Day 12 - Isle of Skye

29 July 2014

Accommodation – Cruinn Bheinn B&B, Snizort

Temperature – high teens

Weather – very changeable

It was our second full day on the Isle of Skye and we had to get some housekeeping done – the laundry!  The weather was bleak so it was a good day to retreat and do this.

We bought postcards and wrote to the grandchildren as we watched our laundry tumble dry....and we timed it perfectly as the rain really came down.

A walk down to the pier saw lots of people out for the day as a cruise ship had arrived.  To coincide with this a market was happening in the centre of Portree.  We wandered into a lovely shop and bought some presents for the granddaughters....can't wait to see them in their matching little kilts.

Looking across Portree Bay from the pier.

Portree is known for the colourful buildings housing many fine restaurants along Quay Street which leads to the pier.

 

On our walk along the pier we found several little restaurants and so we booked for the evening.  Already they were heavily booked and the only time we could get was 5pm.  Armed with this knowledge we only had coffee and cake for lunch so we were ready for our seafood feast.

The sun came out....view from the café over Portree Bay.

 

After an afternoon rest we headed back into Portree and walked the coastal circuit of 3kms.  It was an easy walk and well worth it as there are several interesting features to see.  Across the Sound of Raasay where the cruise ship rested in the harbour is the Isle of Raasay.  It is a large island and not far from Skye. The weather changed regularly from clear to mist, drizzle, rain and on the homeward stretch a headwind.  My photos below will tell the story of our walk.

The view back to the pier and the well known colourful buildings.

Sgeir Mhor in the foreground - a tiny platform of grass surrounded by rocks.  It is tidal and separates from the main island.  It was here Bonny Prince Charlie escaped to the Isle of Raasay (in the background) on 1 July 1746 disguised as a woman when the Jacobite rebellion failed.

 The beautiful cliffs of Creag Mhor in the Sound of Raasay.  The sun brought out its brilliant colours.  The large cruise ship was anchored in the sound with great views of this landmark.

 



Ten minutes later and what a difference....it would be romantic to suggest Scottish mist but in truth it was just plain drizzle!

 

We timed our walk to finish in time to be ready for the restaurant booking.  Both of us had seafood – trout and salmon.  As we sat there many people tried to book or dine at the restaurant but were turned away.  It pays to book very early……this includes accommodation and I’d advise at least three months ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Isle of Skye has a lot to offer.  There are countless walks to take in the beautiful scenery and many outlets for the many crafts made on the island. 

Fresh trout for dinner.....the grand eating tour of Scotland continues!!

The view from our B&B over Loch Snizort Beag.  The accommodation has been wonderful and you can't complain about the view!

 

Tomorrow we have the long drive to Durness on the northern coast of Scotland.  The adventures continue.............