Isle of Skye – Day 1

My knee accident did not slow us down — much. We needed to stick to the schedule. With my knee all wrapped up in icy packs, we were set to see the Isle of Skye. The road through the bridge was nice but not spectacular, so we did not make any impromptu photo stops.

Almost immediately after entering Skye, our phones stopped getting the signal and we were left without internet. Fortunately, I downloaded offline maps beforehand. Unfortunately, it did not help us in finding our accommodation, a small cottage located on the slopes of shores of Loch Snizort Beag south of Uig. We were driving back and forth for a while trying to find the right road. When we finally found it, it turned out to be super cute and cozy.

Fairy Glen

Our first sightseeing on Skye was the Fairy Glen. Like the Finnich Glen, it is a small area with otherworldly looking features. Green, grassy hills that look like cones are an easily imaginable habitat of hobbits or fairies. We got there in late afternoon, when the sun was already low, casting long, golden shadows.

There is virtually no parking there. There are some clearings on the sides of the road where we were able to park. Luckily, we visited during the “after hours”, so we could find a parking spot.

The area can be easily explored in an hour or so. Even with my weak knee, I was able to climb a couple of small hills. The views are beautiful in every possible direction.

I was able to capture one of the fairies! Or, just a tourist.

After visiting Fairy Glen, we did not have time left for a hike or sightseeing because the sun was almost down. We decided to take a tour around the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula to see what the northern shore of Skye looks like. We did find some time to visit one site, though.

The grave of Flora MacDonald

The grave of the Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald, is located in the northwestern part of Trotternish Peninsula. It is a peacefully looking burial ground that looks even more peaceful and dramatically beautiful during the dawn hours.

Flora MacDonald is famous for her involvement in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the British pursuers after losing the Battle of Culloden. Here is a good article about her deeds and the Kilmuir Cemetery, where she is buried.

Trotternish Peninsula

After the cemetery, we went around the northern part of Trotternish Peninsula and returned back to our cottage, taking C1225 road back, the one that has the trail head to Quiraing hike. We did not make any sightseeing stops (only quick stops for taking snapshots). Still, the peninsula was beautiful during the sunset hours.