Based as we are at Kyle of Lochalsh, the bridge to the Isle of Skye is basically walking distance from us. This morning we packaged morning tea, a couple of bottles of water and set off for the island with the view to do a little bit of exploring.

As we were on the road fairly early, traffic was light and we drove half way across the isle to stop for a stretch and photo at Sligachan Bridge, a popular camping site at the base of a mountain range oft thought of as the birthplace of modern mountain climbing. Snow covered peaks in the distance were spectacular.

We then motored on to Portree for a pit stop  before heading for our primary destination for the day – Storr. Approaching our destination, a monumental rocky outcrop emerged from a large mountainous lump, with multiple crags and spires evident, Jo then said “we are going to climb that”…. another look up and tentatively I said ok.

We were advised to park in the carpark adjacent to the entry gate, as the off season (we are sort of still in it due to unseasonal cold wet weather still) the site is likely to be less busy. Being a beautiful sunny day, every man and his dog was there, we parked a half a mile (so it seemed) away, packed some chocolate biscuits (never a need for an excuse), water bottles, rain gear (because … Scotland) in the backpack, layered up because the lazy light wind was brisk and set off. Read more »

We awoke at stupid o’clock, finished packing,  breakfasted (this time not setting off the fire alarm thankfully) and wended our way on largely empty back streets to the vehicular ferry station for our trip to The Isle of Mull. The morning was grey, it was raining and a little windy, meaning the seas would be rougher than my tummy would like (thank goodness for Travelcalm).

We lined up, were shepherded aboard and retired to the poop deck (well, in truth a rather comfortable and mostly stable cabin) for cups of tea and sympathy. The trip was fairly uneventful, we broke through the rain a few times and had sun, then got rained on again but arrived on the island in the dry.

We had previously received information about “passing places” on the island, necessary protocol while driving there as nearly every road is a single lane, with regular pull-overs alternating side to side. After meeting a few drivers, and infuriating at least one local, we realised we totally misunderstood what the instructions said, used common sense and got it right, mostly from there on – mind you when you are pootling up a hill and out of a blind crest some bastard hurtles towards you it is everyone for themselves sometimes. Read more »