R is for Road trip
Rambling - Rock climbing - Roller Derby - Rowing - Running
I know what you're thinking - we've still not finished the alphabet! Back in 2017 we started this A-Z dating challenge as a way to get out, try new things and explore new places together. For one reason or another it's taken much longer than we expected to get through it, but I'm determined to finally complete it in 2019. Our recent road trip to Skye was actually a Christmas present but who says it's can't double up as an alphabet date too?
With less than 48 hours on the island, we packed in a fair amount and I wanted to share just how much of the sights you can see in just one weekend.
Portree
Setting off late on a Friday morning, the 5 hour drive to Portree on the Isle of Skye was scenic enough to not feel dull. The Scottish Spotify playlist I made definitely helped! Our first port of call was the Isle of Skye Distillers shop to stock up on beer and Misty Isle gin for the weekend ahead.
After a potter about the local shops and a walk up to see the harbour and it's famous colourful row of houses, our stomachs got the better of us. Based right in the centre of Portree, the Isles Inn is renowned for it's hospitality and live music events. It had a really cosy feel with the warmth of the fire and the local dogs making us feel right at home. Unfortunately the food didn't live up to our expectations but I do recommend nipping in for a dram!
Bealach Uige Bothy
Staying at our first ever Airbnb, the Bealach Uige Bothy was everything we could have wished for and really made our weekend. I could have quite happily chilled out here and not ventured out at all. The Scandi "hygge" vibes were strong! In the evenings the bothy was the perfect place to relax; record playing, G&T in hand and a Scottish monopoly battle to end all battles! Things may have got a little competitive...
Waking up to a view of Staffin Bay, we didn't mind having Lambekins (the pet lamb who is massive) as our alarm clock!
Kilt Rock
On Saturday morning we were up bright and early ready for a day of adventure! Our first stop was Kilt Rock, only a 5 minute drive from our accommodation. So called because of it's plait like formation in the cliff, the Kilt Rock waterfall is pretty striking. Just a shame it was too windy for us to fly the drone and get a decent shot! A short drive from here, you'll come across a viewpoint for Mealt falls which is also worth a stop.
The Old Man of Storr
Possibly Skye's best known landmark, the iconic Old Man of Storr is a bit of a trek but well worth the effort. Parking is limited, so get there early - especially if you're visiting in summer! Expect to spend about 1-2 hours walking in total. We climbed the hill until we reached the pinnacle, and retreated when the already ominous weather took a turn for the worst. Even in the fog the Old Man is impressive!
Uig Hotel
From the Storr we headed North, driving around the Trotternish peninsula. Stopping off to see the memorial and grave of Flora Macdonald (who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after Culloden) we also spotted the headstone of a more recent Scottish icon - the late Alexander McQueen.
Nearby is the Skye Museum of Island Life which was closed for the season so we ventured West to the Isle of Skye Brewing co where the friendly staff recommend Uig Hotel for lunch. Overlooking the bay, he enjoyed a steak ciabatta whilst I devoured a bowl of local mussels cooked in Guinness with bacon. The hotel and restaurant is dog friendly and reasonably priced.
The Fairy Glen
Just behind the Uig Hotel, you'll stumble across the mythical Fairy Glen in the hills. I will admit I was a little underwhelmed by what we found, but equally glad to see no man made stone circles! It was a great spot to explore and fly the drone for a birds eye view.
Stacking stones on these landscapes is harmful to the environment, causing unnecessary erosion and damage to natural habitats. Come, see, leave no trace.
The Quiraing
If we'd had more time I would have loved to hike the Quiraing but we made do with driving the road through back to the Bothy for the evening. Skye's landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. No wonder Hollywood uses the Quiraing in so many films! The BFG and Snow White & the Huntsman to name just a few.
Talisker Whisky Distillery
Our second morning in Skye began as all days should - in a whisky distillery! Whilst the main tours don't take place off season, the Talisker team were more than happy to oblige us with a brief history and a taste of the local dram, completely free of charge. I couldn't resist sampling their Lava of the Cuillins too - a rich, hot chocolate ganache infused with Talisker Distillers Edition, perfect to warm you up on a typical Scottish winter's day.
The Oyster Shed
Following the road up the hill behind the Talisker distillery, the Oyster Shed is an absolute must stop for lunch in Carbost. Literally what it says on the tin, you'll find a shed full of local foodie products for sale, as well as oysters farmed daily at nearby Loch Harport, and a selection of other seafood dishes cooked fresh for you to eat overlooking the water.
We tucked into delicious buttery scallops along with a half lobster and chips - far more gourmet than you'd expect to find in a shed right?!
We tucked into delicious buttery scallops along with a half lobster and chips - far more gourmet than you'd expect to find in a shed right?!
The Fairy Pools
From Carbost it was a short and dramatic drive to the spectacular Fairy Pools. Wrapping up in our waterproofs, we rambled up the hill with the water cascading down through the pools alongside us. With the black Cuillins creating an eery, atmospheric background, this really is one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland!
The Glen Brittle car park for the Fairy Pools does charge a small fee but the money goes back into maintaining the paths so it's a no brainer - pay up! I recommend wearing waterproof shoes as there are a couple of streams to cross via stepping stones. Or if you really don't mind getting wet, you could join the mad people who go wild swimming here!
Eilean Donan Castle
It may not actually be on the island, but Eilean Donan Castle is a highlight of most people's Skye bucket lists. Located just a short drive from the bridge, this is one of the most photographed castles in the whole of Scotland. Here you'll find a visitors centre, shop and café and you can of course explore inside the 13th century castle too. We got there just before closing time which actually turned out to be ideal as we managed to quickly set up the tripod and snap a few photos without the hoards of tourists!
I don't know about you but I reckon that's a fair amount to pack into just 48 hours on the Isle of Skye! If you have a little longer I recommend checking out Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point as well. Is there anything else we should add to our Skye itinerary?
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