Author Topic: Isle of Skye (Read 2798 times)

Troubled Waters · « **on:** August 04, 2009, 11:45:14 am »

Feeling rather excited as in just under 6 weeks we are heading up to Skye for a fortnight (never been on hols for that long before) in a crofters cottage on a working croft.

So 2 questions for those of you who know the area:
What MUST we see and do whilst there?
Been scouring the guides and internet and have lots of ideas but not quite the same as first hand suggestions.

Second, I am falling in love with the place before we even get there. Any ideas on smallholding suitability? Again you can get so much info online but not the same as people having actually experienced it.

Any info/tips gratefully recieved. Can't wait!! Not that I'm counting the days....

doganjo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2009, 05:17:04 pm »

It has it's own website - http://www.isleofskye.com/ - but also visit Kilt Rock, Flodigarry (where Flora MacDonald lived) - http://www.flodigarry.co.uk/welcome.asp, the Quiraing - an big outcrop of ancient rocky formations in a circle to protect the animals, the Sligachan Climbers Bar ( a fave place of mine and John's when we climbed the Cuillins).

cmorrell · « **Reply #2 on:** August 05, 2009, 12:01:33 am »

In addition to what Annie suggested (definitely not instead of!) I would have to recommend a trip down to Elgol, Dunvegan Castle and gardens and, if you're willing to get up early enough and are up for a little hill climbing, there's a good sized plateau right beside the Old Man of Storr and it's a pretty decent path up to it from the car park. Great place to watch a sunrise or set. I shot this from there one winter morning a few years ago..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/calummorrell/3177043259/in/set-72157612243841951/

There are also loads of artists around the island .. so if that interests you at all, have a look for some painters, photographers and potters (err, that's not what they're called, is it?).

I've forgotten what it's called, but there's a centre on the left as soon as you hit the outskirts of Portree on the main road from the south which has a walk through history of the area and various exhibitions.

Whatever you do, you'll love it. I miss Skye a lot.. haven't been for a few years now

Troubled Waters · « **Reply #3 on:** August 05, 2009, 08:46:50 pm »

Hi guys. Thanks for the suggestions. Some of these I have read about, others not. Can't tell u how excited I am!!
Hey and cmorrell how amazing are your photos!!! Do you ever sell any? I'd certainly pay for something like that!

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Thanks again. hfw.

cmorrell · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2009, 11:35:23 pm »

It just occurred to me I missed a couple of rather scenic options for the drive up! Assuming you head up to Crianlarich, then through Glen Coe and up through Fort William rather than dropping up the A9... you will have so much stunning scenery and parking places are you go. When you hit Invergarry, take the turning West onto the A87 which is quite windy but goes nice and high with stunning views over Loch Loyne (http://www.flickr.com/photos/calummorrell/3177042911/). Shortly before you leave Balmacara, there's the Donald Murchison Memorial which has a great view of the bridge and Skye (http://www.flickr.com/photos/calummorrell/3177880484/) which has decent parking alongside the road and then a short path through the woods to the memorial itself. And of course I mentioned Elgol (http://www.flickr.com/photos/calummorrell/3177044055/).

Thanks for the compliments

I've sold them in the past, but found the effort too great for the return while doing it all myself, so I'm concentrating on portraiture, weddings, corporate photography while continuing to build my catalogue of landscape photos and then find someone else to do the hard part for me.. the selling!

Troubled Waters · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:12:31 am »

Hey thanks for the travel tips. I'm going get me old highlighter out and adorn me old atlas an OS maps when I get home.

This may just be the most packed holiday ever!

I don't know if you have come across it but I found this site that I hope will prove as useful as it look. Has a whole bunch of walks (and other stuff) with directions, discriptions and even small OS maps of the area covered by each walk. Seems a good starting place.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/

Totally understand about the selling hassle. Mike wants to sell some of his pics but I think the doing of it is holding him back, and the initial expenditure to produce stock if selling at somewhere like a craft market. I love your phots and you seem to have a fab eye, will be looking out as you add to the landscapes portfolio!