Pack Your Bags | The Isle of Skye
Remember in September when I was parading around Scotland with my parents and Tyler? I thought that it was chilly then.
Apparently, I forgot just how crisp autumn can be here in the UK.
Its even chillier now...but the coziness that the Isle of Skye offers with it's tiny cafes serving big steaming bowls full of
homemade 'cullen skink' and pots of tea served with Scottish cakes and shortbread makes Skye the perfect place to find
yourself hiding out.
STAY |
THE BOSVILLE HOTEL | Located in the main part of Skye's largest city, Portree ('Port Ree' meaning in Gallic, "The King's Port), the Bosville is one of the "fancier" hotels in town. While it is nice and clean accommodation, don't compare the luxury outfitting of these rooms to the findings of a luxury hotel in Manhattan or Paris. But there is free shortbread & tea in your room which makes for a good replacement for me. Both the hotel pub & restaurant serve really good food...if you're the eating type. :)
MARMALADE | This sister hotel to the Bosville is also situated in Portree, though about a 5 minute walk up the hill out of town. The position of the hotel gives it a stunning view of the port below. Accommodation here is a grade down than at the Bosville, but rooms are clean and the staff is above & beyond friendly. The restaurant downstairs is also a popular location for locals.
THE MACKINNON COUNTRY HOUSE | If you're looking for a quaint & affordable place out in the country, the MacKinnon Country House is a sweet option. Sat near Kyle of Lochalsh on some quiet and pretty land, this country hotel is a quiet escape from most normal life as you may know it. The food is good (like, really good) and the staff is friendly and welcoming. You'll feel like part of the family when you leave. {Bring books... no great internet or tv options here!}
DO:
It's hard to say what there is to do on Skye.
Having a good time is fairly intuitive and a hard objective to miss. It's kind of just a little place that you drive around,
hopping in and out of your car as you make your way around the enchanted island. You'll come across so many waterfalls
you'll start to feel like you are in a laundry detergent commercial...
Dad be nimble, Dad be quick, Dad walk over the walking stick.
You'll find yourself walking along lonely streams & bridges...
and, if you're lucky, you may come across some friendly highland coos!
The mysterious origins of my big hair is revealed: my mother. {Yes, "coos." Go on now, say it like a Scotsman!}
We always spend some time wandering around the tiny harbour town of Portree stopping in shops, eating ice cream, and
kicking rocks into the water by the port or we opt for the less social route: cuddled up under a mess of blankets, watching
movies on our computers, drinking lots of warm beverages, and spending way too much time huddled over hot food and
good conversation inside cozy pubs.
EAT:
THREE CHIMNEYS | Honestly, food isn't why you visit Skye...but if you insist on something gourmet while you are here,
the legendary Three Chimneys should suit your fancy. I've never been, but apparently- it's quite the place to eat on Skye, if
the hefty price tags don't scare you off.
***
There you have it...a few little nuggets of advice that can help plan (or inspire) your trip to the gorgeous Scottish Isle of
Skye.
*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy