Isle of Skye Part I

Platform 9 3/4?

After driving almost 750 miles over 3 days throughout the Isle of Skye and Central Scotland, we have returned to fair Edinburgh.  Several interesting notes:  Firstly, I am able to say that I only got stuck in one roundabout, and this was outside of the Scottish metropolis of Crossgates.  Secondly, if you buy petrol at a Cooperative Market, please ensure that you pay IMMEDIATELY!  Do not pass go, do not collect $200, and do not go to the bathroom or you will be lambasted by the cashier.  Thirdly, I ask this question: what midges?  And finally, please note that on the Isle of Skye, the sheep have the same rights as Dutch cyclists: if you hit one, of course it is your fault!

'And when you cross that
White Oak Mountain...'

But I digress.  Our journey began in Fort William, where my wife and I boarded the famed Jacobite Steamer for a 2-hour journey to Mallaig.  What?  The Jacobite Steamer?  Ah, the very one used in the Harry Potter films...for a refresher, click here.

'Shovel on a little more coal...'

The Mallaig extension of the West Highland line opened in 1901 in an effort to open a corridor to some of the more remote parts of Scotland.  Although essentially discontinued by the late 1960s,   in 1984 steamer service was re- introduced.  In 1995, the Jacobite - named after those supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie - made its debut.  

Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

The views were stunning, and despite a few cinders in our coffee, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.  Mallaig is a nice little town, although there is little to do there other than enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes the the Isles of Eigg, Rum, and Skye.  Apparently, Skye has pilfered the sunshine from the rest of the country, as we were treated to three beautiful, sunny days. 

'Nothin' but blue skies do I see'

From Mallaig, we made our way to the Isle of Skye, or 'Cloud Island'.  Although the journey should have taken only a few hours, a wrong turn in Portree ensured that we would drive around the entire island and arrive at our B&B around 1:30am.  In case you are wondering, it did not get dark until after midnight, and the sun rose around 4:00am.  Oddly, the rabbits were out cavorting with the sheep and Highland cattle...

Sunset on Skye