Tag: adventure

There is a lot of life at the Whaligoe Steps. Everything from snails, spiders, earwigs and other insect life to various seagulls, oystercatchers, redshanks, humans and seals. But I have not really shared with you apart from the odd social media moment, the local feline presence.

Let me introduce you to the two main attractions at the time of this blog – “Star” and “Ludwig”…

Star enjoys adventure, people and roaming around the Whaligoe Steps. You will more than likely see Star on a visit to the zig-zagging Caithness flagstone steps, as the temptation for exploration and the curious nature that dwells within gets too much. A domesticated cat which is happy outdoors to forage amongst the local environment and soften up visitors in the hope of some fussing.

The second feline attraction in the immediate area of the Whaligoe Steps belongs to a fine fellow called Ludwig.

He is also a domesticated cat, but very different from Star. Where Star can be found out and about on an adventure, Ludwig would rather be indoors thank you. Living as an indoor feline, he likes home comforts and the less exerting lifestyle. Mind you, whether he has the world record for sleeping the longest or not, he still enjoys moments of tummy-bathing when the sun is streaming through the windows, or an occasional tap ‘n’ nibble of a shoe lace or a drinking straw.

If you’re wondering what would happen if they met each other, ponder no more as they have gazed at each other on several occasions through glass. Thankfully, they seem to be quite amicable with each other with no hard feelings expressed whatsoever.

Thanks as always for your time, take care and be safe.

It has been a busy few days here for Whaligoe Eye. Time to share with you a few bits about some observations and activities. Hold tight as those waves can provide quite a rollercoaster ride!

Caithness Seacoast Caithness Seacoast – Thrilling Sea Tours around the Caithness Coastline (caithness-seacoast.co.uk) have gained a great reputation for bringing some truly great insight to a piece of the north-easterly coastline in these parts of Scotland, in conjunction with dramatic views, wildlife encounters and moments of adrenaline. The word ‘thrill’ is readily to mind when reflecting on a generous hour and a half of adventure.

Whaligoe Steps from the north sea is a unique opportunity to see them from a refreshing perspective. It is one thing to be descending and tackling the ascent afterwards on those stones underfoot, but to see them in relation to the landscape which embraces them is something else.

Not only did we witness the coastal caves which lurk beneath the Bink, or maybe a little to the side, but we witnessed the waterfalls sprinkling a delightfully fresh cascade down on to the surface of the sea.

With a narrative regarding historical facts, wildlife and significant individuals to what was witnessed regarding the trip from Wick Harbour to the Whaligoe Steps, there was no room for a break. The eyes were taking in the views, the ears were listening to trivia and all the time the brain was bombarded with stimuli.

This adventure was an experience which was very welcome, insightful and I will be doing again. The knowledge of the crew, the attention to health and safety and the overall detail provided made me feel confident in them and their abilities, and subsequently relax and enjoy the ride. Highly recommended.

This morning I decided to film my descent down the main set of six flights of steps which make up the Whaligoe Steps.

Fairly spontaneous thing to do I guess, but my gosh was it a good cardio workout! Sporadically, I have done this wee jaunt down the steps for over thirty years now and felt relatively empowered to tackle the challenge. Please do not try this, especially as on this fine morning the steps were slightly wet underfoot.

During this rather overzealous undertaking, I became aware of some cobwebs which held droplets of rain and moisture. They looked so elegant reminding me of thin but robust threads containing small natural crystals.

It was a simple nudge for my brain to process as I began thinking about all of those little things we take for granted. It’s the little things on various levels that I often miss. So on this slightly misty morn’, I began to rummage amongst the grassy banks of the Whaligoe Steps to find those little things.

Many thanks for your time as always, it means a lot and remember those little things.