Diary for Debbie does...round the world


Driving to Skye and back again

2011-09-28 to 2011-09-29

The following day weWhat a fabulous two days exploring more of Scotland.

It was my cousin Lynda's dream to visit Skye - ancestors from there on his father's side of the family (I'm the maternal side). I'm always keen to go anywhere new so we decided to have 2 days one night away. Neither of us knew nothing about Skye so decided to stay the night at what we considered to be our further east point Uig. We also underestimated the amount of driving and how long to get there so whilst it was a fabulous time we didn't have any time to actually properly explore Skye and stop at things. Would recommend at least 2 nights if not longer.

Drove via Callendar - delightful place and a superb bakery / cafe on the A85 - loved the lochs - Earn and then later Linhne. On the A82 and thru Fort William and turned off onto A830 and drove thru my favourite Highlands - this place is so special - spiritual and peaceful. The Piper on the side of the road at the top of the pass - just so special and so memorable. Loved the village of Glencoe - could happily live there and Ballachullish. Everything so pretty despite some gloomy weather at times. A great stop at Eileen Doonan Castle for photographs and a walk around.

Eileen Donan Castle is evidently one of the most iconic sites in Scotland - much photographed and I can see why. It situated on a small isle where three different sea lochs meet. The first fortified castle was built in the 13 th century and there were several more over time. It was partially destroyed in the Jacobite uprising in 1719 and then lay in ruins for 200 year until the early 20th century when it was restored and reopened in 1932.

On via the Kyle of Lochash and thru Portree on the A87 and ended the day at Uig. We didn't realise how small Uig was and fortunately had booked at the Hotel Uig otherwise we would have been stranded. Raining a bit so sat in the hotel watching the occasional ferry go in and out of the small port. Had dinner at the hotel - only one other option which was closed.

The following day we took the A855 north of Uig around the top of Skye - like a country road - sealed and unsealed. Went past the some blackhouses built in the mid 1800s. The floor was generally flagstones or packed earth - no chimney and the smoke in the central hearth escaped thru the roof and then over time this blackened hence blackhouses. Was well suited to the harsh climate and the scarce resources of the time. Saw a beautiful waterfall on the eastern side of Skye and then continued driving all day with a few stops here and there. Drove down the A828 towards Oban for some different scenery and then back on to the A85 all the way back to Gleneagles.

Finished the day off at a free whisky tasting where we were staying - first time I have probably experienced different types of whisky and actually quite enjoyed it - Lynda didn't like the smokier ones so I had her tastings so was quite merry by the time we finished - slept very well although the stairs were a mission.