DAY 3 :
The hope had been to do Sgurr na Banachdich today , the easiest of the formidable Black Cuillin, but the forecast wasn’t good enough – low cloud and winds of 40mph.
Got to Talisker (Carbost) at 10am and it was busy.My son is a big whisky fan but has done plenty of whisky tours and just wanted a shop browse.That said, he’s not a huge fan of very peaty Talisker itself and prefers the smoother Speyside malts.Lovely shop albeit with eye watering prices.He was tempted by a few special editions but they were cheaper online as it turned out.No bargains in distilleries!
Early lunch at Cafe Cuil, an excellent place nearby and close to the Fairy Pools road. Chris’s Beef Brisket Toastie with Melted Cheese, Mustard and Pickles was fantastic. Alasdair and I had excellent soup, very spicy and good bread.Carrot cake was very good too.We left absolutely stuffed!
Oronsay Island
Only 2 cars at the small parking area for this under-rated walk near Ullinish.It’s a 3 mile return hike to a tiny tidal island plus the short circuit of the isle itself with multiple grassy paths.The tide was still falling so we had plenty of time. Over a field initially on a roughish track, then an easy, short descent onto a pebbly shore with a vague path across to Oronsay.The Black Cuillin were looking quite stormy but magnificent.
Only another 4 or so folks wandering about, admiring the low cliffs and the fine scenery.
Spent about 2 hours all in doing this lovely, off the beaten track walk. Whenever I read of Skye being busy, I think of so many wonderful walks like this that are so quiet, away from the honey pots and so rewarding.
Headed out after this to Neist on the fast, quiet road round lovely Loch Bracadale. For another outing we made to Neist on a sunnier day when we spent more time see – NEIST POINT ON SKYE
Things slowed up a bit past Dunvegan when we hit the single track section as we got caught behind 3 cars which crawled along the road, very hesitant.Clearly, they had completely forgotten the rule of giving way to those travelling faster behind them – in this case, us! Gave up flashing them and to be honest, it only took us an extra 10 mins to reach Neist. Plenty of parking spaces at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon.I love Neist, though it was a bit grey today.
The walk to the lighthouse is quite short really, maybe 30 mins each way.It’s a very steep descent on a staircase (barriered) before the walk opens out, though harder work on the way back up!
Previous Days: 5 Days Walking in August on the Isle of Skye (plus a few days in October)
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