I have been going through Skye for what seems like decades on my way to the ferry terminal at the far end of the island at a delightful place called Uig, but have also stayed there and would like to give you an insight into the island and what it can offer to the tourist. Known as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle) this island certainly has plenty of rainy days, but I think the name Misty Isle conjures up images of mystery and intrigue, and certainly the island has many quite and hidden corners just waiting for you to explore.

The Isle of Skye is home to 9200 people but the important thing is that on an island 50 miles long with over 2000 living in Portree, it is not crowded and there are endless nooks to lose yourself in solitude.

So here is my journey through Skye for you to enjoy. There are a number of ways of reaching the island. The simplest of course is the road bridge which has been there now since 1995. Prior to this access was by ferry and until recent times the bridge was a toll. After years of arguments and pressure the toll has gone. It's now a free and easy way to get to Skye but not my first choice. No for me the best way has to be the little ferry which runs from April to October from Glenelg to Kylerhea. Access to this ferry means turning off the A87 at Shiel Bridge and following the 10 mile mountainous road to the ferry. This road climbs to the summit of Mam Ratagan before making a more gradual descent down to the valley and to the terminal. Keep your eyes peeled here for you could spot the all elusive otter as they are common in this area...

At Kylerhea you can visit the Otter Haven which is an excellent opportunity to see otters if you are patient.

You can also access Skye from Mallaig where the ferry takes you to Armadale on the Sleat peninsula. I have done this route as well but prefer the smaller ferry because it is such an experience. This area of Skye is however very pretty and is wooded, and in the spring there are carpets of bluebells and summer brings rhododendrons and wild flowers in abundance. I have a dear friend who lives there and the area has some wonderful cottages nestled on the hill sides with stunning views.

So the road eventually joins the main route to Broadford and you are on the spine road.
The village of Broadford is important as there are some very helpful tourist things here. Park at the garage and here there is a Co-op and the garage is also well stocked with foods and gifts. Incidentally the shop also stocks a wide range of whole foods. This petrol is the cheapest on the island and is open 24 hours. Across the road from here are toilets and in the car park is a tourist information centre. Please note this area is very busy so take care crossing the road as traffic is heavy in the summer with cars turning. There are also many foreign drivers so beware of them as some may be new to UK roads. When my children were small getting across this road safely was quite difficult.

If you only have time to leave the main road once take the road to Elgol from Broadford. The scenery is really beautiful and the road ends in the small village where you take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk which is at the interior of the Cuillin Mountain range and is only accessible from Elgol by boat, or on foot from Sligachan a place on the main Bradford to Skye road which I will mention later. The walk however is not for the faint hearted as it has what is known as the "notorious bad step" which is a section of the path where agility and nerves of steel are required. This loch is only a few hundred yards wide but is two miles long and takes you into the heart of the Black Cuillins which are often shrouded in mist. The Cuillins of Skye are majestic "don't mess with me" daunting ranges of mountains which challenge any experienced climbers. The views from Elgol are magnificent across Loch Scavaig to the islands of Soay, Rum and Canna. I think it is my favourite spot on Skye and one I go to in my mind when I am seeking peace and tranquility on maybe a day which is less than calm.

Sligachan is a great place to camp and there is also a hotel here.
The path to Elgol via Loch Corruisk begins here and is a favourite amongst walkers.

This is a bustling Scottish town with everything you could wish for including a wonderful bakery in the square-truly wonderful forget diets and indulge in one of their cream filled pancakes-out of this world. Look out for the markets where local growers get together usually on Saturday to sell their produce. The salad crops are fabulous and are dug or picked that day. The watercress is grown hydroponically and is tender and sweet and delicious. Cafes there serve salads with edible flowers and the town is a lovely place to walk around for an hour or two. Don't forget the little whole foods shop in Portree which is piled high from floor to ceiling with whole foods of every kind. It is the best health food shop I have ever been to in my life, and we always stop there for supplies.

This drive is pretty but not spectacular but leads to a place I love because it is the ferry terminal to The Outer Hebrides. Here you can travel to Harris or to North Uist by car ferry and this is when I am at my happiest knowing I am going to be going home-I call it that but it isn't quite yet but soon will be!

Skye and The Culture

The Drawbacks