By Chris Littley
In this latest edition of our Dream Destinations series, we’re discovering the beautiful Isle of Skye.
Famously, the location Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to after the Battle of Culloden, it’s become popular with caravanners escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While the romance of the Skye Boat Song still rings in our ears, “Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing. Over the sea to Skye,” there’s now a convenient bridge to take holidaymakers and their caravans from the mainland to the island. Once you arrive on Skye at the village of Kyleakin, you can explore the Misty Isle’s many attractions.
Skye is heaven for outdoor lovers, with both the Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin mountains to explore. All bar one of the island’s Munros – peaks in Scotland over 3,000 feet – are found within the Black range. Beginners should start with Sgurr na Banachdich or Bruach na Frithe and work their way up to the likes of Sgurr nan Gillean and Am Basteir.
With a backdrop of the Cuillins, the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle are a magical place to indulge in a spot of wild swimming. The beautifully clear water in these natural rock pools comes right off the mountains via a series of waterfalls. It’s a special place to visit even if you don’t fancy a dip.
Be sure to stop by Dunvegan Castle, which is the ancestral seat of Clan McLeod, members of which have lived at the castle for 30 generations across 700 years. It occupies an idyllic spot on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and is crammed full of fascinating artefacts including a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair, the Fairy Flag and innumerable oil paintings.
Once the caravan has been parked up for the night, it’s time to enjoy a true taste of the island with a dram of Talisker whisky. This peaty single malt is distilled on the shores of Loch Harport in five copper pot stills just like it has been since 1830. A distillery tour is a good wet weather day activity and gives great insight into how the tipple is made.
Where will be the first place you take your caravan after lockdown? Get in touch to let us know.
