Isle of Skye

Despite the rainy weather, we set off with our long list of things to see/do while we are here. First stop was the Fairy Pools, however a very friendly chap at the parking area told us that we would need to walk across some rocks in the river that were currently 2 inches under water and would probably be ankle high in a couple of hours, so a welli-boots only kinda-day. Seeing as we didn’t have any wellies, we decided to give it a miss for today.

Next stop was a “walk” (ie: another heart-attack-inducing hike) to a lighthouse and hopefully to see some otters too. We braved high winds, driving rain (for a few mins) and cold temps but saw some really stunning views of high cliffs plunging into the sea, clear water below and in the distance, waterfalls falling down cliffs into the sea. Although we initially thought we’d seen an otter – think it was just a buoy 🙁

More driving along single lane roads, filled with potholes (sounded like I had taken the under carriage off the car at times) and slamming on brakes and pulling over to allow other cars/trucks/motorhomes to pass.

We then drive to a spot that is meant to be “known” for otters to be hanging out … not a soul in sight. Maybe taken refuge due to the cold, wet weather?

Next day we were up bright and early again, this time to go walking up/along/amongst more mountains at Quiraing, but no strenuous hikes this time, then off to find some Dinosaur footprints.

The sign very casually mentioned that in 2001, two “dog walkers found a single dinosaur footprint” and later, Dinosaur experts found another 17 footprints scattered across the rocks.

Having looked for these prints with the full knowledge that they are there and even having a photo for reference, we battled to find even one which begs the questions …. HOW did two “dog walkers” even (a) see it and (b) know that it was a bloody dinosaur footprint in the first place??

Anyway, we (foolishly) thought they would be pretty easy and obvious to find …. or perhaps they had put a useful sign with an arrow saying “Dinosaur Footprint here” … apparently not. We were just about to give up when I stumbled across something that may be one of the prints … you be the judge but I recon it is.

Pic on left is the pic I took with my newly purchased wellies included for scale and the pic on the right is the pic on the board.

PS: Is it just me, or do my feet look decidedly small and dainty? Probably due to being photographed from a lofty height 🙂

Next was a brisk walk up another bloody mountain, this time at “Old Man of Storr” – the best view of it is from the side, so one wonders why they feel it necessary to get you to walk up a mountain to be in front of it? Wasn’t able to get a pic from the side further down the road because the rain and mist had moved in again, so you can click here to see what it should look like.

In case we hadn’t done enough exercise for the day, we returned to the Fairy Pools with our newly purchased wellies – which are GREAT for stomping around Scotland in the rain by the way.

Fortunately, the walk is a fairly easy one (except for the return to the car) and the rain held off for the duration of the walk there and back.

On the morning of our departure, we took some pics of the B&B that we stayed at, the Skye bridge, the harbour next to the B&B and then went in search of otters again. More driving along single track, potholed roads for an hour, only to find that it is an Otter Hide (some distance from the water and hence requiring binoculars that we don’t have) and it was also closed due to COVID anyway. So – no otters for us.

Have really enjoyed the Isle of Skye – it is very quaint and picturesque, dramatic mountains that rise up out of nowhere, quaint little harbours with fishing boats, dramatic coastlines, friendly people and good food.