Isle of Skye - First Days

After arriving via the Skye Bridge I spent the night at the nearest hotel in Kyleakin. 

The next day I had planned to explore the Sleat Peninsula, where I was. So I set off to the Otter Watch hide at Glen Elg. The old ferry still operates here much like it did 51 years ago when I as last here. The otter hide was further along the shore. On the way there I saw two otters feeding in the water. Later at the hide I saw a couple more. Not bad for a first day. There were a number of seals sunning themselves on the rocks near the lighthouse.

I then changed my plans and headed for Portree so that I could get a "feel" for the island. The main town was a little disappointing with what it offered but still a good centre to rely on if I needed it. I then decided to head further north and take in the Trotternish peninsula and headed for my first camp site. This would be a good base for two of Skye's main sites; The Storr and the Quiraing.

Passing along the road I stopped at a small car park with a waterfall walk and from there I had a good view of the Storr & the Man of Storr, a stone pinnacle.

The next day I intended to take more photos of the Storr but first headed for the Quiraing. The weather was misty at the coast but by the time I arrived at the top car park it was glorious sunshine. I set off to walk to the stone formations with the intention of seeing them and returning the same way. However the people I met enroute convinced me that the round route was worthwhile. So after seeing all the various and magnificent formations I followed their advice and climbed up onto the ridge above and took that path back to the car park. The views were stunning and I was now looking down on the formations I had walked through earlier. Yes, it was worth it but a very long, hot day trip in very hot sunshine. So the Storr would have to wait for another day.