A trip to Isle of Skye is not about the destination but about enjoying the scenery on the way there. That’s why the coach trip we joined from Inverness to Isle of Skye took 12 hours to cover the distance of about 100 miles each way. The trip took us along the famous Loch Ness, across Skye Bridge to Portree, the capital and largest town of the Isle of Skye. 

Loch Ness

Apart from the legendary mythical monster supposedly dwelling in it, Loch Ness is also famous for holding more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. The 23-mile-long loch sits on a deep tectonic fault line and never freezes over

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is located right by the picturesque village of Dornie in the western Scottish Highlands. The name Eilean Donan translates to “Island of Donnán,” named after a 6th-century Irish bishop and Celtic martyr who established a small Christian community there. 

The first fortified castle was built in the early 13th century to protect the lands against Viking raiders. The castle was destroyed by the Royal Navy in 1719 and lay in ruins until it was purchased in 1911. The new owner spent 20 years on an ambitious reconstruction project. The restored castle, which included the arched footbridge connecting the island to the mainland, was finally completed in 1932.

I didn’t go inside the castle partly because of time constraints, and partly because I preferred to remain outside to admire the imposing exterior and the moody surrounding landscape

The serene Isle of Skye Coastline on the way to Portree

Portree

Portree is the capital and largest town of Isle of Skye with a population of approximately 2,500. It serves as the main hub for the island’s overall population of roughly 10,500 residents. It’s famous for its picturesque, pastel-painted terrace of houses on the harbour front and the dramatic surrounding cliffs.

Although Portree was the highlight of the tour, there were still interesting places to visit as we made our way back to Inverness. First, we made a quick stop at Torvaig to get up close to some famous residents – Highland Cattle with distinctive long horns

Kilt Rock at Culnacnoc

⁠Kilt Rock is a spectacular 90-metre sea cliff, located in the small crofting township of Culnacnoc, on the Trotternish peninsula of Isle of Skye. It’s so called because the basalt columns resemble the pleats of a tartan kilt.

River Sligachan

 River Sligachan is a famous, fast-flowing river on the Isle of Skye, renowned for its dramatic mountain backdrops and local folklore. It flows beneath the historic Sligachan Old Bridge, which offers spectacular, panoramic views of the rugged Red and Black Cuillin Mountains

Legends have it that if you submerge your face in the icy, peat-stained waters of the River Sligachan for exactly seven seconds and let it dry naturally, you will be granted eternal beauty!

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is one of Scotland’s most iconic natural landmarks. It is a massive 55-metre-tall basalt pinnacle soaring above the Trotternish Ridge 

What a long but memorable day!