A Day on the Magical Isle of Skye

There is no other word for me for Scotland's Isle of Skye than magical. I visited here for the first time on our road trip of the Scottish Highlands and was immediately smitten. There are mountains, babbling brooks, fairy pools, sweeping vistas, small towns and beautiful skies. It was well worth the wait and as usual, I'd love a return trip with more time. Come along to the magical Isle of Skye! 

Driving over the Bridge

The Isle of Skye used to be just that - an island. Prior to 1995, you could only get there by boat. But in October 1995, the Skye Bridge - a 1.5 mile arch bridge - connected Skye to the mainland. Residents were not happy about the bridge - there were intense protests - but it was built and now you know you are truly on the island when you cross over the bridge.

Glen Sligachan

Our first stop, after procuring provisions at the Co-op Grocery Store, was the old Sligachan Bridge. Next to the Sligachan Hotel, the bridge was built between 1810 and 1818 and is an iconic site on the island. Legend has it that if you submerge your face in the icy water for exactly 7 seconds, you will have eternal beauty. (And scooping or pouring water onto your face doesn't work - it has to be submersion)

Sligachan Monument, right next to the bridge, honors Norman Collie and John MacKenzie who were the first to map Skye's rugged peaks - Collie being the cartographer and MacKenzie, his Gaelic speaking guide who was considered one of the best mountain guides in all of Scotland.

Sligachan Hotel dates from 1830 and makes for a good base to explore the Cuillin Peaks. Climbing parties have departed from here for years and years. But if you're not into climbing you can enjoy a comfortable stay here along with dining in its restaurant.

Portree

Portree is the largest town and capital of the Isle of Skye. Known for its bright, pastel colored houses and its harbor, we stayed here for our night on the island. Little known fact: Portree is a strong Gaelic heritage area with a third of its residents speaking Gaelic.

We arrived while there was lots of daylight left so after checking into our hotel (we stayed here) we checked out the view and then walked across the street to 1820 Limited, a very popular restored church -come- restaurant. After dining, we walked the small town to Dulse & Brose, a bar/restaurant in a boutique hotel. Nice little place to enjoy a beverage. I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really on the Isle of Skye!

Breakfast was included in our hotel rate so we ate and then it was time for a little shopping - a few souvenirs and even a charity shop. Purchases secured, it was time to get a move on for our ferry to Lewis & Harris later that day. 

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

 Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and is the home of the Clan MacLeod. You can tour the castle and gardens, take a boat trip to see the Loch Denvegan seal colony, or eat at the MacLeod Tables Cafe. If you'd like to read more about it, I wrote an earlier blog post about it and you can access it here.

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is probably the busiest, and most famous walk on the Isle of Skye. It covers a distance of 2.3 miles and is an out and back trail. The Old Man itself is a 55 metre high pinnacle of basalt rock and is one of the most well known landmarks on the island. There is a paid parking lot (6E for up to 6 hours) that holds 140 cars. There is also restrooms, spaces for larger vehicles and bike racks. Across the road is Storr View Coffee which sells, obviously, coffee and tea and baked goods.

We did not attempt to conquer the Old Man. Sometimes time is short and you have to pick your things to do with time limits in mind. We did stop here to admire the Old Man and the views - I'm glad we did. But I don't feel any regret about not walking the trail - it's gonna have to be a maybe next time for me.

Kilt Rock/ Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock is 275 foot basalt cliff that resembles a kilt with a waterfall cascading into the sea next to it. Mealt Falls is named after the loch that feeds it and it tumbles into the Sound of Raasay. It's a very popular stop on Skye with lots of tour groups visiting - there is a small parking lot and usually a piper playing also. It's a good spot for photo opps and a spot to stretch the legs while enjoying the beauty of Skye.

Quirang

About 30 minutes north of Portree, the Quirang is an old Norse word meaning "round fold" and it's considered one of the most breathtaking and otherworldy landscapes in Europe.  It's called a "land form" which includes rock formations, high cliffs, rock pinnacles and a plateau. I don't know how to describe it but I do know it was my favorite part of Skye. 

You can hike its 7km loop or you can drive and get out of the car for views. We chose the drive as we were booked on the above mentioned ferry and time was of the essence. It's a windy road up to the car park - paid parking with no facilities - where you can get out and walk a bit and check out the vista point. (There's also some historical signs to give you info on the area.) You'll need patience on the drive as it's narrow and you need to slow down - or stop- for cars. But very worth it in my opinion.

How about you? Have you been to the Isle of Skye? Or is it on your travel wish list?