The national UK forecast from London declared the 2013 July heatwave had arrived and the whole country would be bathed in glorious sunshine. Meanwhile back in the North West Highlands we had a serious storm force wind problem. After being blown over on Cul Beag the previous day, it had sounded like the guesthouse roof was coming off during the night. There was little point in trying to get up hills, so we drove north to visit the most remote beach in mainland Britain, Sandwood Bay.

Instead of the usual ‘out & back’, this route adds a circuit along the cliffs to the Am Buachaille sea stack. This can be done on the walk-in, or as we did on the return.

• Distance = 10.3 miles (16.58 km)
• Duration = 5 hrs, start 1.00pm & finish 6.00pm, inc time on beach etc
• Total Ascent = 1,440 ft (440 m), max height…