Isle of Skye

Today we are leaving mainland Scotland to head over to the Isle of Skye. Our drive through the Highlands has been both spectacular and lonely. Celtic music playing on the car’s stereo adds to the romantic atmosphere created by this breathtakingly wild landscape. Spatial perception is easily thrown off kilter here. That landmark that looked just ahead  is still “just ahead” half an hour later.

We better stop for gas and a snack here just beside the Five Sisters of Kintail as there is no telling when, or if, we will find another rest stop in the next several hours. Other than sheep, a lone piper standing beside the road (I wonder where he came from), and a few cars, we have seen nobody for several hours!

Decision time. Scenic route? or the normal route to the Isle of Skye? Lets take the scenic route (after all we have a full tank of gas!)

A one track road winds up to the top of the mountains…oh, how I hope we have made the right choice!

Yes, a good choice we made. What views we have from up here. One feels so small looking out over the vastness of the land. Apparently most tourists do not take the scenic route but they are missing out…big time.

There is the ferry that will take us across to the Isle of Skye. (Cost us six pounds for 2 people and a car).

Aside: Have you seen the movie Made of Honor starring Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan? If you have you might recognize this ferry.

The road starts to climb the moment we leave the ferry…higher and higher. Again the green covered mountains are deceptive. How high are we really?

To the right, streams tumble down the steep green mountainside.

Soon we arrive in Portree, the main hub of island life. Nestled at the foot of Fingal’s Seat, it is the island’s administrative center. A pretty harbour attracts us, as do the colourful hotels along the bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are lucky to find a room in the blue hotel ,The Pier, right on the harbor.

 

A fish and chip shop next door seems to always have lines of people at the door. Thinking about it it is understandable…we are right next to the harbor where the fishing boats come in.

Look at the photo above again. Many of those are working fishing boats. So let’s join the line and try some local fish and chips.

Looking at the hotels on the right. Do you recognize these from the movie Made of Honor?

Tonight we are going to attend a ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) at the town hall. There will be bagpipes, fiddlers, highland dancing, singing. Coming along?

Then tomorrow please join us as we continue our journey up island and explore more of the Isle of Skye.

How to Get to Isle of Skye

• rent a car and drive yourself 
• Book a tour

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Happy travels!