every day for twelve months.

Yes, a way to capture a moment or moments for every day of the year in a location which boasts wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, rich coastal history and interesting characters – from May 1st, 2023 and hoping to eventually reach May 1st, 2024.

The photo of the moon above was a wonderful point as I glanced upwards during my morning trek on Monday, 10th of July, 2023. At that moment I had no idea what was going to transpire over the next fortnight and what would end up being published in this next chapter, sharing the world down and around Whaligoe Steps.

The last four days from Wednesday, the 19th of July, 2023 to Saturday, 22nd of July, 2023… The time of year for visiting Whaligoe Steps is well and truly upon us. I’ll explain why I’m sharing this abundance in traffic here in the tranquil landscape of Caithness in a moment as I share each day from the 10th of July to the 23rd of July during my attempt at walking down and around the ‘Steps for a whole year. Suffice to say that a lot of traffic descending on an area which was designed for a handful of residents is going to have some sort of fallout.

July 10th, 2023: During a mild sunrise on this specific Monday morning, all seemed calm. Jackdaw spotted surveying the scenery from a fence post.

Much later in the day, during the evening I observed plenty of boats moving around on the North Sea from Whaligoe Steps. This cruise liner I believe is German.

July 11th, 2023: During my trek in the morning I negotiated a drizzly beginning of the day. Sadly, things got worse when I arrived home in the evening to find my outer wall had been destroyed (again!) I believe the security camera image in the middle shows someone who may know a lot about how my wall was knocked down.

The reason why I leapt in and made a website called WhaligoeEye.co.uk was because nobody was doing anything about the large volume of visitors to the area. The infrastructure was designed for the residential area and is maintained by the Highland Council. Due to the significant increase in traffic and presence of people, my outer wall has been knocked down twice now, I’ve nearly been run over, and many other examples you can imagine living with such a situation have taken place.

It’s very stressful living here, yet also very beautiful too.

July 12th, 2023: I found the trek the following morning rather cathartic. Cloudy and calm, wet and wild.

July 13th, 2023: Cliff face which overlooks the Whaligoe Steps. It is roughly 250 feet up from the North Sea. The other photograph shows that despite being just over eight miles from the mainland coastline, the Beatrice wind farm is still quite visible.

July 14th, 2023: During this month I noticed the razorbills and guillemots had departed this bit of the northern Scottish coastline, and also how the young shags were keen to spread their wings and move further out to sea. Despite the abundant wildflowers starting to disappear from view, there were still splashes of colour to find among the vibrant green shades.

July 15th, 2023: I stumbled across a dandelion which was alone, yet full of life. As my trek on that particular Saturday morning continued, I found myself on the far side looking across at the slim but steady waterfall. Sir Billy Connolly made a joke about the waterfall back in the 90s, saying something akin to “It’s the only waterfall I’ve seen that goes up the way!”

July 16th, 2023: Mustn’t forget about the wild rabbits around here. Also on Whaligoe Steps when the rain has been busy, you may see plenty of snails lurking along the verges. In this instant, I witnessed one actually negotiating the Whaligoe Steps. I’m not a snail expert but I pride myself on being an individual who keeps learning all the time. After some research, I believe the snail is a white-lipped snail (Capaea hortensis).

July 17th, 2023: Local resident moggy, Star, is a welcome companion, but since May 1st, 2023 when I took it upon myself to try out this challenge, the singing wren has also been most enjoyable. In full song in the photograph below. Also, wearing a delicate coat of raindrops and possibly dew too, a wild rose which grows right alongside a flight of the ‘Steps.

July 18th, 2023: Below is an example of the young shags getting more courageous and venturing further out within the North Sea. At this time of entering my blog, I can say that this morning I only witnessed three lone young shags on a rocky island. Maybe the others have now left?

The other photograph is a moment where the the gushing water right at the top of Whaligoe Steps is approaching the point where it descends down the cliff face. If you look at July 15th, that’s the point where the water just drops into the North Sea, but just before that point you can see the momentum as it negotiates the wild flora.

July 19th, 2023: A slightly wet and gloomy Wednesday morning trek which provided me with a fabulous opportunity to photograph a great black-backed gull quite closely. Also, during a muted sunrise, I noticed how the fire speckled artistically behind some wild vegetation.

July 20th, 2023: The sunrise on the morning of the 20th here at Whaligoe Steps was delightful. The rabbits certainly enjoyed it as they were out and about with a flurry.

July 21st, 2023: During these later days of July I’ve noticed the newer thistles bursting into flower and looking rather striking at the top of the ‘Steps. The other photograph is of a gull chick. They’re becoming more courageous too and seem to be growing up at a hasty rate.

July 22nd, 2023: The remaining boat winch has a presence here at Whaligoe Steps. There was at least one other back in the day, when this was a bustling harbour during the successful herring fisheries.

Mayweed has stayed true as the daffodils and other flowers have gone over. This large daisy-looking wildflower really provides the environment with some personality.

July 23rd, 2023: This very morning (Sunday, when I’m assembling this blog for you), the sunrise was very curious. Cloud formations made the light fierce in one specific part of the sky. As it settled, I then witnessed it glisten on the surface of the North Sea ripples.

There you have it, another fortnight of moments captured on each of the days from the 10th of July, to the 23rd of July, 2023.

