Isle of Skye: Unexpected Adventures & Rainy Shenanigans
Rain or shine, the Isle of Skye captivates. Though a power outage shrouded Eilean Donan Castle in mystery and we had a rainy hike, sometimes the best adventures on Skye are the unplanned ones.
During my trip to Scotland in June, I embarked on a Scottish adventure from Inverness to to the Isle of Skye, a land steeped in myth and known for its dramatic beauty. The plan was a classic itinerary – a stop at the legendary Eilean Donan Castle, a dip in the mystical Fairy Pools, and a relaxing dinner in Portree. But as seasoned travelers know, sometimes the best adventures involve a healthy dose of spontaneity, and this trip was no exception!
Eilean Donan's Dramatic Entrance (Minus the Power)
The drive through the Scottish Highlands was pure postcard perfection: rolling hills dotted with fluffy sheep and endless skies. Arriving at Eilean Donan, perched majestically on its island, felt like stepping into a scene from a movie. However, a plot twist awaited us! Due to a power outage, the castle was closed for the afternoon. A little disappointed, we still couldn't deny the castle's grandeur, even shrouded in a veil of mystery. We snapped some photos (exterior shots only this time!), soaking in the dramatic scenery.
Nature's Spotlight: Feathered Friends & Fickle Skies
Undeterred by the closed castle, we decided to embrace the unexpected. My attention turned to the resident feathered performers . An oystercatcher strutted its stuff on the shore, its long orange bill a vibrant splash of color against the increasingly grey sky and castle.
An Oyster Catcher presents a splash of color against they grey day.
A Herring Gull scavenged along the shore for a snack.
Suddenly, the heavens opened. The drizzle quickly morphed into a downpour, a classic reminder that Skye's weather is about as predictable as a mischievous pixie.
Onwards to Skye: Fairy Pools in the Mist
With a laugh (and maybe a dash of "oh no, not again!") we headed back to the car and continued our journey to the Isle of Skye. The Fairy Pools, a series of cascading waterfalls known for their magical allure, were our next stop.
At the Fairy Pools the weather was somewhat unpredictable. We had moments of sunshine followed by moments of downpour. But as we walked along the relatively easy trail, the sound of rushing water and the lush greenery surrounding us created a sense of peacefulness that the rain couldn't dampen.
A few views of the Fairly Pools from my Canon EOS R7 with the RF 100-500 lens
A couple of cell phone camera images that provide a more expansive view.
A Symphony of Nature: Birdsong & Bleating
The Fairy Pools weren't just a feast for the eyes, they were a haven for wildlife too. The soundtrack to our visit was a delightful mix of birdsong and the occasional bleating of sheep. Small birds Pipits and Wagtails flitted between the rocks presence adding a touch of cheer to the moody landscape.
On the left, a close up of a lamb. On the right, a few sheep enjoying the grass and sunshine.
I saw a few White Wagtails around. They seem to enjoy the rocky landscape and the pools.
While we didn't spot any fairies (maybe next time!), the presence of these feathered and woolly residents added to the mystical charm of the place.
Pizza by the Portree Harbor: A Cozy Comfort
After a day of adventure, a warm meal and a dry place to relax seemed like the perfect way to end things. Portree, Skye's main town, bustled with life despite the weather. Without a reservation, our dinner option in Portree was takeout Pizza.
As we were parking I noticed a magnificent Grey Heron in the Harbor and hopped out of the car to get some photos.
I got some great action photos of this Heron. I was hoping to catch it fishing, but it wasn't in the cards.
As we were in the pizza shop I noticed a rook. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this would be the only Rook we saw on the entire trip so I opted for a cell phone photo thinking that they were common and I'd definitely see more.
We ordered our pizza and ate in a parking lot by the harbor, the rain drumming a gentle rhythm on the car roof as we devoured delicious slices. It was a good ending to a day of unexpected turns.
The Beauty of the Reroute
This Skye trip wasn't exactly what I had envisioned. But as with many travel experiences, the unexpected moments often become the most cherished memories. A closed castle, a rainy hike, and a pizza dinner in the car might not be on everyone's travel wishlist. However, these little surprises added a unique charm to the adventure.
So, the takeaway? Embrace the reroutes! Travel is about so much more than ticking things off a list. It's about soaking in the atmosphere, connecting with nature, and appreciating the beauty that unfolds, even when the weather or plans don't cooperate. The Isle of Skye, with its dramatic landscapes, friendly locals (both human and feathered!), and unexpected wildlife encounters, definitely did that for me.
What are some of your most memorable travel detours? Share your stories in the comments below!