May 14 - Isle of Skye

Thursday, May 14, Day 100 - Isle of Skye

We wake to the prettiest day we have had here. Taking advantage of the sun, we explore the third and most southern peninsula of the island down toward Armadale Castle where the ferry from Mallaig on the mainland lands. To get there, we again drive to Portree and this time manage a picture of the prettiest and oldest part of the town. Then we continue even further southeast on A87 to Broadford where we turn south on A851 for the 17 mile drive down to Armadale Castle and the little harbor there.

 

On the way down, we stop at a grocery store and pick up a few items we need but are, once again, disappointed with the selection. For example, no pickles of any type, shape or form, but they do have canned green beans!

The first part of this southern peninsula is not very pretty, being rather dry and rocky looking. Though as we get closer to the tip the scenery improves dramatically. We stop to check out the ruins of Knock Castle or Caisteal Chamuis, an old MacDoinald stronghold said to be haunted by a Green lady. Some of the stones from the castle were used to build Knock Farm in 1825.

Armadale and its little ferry harbor are very picturesque. It once the main entry way to the island before the Skye Bridge was built but very few people arrive by this route now. We, however, arrive in time to see the ferry from Mallaig arrive and unload a bus, its passengers and a few cars. Carolyn visits two craft and woolen stores but finds nothing that interests her.

We then drive a little further south but the road gets increasingly narrow and we turn around and head back for a look at Armadale Castle. This castle is a ruin, having burned in the1800s and is surrounded by well maintained gardens which will be very nice in a few weeks. We decide it is not worth the cost for what we will see at this time. Moving on, we stop for lunch and more photos on the sunny day.

Now, we head off the island and down to see Eilean Donan castle. This one was restored by its owner between 1913 and 1932 as it had been destroyed in the 1700s. However, it is very picturesque and its interior is furnished with period pieces and family artifacts of Clan MacRae. It cost Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap £250,000 to rebuild but the result is an iconic symbol of Scotland.

We stop at a large grocery on the mainland and finish our shopping (still no sweet pickles) and then stop in Kyleakin on the island end of the Skye Bridge for photos of the ruins of the 14^th century Castle Maol. Not impressive, but picturesque.

 

We head north on A87 and stop at an old stone Sligachan Bridge near Sligachan for the required photo of Jack to prove that he was on the Isle of Skye. He submits with his usual good humor! This is a beautiful setting and a popular picture taking place with the rounded red Cuillin and the jagged Black Cuillin in the background. They are impressive mountains and can be seen for many miles!  On the edge of the stream just below the bridge a young woman is sitting on the rock drawing the scene.

 

On back to the house for a dinner of baked chicken, baked potatoes and green beans. As the sun slowly set, we watch the little lambs play king of the mountain out in the front yard.

 

The weather is supposed to turn wet and windy tomorrow so we have really appreciated these last two sunny days and our chance to see the Isle of Skye at its best.