The most magical things to do in the Isle of Skye
Scotland's Isle of Skye, one of the Inner Hebrides, is a day's drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh and one of the most popular sites in Britain. With the ominous Cuillin mountains looming overhead, clear waterfalls and lush, green countryside, it's easy to see why.
I visited Skye earlier this year, when I was lucky enough to spend two months driving around the Scottish countryside. Listed below are 6 of the most magical, most memorable stops we made during our time there.
Before you even get to Skye, there's a stop you need to make. There are a few ways to view the beautiful island, but I would definitely recommend driving to the lookout in Applecross and getting the full panorama from up there. It's unlike anything else (and the drive through Applecross is its own unbelievable adventure).
The Old Man of Storr
One of several mesmerising geological structures on Skye, the Old Man is possibly the most famous. It's a short, fairly steep hike to get up to the best viewing spots, but if you make it up for one of Skye's (rare) clear days, it's definitely worth it.
Legend has it that the pillars depict a man and wife, but stories of how they got there differ. Some argue that, when running from a giant, they turned to stone. Some say that they are a pair of giants who turned to stone. My favourite tells of a besotted husband who made a deal with a fairy; he was promised to have his love by his side forever, so the trickster fairy cast them both in stone.
The Quiraing
If the Old Man doesn't get the award for being the most famous structure on Skye, then it goes to the Quiraing. If you take the short walk up past the Quiraing itself, you'll find yourself in a beautiful, strange, hidden place with huge rocks to hide behind. Keep going up the mountain, climb over a stile and take in the view from the top of the mountain.
The Fairy Glen
This magical glen is best seen at sunset. Bring a picnic for dinner (and a waterproof blanket... the ground will almost certainly be wet) and sit atop the conical mounds that make up the glen. Bring a gift or two to leave in the fairy rings and take your time wandering through the mossy glen.
The Coral Beaches
Tucked behind Dunvegan Castle (with all manner of fairy lore of its own), there's a stretch of sandy beach dubbed the 'coral beaches'. The walk from the carpark is close to half an hour, and when you arrive the clear waters will transport you to somewhere far more tropical. Keep an eye out for seals, as there are plenty in the area. The more lively and animated you are, the more likely they are to come over and inspect you, so don't worry about frightening them away.
The Fairy Pools
Probably the busiest place we busiest (but one of the most beautiful) were the Fairy Pools. A short walk from the car park, you'll pass numerous blue-green waterfalls cascading into deep pools. If the weather is nice (or you're feeling particularly game), you can jump in for a dip. Rumour has it that the fairy folk favour those who swim, and will bestow their goodwill accordingly. To avoid the crowds (trust me, they were intense), try to visit before 9am or in the evening.
About the Author
0 comments