Edinburgh to Isle of Skye
Neist Point and a view of the Atlantic Ocean at Isle of Skye, Scotland
A Week in Scotland. A Road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
2 Nights in Edinburgh
One could say the focus of our journey through the UK has been re-connecting with people with whom we have shared time in the past and fuelled by a desire to touch base again. First Lars, then Simon, and now Jo.
We have talked about visiting Jo many times since she spent a summer with us in 1997. Jo came from England to work a ski season at Putnam Station Inn at Silver Star Mountain and stayed on for the summer.
Andy, Jo, Eve, and Naomi in Edinburgh
Jo moved into our basement suite in Vernon and we developed a close bond. She was very helpful with our kids who were 2 and 7 at the time and we all got along famously. Mik and I visited Jo’s parents in Southern England in 2001 but we had not seen Jo since ’97.
Sunny but dark clouds over Edinburgh, Scotland
The scenic route along the east coast of England led us to Scotland and Edinburgh. We were surprised by the wide streets, green areas, and architecture of the city. This is a beautiful city indeed.
As expected, the absolute highlight was seeing Jo again and meeting her husband, Andy, and their two wonderful girls, Eve and Naomi, aged six and ten. The girls were absolutely adorable in so many ways and we really enjoyed our chats around the dinner table with the whole family.
Naomi leans into the wind after hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat
Jo and Naomi had the next day off and led us on a guided hike to the top of Arthur's Seat. This huge green area has a fantastic view of the city and the seas. Naomi was a champ and climbed the hill with no problem. Oh to have the energy and stamina of a 6-year-old.
Royal Mile
It was extremely windy at the peak so we did not stay for long. We built up an appetite on the hike and headed straight for the Royal Mile to find a spot for lunch.
A peace march was in progress and I took a few documentary photos. After lunch, we explored the Royal Mile further and as in most major cities, the pride of the country was on display.
In Edinburgh; cashmere sweaters and scarfs, kilts and highland clothing, whiskey, and sterling silver. Walking back to Jo and Andy's apartment through The Meadows Park we agreed we liked this city, the cafes, and the sense of it.
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Wallace Monument
We left Edinburgh after breakfast and headed for the Highlands, as recommended by Joshua. With several route options available we drew guidance from our trusted family and friends and settled on the route via Stirling with a stop at the Wallace Monument as suggested by April.
Admittedly, we only knew of William Wallace from the Braveheart movie featuring Mel Gibson.
View from the Wallace Monument to the fields where the Scottish defeated the English in 1297
The monumental tower was visible for miles and was duly impressive. The historical account of the battle of Stirling where the Scottish defeated the English in this strategical spot in 1297 was equal in impact. It was humbling to stand in the tower and look down upon the battlefield near the river.
When an experience or interaction causes additional self-reflection you grow as a person and in my opinion, are very privileged. I find I have been mulling over a William Wallace quote the last few days.
“Every man dies but not every man really lives”
Road trip through the Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands
“Every man dies but not every man really lives”. What a fantastic motto to live by. After lunch and my first and only taste of steak and haggis pie, we head north of Loch Lomond for the Highlands.
As each mile passes, the landscape changes. From lush fall colors in the lake areas to vast rolling hills. Some resemble what we know from the Okanagan Valley in Canada but the hills are much larger and more impressive.
A pristine morning
We decided to stop for the night in Fort William on the shores of Loch Eil. A Scottish folk singer entertained after dinner. Some of the songs were familiar and others were new to us. A rather large and elderly walking group staying at the hotel provided additional entertainment.
They were united in the singing and good-natured badgering between the Scottish and English. Everyone knew the words and it was rather enjoyable to observe and sing along when we could. A perfect introduction to the Scottish Highlands.
Rivers and Mountains in the Scottish Highlands
Isle of Skye Road Trip
When our 5050 Travelog project was in the planning stages, we threw ideas around and bookmarked sites we thought we would like to explore. It was not necessarily a definitive list of places we would visit but more of a wishlist. The very first site we bookmarked was for the Isle of Skye.
Isle of Skye Lodging
Traveling and booking last minute as we do is sometimes a juggling act between cost, convenience, and location. We booked two nights at The Skeabost House Hotel near Portree and we lucked out. It ranks right up there with the most memorable places we have stayed during our travels.
Idyllic countryside at Isle of Skye, Scotland
With only fourteen rooms the atmosphere was intimate, welcoming, and cozy. The food was phenomenal. Scottish country style at its best. As we arrived, a wedding party showed up in traditional kilts and the atmosphere was magnificent.
Landscape Photography at the Isle of Skye
I will fall back on a cliché and say the photos in this post will not do the Isle of Skye justice. We tried very hard to just be in the moment, take it all in and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
More than once I said to Di; How do you photograph this place, where do you start? Surprisingly, I was quite content to not have the camera out for every twist and turn.
The ever-changing terrain was fascinating, and the single-lane roads were an adventure. At times it felt like we were the only tourists in all of Scotland.
Neist Point on Isle of Skye in Scotland
On day one we went north and made stops at Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock, and Quiraing. Day two took us west to Dunvegan and Neist Point where we climbed to the top and enjoyed a perfect view of the Atlantic and the shoreline. Although I had to hold tight to Di as she conquered her fear of heights.
Luckily she was on her way back down and did not witness my stumble on the rocks. The weather was never really perfect which in a sense was perfect, as we witnessed the Isle of Skye in all its rugged and natural splendor.
Travel Photography from Isle of Skye, Scotland
Quiraing and the green hillsides of Isle of Skye in Scotland
A small village on Isle of Skye
Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye in Scotland
The small village of Dunvegan on Isle of Skye, Scotland
Counting sheep on Isle of Skye
Traffic sign on Isle of Skye, Single Line Traffic only and the winding road in Scotland
Neist Point on Isle of Skye in Scotland
Wrap Up
Scotland was everything we had envisioned it to be with great hospitality and magnificent landscapes for the savvy landscape photographer in me. This was our first visit to Scotland and we would go back in a heartbeat if given the chance.
Update: 2022
Our road trip in Scotland has inspired other similar trips and we recommend you check our posts from Ireland and Northern Ireland:
7 Days In Ireland
Northern Ireland Road Trip
5050 Travelog Destinations
All Travel Destinations
Europe
Southeast Asia
Middle East
Canada and USA
New Zealand
The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro2. Lenses: XF 14mm f/2.8 R - XF 23mm f/1.4 R - XF 35mm f/1.4 R - XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR (links to my camera and lens reviews). For some of the photos I used Fujifilm film simulations.
