From the moment you cross over the Skye Bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh you can feel the change between mainland attitude and Island life… and it’s a good thing !!
A drive around this Island is better than a week on a beach somewhere for rejuvenating a person, the wide open spaces fill you with so much joy that as you’re driving away you’ll wonder if you should go back! Let me take you through such a drive.
I have to admit now that when I first went to Skye I got about 5 minutes into the Island and turned back at the lack of interest, that’s the kind of fool I am because if I had kept on the road for another 5 minutes I would have been in for such a treat. My own personal Highland preferences are for mountains and waterfalls and Skye has these in abundance and what they have is some of the best I have ever seen, including, for the climbers The Inaccessible Pinnacle which is the only Munro in Scotland that requires technical climbing ability ,so, there is your challenge !
Isle Of Skye Road To Storr
For those of us who prefer having our feet on the ground the main road on Skye takes you straight to the islands capital Portree which is a lovely place with a quite spectacular view of the harbour as you drive in.
With tourism being the main industry on Skye there are numerous places to eat,drink and shop for those things you can’t get anywhere else so park up and have a couple of hours exploring, you won’t regret it.
Once you are all fed and watered all you have to do is keep following the road and you will be led straight to The Storr which includes The Old Man of Storr,which a jagged peak caused by ancient landslips which can either be viewed from the bottom or by walking up the well trodden path favoured by many tourists. Continuing along the same main road you are suddenly aware that you are on an Island when a cursory glance to your right reveals sheer cliffs that stagger the senses and gives an indication of what is to come ….. Kilt Rock !!!
Now funnily enough Kilt rock is named because it ‘looks’ like the folds of a kilt,or so they say and who am I to argue and of course when viewing Kilt Rock you will undoubtedly notice something else, the AMAZING Mealt Falls which comes directly out of the cliff and straight down, crashing against the rocks below in an inevitability that only such a high waterfall can and I have to say on a personal level that I love this waterfall so much and as soon as I can figure out how to get to water level I will.
For the walkers among you Skye is probably best seen on foot with many of the spectacular sights that are best seen up close are pretty much inaccessible by car.
isle of skye Mountains
If I was asked to sum up Skye and what it offers i’d say serenity, the kind of serenity that you rarely find elsewhere … an easy way to explain it would be, if you’re like me your mobile phone will be an extension of your arm and yet when i’m on Skye I often lose my phone signal and I don’t care because very few things could be important enough to take me away from my peaceful day.
For more images of Skye and many more of the Scottish Highlands please have a look at my website Davie Hudson Photography
Old Man of Storr Isle Of Skye Scotland
December 7, 2011 at 23:41
Having guided tours to Skye for many years I have to say that no two visits are the same in terms of the atmosphere and colour on the hills. It is a wonderful place where dramatic scenery meets a rich Gaelic heritage. There are some hidden gems too – Fairy Glen near Uig, Talisker Bay near Carbost, The Coral Beach near Dunvegan, and the Cuithraing (Quiraing) near Staffin. The walk up to the Old Man of Storr is well worth it if you’re fit. On a clear day you will get the most amazing panorama from the Cuillin right over to the hills of Assynt and out to the Isle of Lewis
Skye is a must see for anyone wanting to Travel to Scotland.
David
January 19, 2012 at 13:02
Hello David,
I will be returning to Scotland this year at some stage. Sooner rather than later I hope. David would you or do you know of anyone who can help or take me across to Scalpay (from Broadford on Skye) My Great grandfather was born on Scalpay and I know that there is a graveyard ion the Isle. I would so very much like to be able to not only walk on the land where my G.G father was born but to site and document this graveyard. I am told that Scalpay is privately owned. As time is limited for me I can not say one the Isle for the “stipulated week”.If you happen to know of a fisherman or someone with access to a boat who would be happy to take me across and wait while I visit this graveyard I would be very grateful. If you by some chance know someone who can help, would you be kind enough to post their details for me to contact.
Thanking you in advance
Pamela McDonald
January 19, 2012 at 18:52
Hi Pamela,
That’s a tricky one – I’ve gone past Scalpay so many time driving to Portree, yet never thought how to get across. As I’m sure you’ve done your research and know that there is a self-catering cottage on the island that is reached by private boat, and that boat can be hired for return trips to Skye, or for sea excursions – it stands to reason that they might be available for the kind of visit you are after. I doubt any fisherman in Broadford will take you over – they would probably need permission to tie-up anyway, so I reckon the chartered boat is your best bet.
I would contact Scalpay House and see what they can offer – it will be more than the normal £40 rate I’m sure, but for a once in a lifetime opportunity I’m sure you’ll be willing to pay more. Their e-mail address as I have it is – [email protected]
Good luck, and if you need anything more let me know
David
December 26, 2011 at 22:55
This Mystical Isle holds my heart (as does Scotland). From the very first time I was on Skye it felt like this is where I belong. I am trying to find a way to visit Scalpay for a day. My Great Grandfather was born on Scalpay(of Broadford.Skye). I have been informed that there is a graveyard on the Island. Is there someone you may know of who can help me to get there when I am back in 2012. I think I have driven every inch of the magical Isle. I could not recommend it highly enough for everyone to visit, explore and fall in love with.
The beautiful Mystical, Magical Isle of Skye.
My kindest regards to you all
Pamela McDonald.