Isle of Skye

Inverness to Fort William via the Isle of Skye

It rained heavily during the night last night, not a good omen for the day to come. We were keen to get away from Inverness early and set off before breakfast, thinking we could find somewhere to stop along the way. Wrong! It was far too early, and everywhere we passed displayed a Cafe Closed sign. Oh dear! Just as well John had bought a few supplies at the supermarket, so we stopped beside the road in a layby to have fresh fruit and cheese and biscuits washed down by bottled water.

By the time we reached Cluanie Inn we were both hanging out for coffee. It was just as well we didn't need food, because the young woman who served us was in the middle of trying to cook breakfast for her overnight guests and was run off her feet by the onslaught of customers and her toddler son helping out by cleaning everything in sight with a spray bottle and cloth.

 

We reached Eileen Donan, the castle that appears on Scotch biscuit tins, around 9.30am. It didn't open until 10. John had an early siesta in the car while Barb trailed happily around the outside of the castle, snapping photos from every angle.

Eventually the assembled crowd of tourists were allowed in, and Barb was able to escape from a solo American lady who was basing herself at Portree (an hour and a half away on the Isle of Skye) and doing day trips across the length and breadth of the Highlands to go sight seeing. Nuts.



The castle was very interesting with some of the rooms specially set up for display. The views were magnificent from the castle over Loch Duich to the town of Dornie. In fact most views today were magnificent!





We pressed on towards the Kyle of Lochalsh where we crossed the kyle (strait) via a huge arched bridge over to the Isle of Skye. Unsurprisingly it closes in high winds.

 the Kyle of Loch Alsh

We had made good time with the drive so far, so we decided to detour to Portree, a mere 45 minutes away, so that we could see more of this beautiful island. The scenery is something else. Words fail me (no they didn't - she said ooh and ah quite a lot) and the pictures we took don't quite capture the grandeur of the landscape.

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Lunch was at Portree after walking around the harbour and town. We each innocently ordered a half roast chook with the trimmings. Big mistake! These were no mere pullets, but full grown birds. We were so full Barb had to abandon the idea of ice cream. Imagine that!

the harbour at Portree

From Portree we ambled over (Barb would argue we drove scarily fast - pah!) to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig. There was not only had space for us, but we only had to wait twenty minutes for it. Our luck was in! John was very interested in watching the ferry dock and the deckhands doing their thing, and Barb had trouble dragging him back to the car. Talk about a busman's holiday!



another passenger kindly took our photo together

The trip over to the mainland was smooth and we were soon on our way to Fort William. First, though, we wanted to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument, which is a column erected to honour Bonnie Prince Charlie. We chose to climb the hill overlooking the monument as this gave a fabulous view of the viaduct as well. So nice not to have to hang out a car window to get the shot.

john with viaduct

Barb with monument

the Glenfinnan viaduct

Barb on a mission to get the photo from the top of the hill

We drove on towards Fort William in search of our overnight accommodation, which purported to have views of Loch Linnhe. We were a little skeptical after Inverness B&B's views failed to deliver.
Not so here. Our room has a huge picture window overlooking the loch just as advertised and is absolutely gorgeous. We found it just as we were about to miss it and drive past for the third time. Barb had become a little frazzled at this, and John had become a little frazzled at her frazzling. But it is so much better if we frazzle together, in harmony, don't you think?