24-26 August Highlands and the Isle of Skye

Well this is my second to last post about my time in Scotland. This post is dedicated to the three day trip to the Isle of Skye. We had a great time and took lots of photos.  There is really to much to fit into a single post but I have tried my best to pick out the best parts.  This was the second leg of our journey during my last week in Scotland. To hear about the first part of our trip, click here.Otherwise, enjoy the post!

Day One: Over the sea to Skye.

Well our Isle of Skye and highlands adventure made its first stop at Castle Doune. We only had a few minutes to snap photos, but I have been through the castle before, which you can follow this link to see more. After Doune, we stopped in the lovely village of Callander for tea and a respite from the mini-bus. Our tour did not spend much time in this area, but you can find out more by clicking here. From Callander, known as the gateway to the Highlands, we set out on the road to begin our discovery of lochs, hills and folklore. We made stops along the way to take in the scenary and learn a little about the area. Fort William was our first major destination. We stopped for lunch and quick tour of the city. Fort William is situated on the edge of the Munro mountain range is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. I should also mention that it is an important stop along the famous West Highland Way. After Fort Williams, we made our way up the north-west side of Scotland towards Dornie, which is home to the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.   The castle sits at the head of three lochs and was an important fortress until it was destroyed in 1719. It was rebuilt to match its original 18th century glory in the early 20th century and has since become one of the most popular castles in Europe. We made our way up the coast and crossed over the Skye Bridge. after we saw Eilean Donan. It took us about an hour to get to Portree, the largest city on Skye.  We learned about the faeries of Skye, the MacClouds and the MacDonalds famous duals and the Cullin mountains.We enjoyed a lovely dinner at The Isles Inn and drinks at The View. Enjoy some of our photos from our first day.

River Teith at the north end of Callander

Doune Castle

Mom and Andrew with Loch Arkaig in the background

Andrew at Loch Leven

Eilean Donan Castle

Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church--Fort William

Portree Harbour

Portree Harbour and seaside buildings

Loch Lochy

Loch Garry

Loch Leven

Bi-lingual sign post--English and Gaelic

Andrew and Mom--Glencoe

The Black Cullins from Sligachan

Wind-blown tree on the Isle of Skye

Glencoe

Panarama of the highlands with a loch in the distance--click to enlarge image

Loch Duich--Click to enlarge image

Three Sisters of Glencoe--Click to enlarge image

Day Two: Discovering the Isle of Skye.

On our second day, we set out to explore the island itself. We came across many fantastic relics and historic markers. We learned all about the feuds between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds, faerie folkore, and mythology.  We made stops at the famous Kilted Rock in Trotternish, Neist Point Lighthouse, Dunvegan Castle, the home and seat of the MacLeod clan leaders and a hidden but spectacular little glen known as The Faerie Glen. There are some amazing views and incredible stories about the people and the Isle. It was an awesome day.

Highland Coos crossing the road

MacLeod's Tables

Storm clouds over Faerie Glen

The Faerie Glen

Grave of Flora MacDonald, woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie

Neist Point coastline

Coolin View B&B right on Portree Harbour

Mom and Andrew in front of a waterfall in Dunvegan gardens

Andrew near "Hadrian's Wall"...

Trotternish coast

Faerie Glen

Entrance to Dunvegan Castle

Mom and Andrew at Neist Point

Ancient Celtic King grave-marker, stolen and moved to Skye a few centuries ago

More coastline from Neist Point

Loch Dunvegan

Panorama Running Ridges

Panorama ruined fort

Panorama Neist Point

Day Three: The Highlands and Loch Ness

So our final day of the trip we made our way back onto the mainland and through the highlands south to Edinburgh. we made stops at Eilean Donan Castle for the full tour, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Commando Memorial. It was a wonderful experience.Enjoy the photos from our last day.

Ben Nevis covered in clouds

Commando Memorial

Andrew at Loch Ness

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Duich near Eilean Donan

Loch Ness

Mom and Andrew at Eilean Donan

Mom at Loch Ness

Skye Bridge

Panorama of Loch Duich and Loch Alsh

Well that wraps up our trip through the highlands and around the Isle of Skye. There is one post remaining which will go up sometime next week. Check back soon to hear about my final few days  in Scotland and find out what I will be doing next.

Sincerely, 

Andrew

Tune: Come O'er the stream Charlie

Artist: Celtic Spirit