A monster drive should not put you off Scotland – it is always worth it, especially when there is an offer of free accommodation. We loaded up some toys and headed up for a long weekend. The first day it was sunny, so we made the most of it hiking to Camsunary. Classic Skye scenery with big landscapes and even bigger hills in the background.
As with many places in the UK, there were sheep about which the dog cannot be trusted around, so it was nice for him to get on the remote beach and roam free.
It is not often you see snakes in the UK – so it was cool to spot an adder whilst out and about.
On the way back we swung by Elgol – it looked like the perfect spot to start a SUP expedition some time! Some sea kayakers were just getting ready for a paddle.
Being so close to water all the time meant you had to take advantage of it when you could. Paddleboarding is the perfect sport for Skye. There are endless places you could go and it is generally pretty well protected from swell.
With the wind howling but bang offshore where we were based near Broadford, I figured a trip to Talisker Bay would be in order for some kitesurfing. Somehow, defying logic it was also blowing offshore at ground level. However up high at the top of the waterfall, it was blowing spray back up the waterfall. After waiting around for a bit and sipping teas, I gave up on the idea of kitesurfing.
Next up another hiking day. This time to Boreraig. Our luck was out with the sunshine now, and it was a classic Scottish day in full waterproofs, hot at times, then chilled when in the wind. The scenery as always was great.
On our last full day we ventured briefly into Portree for a look around and to grab some snacks for later. I saw Hill House which belonged to my ancestors, had a look in some shops then moved on.
We went to visit the Fairy Pools. Knowing it was a popular tourist spot, I thought the rain and strong winds would put people off. The car park was rammed (and pricey), and there were hordes of people. It was not what I was hoping for. We set off on a circular walk, and after the first mile, the crowds thinned out dramatically, making it worth getting the camera out. The fairy pools are stunning, and it is easy to see why it is popular. Waterfalls with big mountains behind them make an impressive big landscape.
We are looking forward to exploring a lot more of Skye! It ticks a lot of boxes.