If you’re wondering about my outer wall, the question is really about whether it’s worthwhile spending money and time getting it rebuilt (again) only for another visitor to crash into it? If you’re new to this story, then let me also remind you that the Highland Council relatively recently advised they were investing £90,000 in expanding the residential car park here which will most certainly make a difference.

The sooner they can get on with the job in hand, the better for my mental health.

I’ll sign off with positive wishes and gratitude to you and yours, until the next fortnight when I hope to continue my challenge incorporating images from each and every day. Maybe more boats from the coastline, or stunning views, wonderful wildlife, breath-taking beauty, stories of adventure?

Take care and be safe.

TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

FACEBOOK: Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER (Gary): Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com

So far, so good. In my last blog entry I divulged my hopes to make a trek down Whaligoe Steps at least once every day for 365 days. To capture this momentous series of visits I was planning to take photographs of my adventures, and so it continues.

This is another blog entry showcasing some highlights from the past fortnight. Sit back and browse some newly photographed wildlife around Whaligoe Steps to be included on this website, plus some of the usual neighbours and some delightful ambience. Two photos for each day from May 15th to May 28th inclusively.

May 15th, 2023: Below are examples of the wildlife you may spot on a trek down Whaligoe Steps. A wren sings to the backdrop of a radiant sunrise, while the other other photograph showcases a first for this website, at the top of the Steps a roe deer ponders the morning.

May 16th, 2023: A shag (gulosus aristotelis) gives their wings a little stretch and on this particular visit I also noted how clear the North Sea was. The broken anchor submerged adds some nautical presence.

May 17th, 2023: Time for some vibrant colour and a contribution of flora thanks to the beautiful bluebell and marsh buttercup. During this fortnight, both flowers were prominent.

May 18th, 2023: There is a pebble shoreline at the base of the Whaligoe Steps which is divided into three sections. The furthest section has a shallow cave (pictured below), and the other photograph captures Star in full prowling mode.

May 19th, 2023: There’s a healthy quantity of seabirds to spot around the coastline here, and on day 19, I have these two photographs to share. A couple of black guillemot relax beside a calm North Sea, and trying to conceal their location behind vegetation is an attentive gull.

May 20th, 2023: A striking narcissus insists on being photographed in front of a bank of bluebells. In the other photograph, a typical example of the metalwork which is located at points within the local landscape. It was used for nautical purposes, especially during the ‘herring fisheries’ of the late 1700s onwards.

May 21st, 2023: A male eider duck taking a waddle along a grassy pathway along the top of Whaligoe Steps, whilst a little later during this particular morning trek, light filters through the prominent cloud to add textures to the surface of the sea.

May 22nd, 2023: On two trips down Whaligoe Steps on this specific day, different atmospheres were evident. In the afternoon a seagull swoops down only to get a surprise when a grey seal head breaks the surface of the sea! During my morning visit, I photographed a pied wagtail skipping along on the Bink.

May 23rd, 2023: Again I have examples of an afternoon and a morning in a day at Whaligoe Steps. Firstly, during an afternoon gazing at the movement in the North Sea not too far from the salt house, I caught a glimpse of an otter for the first time down here! Secondly, during a morning exploration beneath a soft sunrise, a pigeon of all things hops from one bit of coastal rock to the next.

May 24th, 2023: There are six flights of stone steps which make up the Whaligoe Steps. Here’s a taster of the first proper flight as you descend the cliff face. Once you have negotiated the six flights (at the time of these blog entries three have been expertly renovated and repaired by Charlie who is shown in previous blogs, while the remaining three are to be approached with vigilance due to their worsening state), there is a platform known as the Bink where you’ll find the remains of a salt house…

May 25th, 2023: Rock pipit unaware I was on a shelf of coastal rock above it, so fortunate to get that photo. Some ambience captured during a really bright sunrise…

May 26th, 2023: During these first 28 days of visiting the Whaligoe Steps, I’ve been privileged to share my journeys with the song of a friendly and enchanting wren on several mornings. In the second photograph below, a female eider duck swims eagerly through a shimmering sea confronted by a sunny glow.

May 27th, 2023: I believe this is a cabbage white butterfly clinging in the sea breeze to a dandelion. The other photograph below is a spectacle I’m enjoying as it unfolds, a couple of adult shags nurturing three babies. They give a distinct squeak at random intervals and at this stage are fluffy and gaining confidence of the wider world in the safety of their nest.

May 28th, 2023: During an afternoon visit, took a photograph of the sixth flight of Whaligoe Steps which takes you to the Bink (grass platform). You’ll notice the salt house which is situated behind. The other photo was a delight, as a grey seal relaxed on a section of coastal rock known as the Shoal o’ the head.

Thank you to those who have shared their well wishes for this adventure and challenge, it’s very much appreciated. To date, since May 1st, I’ve already been thrilled to get a photo of a roe deer, an otter, a good photograph of a rock pipit and a pied wagtail, plus the recent grey seal viewing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the local nature continues to share some wonderful moments.

Look out for the next entry in this ongoing observation of life around Whaligoe Steps, as I hope to continue capturing images of my daily visits.

FACEBOOK: (4) Whaligoe Eye | Lybster | Facebook

TWITTER: Whaligoe Eye (@WhaligoeEye) / Twitter

TWITTER (Gary): Gary (@floodland08) / Twitter

YOUTUBE: Whaligoe Eye – YouTube

EMAIL: WhaligoeEye@gmail.com