If you didn’t know it was Scotland you might think you were in the tropics, with its white sandy beaches and azure blue sea. A perfect gem off the north-west coast of the Highlands, not far from Cape Wrath, Handa Island owned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust boasts 200,000 sea birds but much more than just that. You arrive after a ten minute boat trip from the tiny hamlet of Tarbet and are greeted by volunteer wardens who explain to you the history and wildlife of this tiny island. It’s a four mile hike around the island which takes in a gentle climb up to some spectacular Torridonian sandstone sea cliffs and stacks of over 100 metres high and where puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots and razorbills nest in colonies. In the breeding season it’s a haven for wild-life enthusiasts and photographers. Arctic skuas and bonxies (great skuas) dive bomb you on the way up in defence of their nests. In May and June the flora is attractive too with orchids, bog asphodel, roseroot and thrift, to name just a few.
The way back is a cliff edge walk, passing boulder strewn bays, with dramatic views out to sea and the coast and the possibility of seeing basking sharks, whales, seals and otters. Finally you pass the ruins of a once thriving habitation, before the great potato famine emptied its occupants in 1847.
When you’ve completed your walk you just wait on the idyllic beach and a warden will radio for the boat to come a pick you up. What a service!
Handa Island is so remote that many people have never heard of it and consequently it is not over visited but well worth the experience. Take a pair of binoculars, a camera, a packed lunch and some walking gear and you will be just rewarded. Boat fare is £10 return (which includes £2 to the Scottish Wildlife Trust).

www.swt.org.uk/visit/reserves/HAI/Handa%20Island/
google map: tinyurl.com/3yufxv2

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Transformed into a cinema several times a week, the Corn Exchange in Witney town square in Oxfordshire is like stepping back to the Sixties. Films, and they are recent releases, are introduced enthusiastically by John, the promoter. He tells you which scenes to look out for; he offers the book of the film to anyone with a birthday, and free tickets if you have spotted a mistake in the monthly brochure. Often there is a local newsreel made by John and you can buy popcorn before, if you wish. All of this for £3, if you are a senior and only £4 for others. Book your tickets over the phone and you will be crossed off the pencilled list as you purchase your ticket.

www.screenwitney.co.uk Tel 01865 880645
Witney Corn Exchange, Market Square

Google map: tinyurl.com/yk5s5d3

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