TravelWorld International Magazine, Spring 2022 - Spring into Travel

Sligachan Old Bridge is near both the hotel and
campgrounds and leads to hiking trails.
Blooming heather
Glenfinnan is the site of the railroad trestle
made famous in the Harry Potter movies.
Dunvegan Castles seen from the water,
once the only way to access the fortress.
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he place names of Skye’s
hamlets and towns are
whimsical, and the views
and landscapes are both
rugged and breathtaking.
There are whiskey tours and farm
stays, but if picturesque vistas and
stately castles and gardens are on
your wishlist Skye is perfect for
springtime exploration.
An excellent base is the Sligachan
Hotel, nine miles from Portree,
Skye’s capital. The Sligachan’s
renovated rooms are welcoming
and charming, mine had a lovely
view of Old Sligachan Bridge over
A wedding couple
poses at the Quiraing
on Isle of Skye
the river looking toward the Red
and Black Cuillins. A destination
since 1830, I loved the cozy corners,
blazing fireplaces, gleaming bars,
and small museum of the area in
the reading room. The local fare
served includes fresh salmon and
addictive sticky pudding.
Many of Skye’s iconic landscapes
are famous as television and film
locations. But these are ancient and
mystical places, trod on through
millenia by Norseman, clansmen
and possibly inhabited by faeries.
The Quiraing on the eastern face of
Meall na Suiramach, draws visitors
to walk the swirling hills. The full
walk takes two hours, I found myself
marveling at the stunning views around
every wrinkle in the land. Fluffy sheep
dot the green slopes far below.
On the West side of Trotternish ridge
at Balnacnoc, is the Fairy Glen. The
basalt tower looks like a castle ruin
but is a weathered natural formation.
Wildflowers and heather line the crags
and lake shores. I watched as visitors
scrambled up rocks and over streams,
and a bride and groom posed for their
wedding portrait. It’s an isolated and
quiet spot with some parking. Access is
also by a 30 minute walk from Uig.
Waterfalls near the Sligachan Hotel with the Black Cuillins
in the background.
aerie legends also feature at
the Faerie Pools, Allt Coir
a ‘Mhadaidh, in the shadow
of the Cuillins. Near the village
of Carboth, the waterfalls flow
in multiple stages from the River Brittle.
The falls are a mile and a half walk from
the parking area. The waters are clear and
cold! Watch your footing, I slipped and
slid along the slippery sides of the river.
Among the man-made wonders are
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Dunvegan Castle and
Gardens and Neist Point Lighthouse. Save
the lighthouse for sunset on a clear, calm
evening, and join the crowds with a picnic
to await the spectacular colors lighting up
the rocks.
Portree is the Isle of Skye’s capital and hub.
Located on the westerly tip of Skye
near Glendale, in the area known as
Durinish, it is best reached by car. I
stayed at the top of the cliff with my
camera, but there is a sidewalk and
steps down to the lighthouse, about
a mile down and back.
Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the
railway to Glenfinnan Station across
a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the
ground. The Jacobite steam train
runs to Fort William and Mallaig in
summer months. Walk up the path
for a view of Loch Shiel. There’s a
visitor center near the parking area
with a cafe and gift shop.
Best seen from the water,
Dunvegan Castle is imposing,
rising from the sea. I was thrilled
with the stories told by our boat’s
captain on a skiff from the castle’s
dock, where we got an up close
view of seals and otters. Much of
the 800-year-old property and
its gardens have been beautifully
restored. I came to see the Faerie
Flag of Dunvegan, Am Bratach
Sith, woven of silk in the 4th
century AD. Legend has it that
this sacred clan banner has
miraculous powers. It is delicate,
mysterious and beautiful, with
several mystical stories attached
to it.
Portree is the commercial,
transportation and cultural center
of Skye. I enjoyed shopping,
restaurants, museums and walks
along the quai. From Portree you
can enjoy a fishing charter, go
sailing or follow a Treasure Trail.
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There’s so much more to see and
do on Isle of Skye, with something
for everyone from the distillery
tours to camping to hiking.
My next trip will include more
searching for faeries!
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