Big Mountains Part I - Sunny Skye

Trip Start May 01, 2007
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Trip End Ongoing


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Flag of United Kingdom  , Scotland,
Sunday, June 22, 2008

This was a trip Will and I had planned since before I even arrived in Scotland. Originally we said we'd do the West Highland Way, but after some thought decided we should take the opportunity to go and see some of Scotland more spectacular landscape and mountain ranges. Maybe I even knew I'd have time to do the WHW later on! So after quite a bit of planning and deliberating on what to do, what to climb, where to stay, and what not to do, we came up with an itinerary that took in the Isle of Skye, Torridon, and the Assynt area, all in Scotland's rugged and remote northwest. It was difficult to choose as there were literally hundreds of options that presented themselves. Our transport was a rental car - a lovely black Ford Focus, and we decided to stay under the canvas on Skye, and in good ole SYHAs for the remainder.

Our first destination was the Isle of Skye, which I had been looking forward to seeing since I first came to Scotland. Save the best till last I guess. We headed off early on the morning of Sunday 22nd June. I had a rough night the night before, getting soaked at the Bon Jovi concert at Hampden park Steve and Will, ready and set
Steve and Will, ready and set
 . Our first stop (besides food and drink stops) was Eiliean Donan castle, located near the town of Dornie on Loch Duich in Scotland's northwest. Eiliean Donan is a very picturesque castle which has been featured in several films including The World is Not Enough and Highlander. It is a great castle, fully fitted inside in the old style, and with plenty of history to keep me intreseted. The mock kitchen is well done also.

We made it to Skye mid-afternoon, and with all the daylight left we decided to fit a walk in. Unfortunately the weather was miserable, or as they like to say on Skye, not co-operating. We headed for the Trotternish Ridge, more specifically The Quiraing. The Quiraing is a spectacular landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach on the northern end of the Trotternish Ridge. It has some of the most amazing cliffs and rock faces I have seen.

to be contuined when I get back to Tas!...
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