The Padar climb: minutes, footing and the hour to wake

Padar is a walk rather than a beach stop. From the landing a path climbs through dry grass to the main viewpoint, taking 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the walker. Built steps alternate with loose earth and stone, so footing sets the pace more than breath does. The upper ridge takes longer, for anyone who wants it.

At the top, three bays lie below you, and the sand in each has its own colour. That view is the purpose of the stop. No dragons live on Padar, and there is no beach to swim from, so plan for the walk and for nothing else.

On Elrora's three-day route Padar opens the second day, before Pink Beach. If wind or tide calls for it, the stops change places; that decision is the captain's, taken that morning.

The walk begins about 65 minutes before the sun rises. Padar sunrise in July: 06:18. In November: 05:31. In December: 05:38. Your alarm moves with the calendar. The table lists every month. If you climb slowly, set off with the first group rather than hurry later.

The first stretch is climbed in the dark. Carry a small headtorch, and keep your hands free for the steeper steps. Take water, because there is no shop on the ridge.

Colour at the top depends on cloud and haze. We cannot promise a clear sunrise, and the three-day route holds one Padar morning. If the ridge is grey, the view is still there; it is only paler.