We have just spent a weekend in Skye. Words cannot describe the rugged beauty of the Island, photos don’t come close to capturing the magnificent landscape but I’ll try.
We set off, Avril and I never having been to Skye, with our companion for the trip Harry, Avril’s father. He’s been a few times but was keen to go back. Now I know why.
The journey from home takes us past Stirling, through the Trossachs, Glen Coe where the Campbells murdered the MacDonalds as they slept, past Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak (still with snow on it) and on through Lochcarron to Skye. It is simply one of the most amazing journeys in the world.
We drove through Skye and arrived at the Darnbrook Guest House on the Waternish Peninsula to find this view…
We could see all the way out to North Uist! It is stunning. We sat at our window and just looked and looked. Such an awesome view.
Our hosts Caryl and Duncan recommended the Stein Inn for a meal and Skye’s oldest inn didn’t disappoint! Full and happy, Harry went off to bed while Avril and I ventured along to the end of the peninsula to watch the sunset over Harris. We joined the other people, all huddled in ourcars as we watched the sun go down over the Hebrides. It was glorious.
Next morning breakfast was superb (try the haggis!!!) and full to bursting we set off to drive round the Trotternish Peninsula in the North East of Skye. We passed through Uig and on to Kilmuir Cemetery where Flora MacDonald, the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the failed Jacobite Rebellion in 1745, is buried.
Just along the coast is Duntlum Castle, once the home of the Lord of the Isles. Next door is the only place we recommend you don’t visit (Duntlum Castle Hotel – YUCK!!!). The rest of the Peninsula is a geological marvel with sheer volcanic cliffs towering over the landscape and waterfalls cascading into the sea. The Old Man of Storr is stunning. A quick stop for afternoon tea in Portree and on to our final stop was Dunvegan Castle, home of the Chiefs of the Clan McLeod, before returning to the Stein Inn for another great meal.
Unfortunately we had to come home today but the journey, though long, was breathtaking. We took the west coast road round Skye passing some serious mountains, the Cuillin Ridge (WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and Balven (WOW!!!!!!!!!!!), and back the way we came.
You must go to Skye at least once in your life, and when you do make sure you drive around and see it, don’t just stay in Portree or Broadford. Lots of photos at Flickr in the Skye set.
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