"A'bheinn" means "the ben" in gaelic (i.e. mountain or high hill - think Ben Nevis but much, much smaller in this case) and this cache is now the fifth in our series showcasing the beauty of the Uists.
The new cache is a decent sized waterproof plastic box inside a drysack to protect it from the elements. Take care to close the box properly and ensure the drysack is closed properly when you are finished. The cache is hidden and the covering item is quite heavy but can be moved - please replace exactly as found as the original cache went missing at some point and it may have been muggled.
The cache contains a log book, pen and pencil as well as a painted stone for the first to find. We also put in two TBs to start this cache off. Given the remote location, please ensure that you log the fact you have taken a TB from here as, during the winter months, it may go some time without a visit and it is nice for the TB owner to know whether the TB is stuck in the cache or not.
Below are the original instructions by the Mugdock Mudpies who set the original cache, edited by us.
Hope you enjoy the resurrected cache!
Please note that the above coords are not for the cache site. See below for more information.
This is a relatively simple cache close to the highest point on the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. The height gain is fairly small, as is the distance.
The island of Eriskay is situated near the bottom of a string of islands to the west of Scotland called the Outer Hebrides, with its highest point being Ben Scrien (Beinn Sciathan) at 185 metres. The island can be accessed by causeway from South Uist or ferry from Barra. The crossing from Barra will take you about 40 minutes, sometimes with great views of seals and other wildlife.
Once on the island, whether you are in a car or on foot or bike head up the main road, (this is easy to find as there is only one road!) Coming from Uist you will go through the main village of Baile. Follow the signs for the Sound of Barra ferry, although Ben Scrien is very obvious from anywhere on the island and following your nose is the easiest thing to do.
The walk up is straightforward; just follow your nose as there isn’t a path although there are some useful sheep trails. In places it can be very boggy, and there is a low fence to contend with but there is a gate to look out for, but apart from that there are no other problems. The usual precautions should be taken for hill walking, e.g. suitable footwear and equipment, walking boots and other kit such as waterproofs. A compass may be useful. It might be useful to note that there are some steep drops in places so you must take care, especially if taking children or dogs. As always, when walking on the Uists, please wear long socks and tuck trousers into your boots to avoid tick bites as Lymes Disease is prevalent in the area.
On the way, please bear in mind that the coordinates above may not be 100% accurate, we think it’s a combination of poor satellite reception and incorrect conversion. If you have any coordinates that you think are better for the summit of Ben Scrien, feel free to email them to us via our profile or post them in your log.
Once on the summit, where the above coordinates will take you, you can use your compass and walk 50 paces on a bearing of 330° or use the additional hint below. From the cache you should get views of the South Uist hills, and if you are very lucky with the weather, St. Kilda.
There are many options for the walk down. One option is to go pretty much due west from the top, down the shoulder and towards the cairns marked on the OS map. On the way look out for Eriskay ponies, unique to the island.
No visit to Eriskay is complete without a visit to the delightful pub, ‘Am Politician.’ Named after the famous ship, H.M.S. Politian, which ran aground of the coast of Eriskay it carried crates upon crates of whisky. Locals duly did all they could to salvage this cargo and their exploits are covered hilariously in Sir Compton MacKenzie’s book ‘Whisky Galore.’ Two films have been made from it released in 1949 and 2017. The pub, known to the islanders as ‘The Pollie’ is very welcoming on a wet day and the memorabilia inside is hugely interesting. Just ask at the bar.
Another point of interest is the main beach on the west side of the island near to the ferry terminal called coilleag a’ Phrionnsa, where Bonnie Prince Charlie made his first landing in the UK. The monument just above the beach honours this.
The island of Eriskay is a beautiful place and we hope you enjoy finding this cache.