Well - it's not exactly the same going to the Isle of Skye as it was for Bonnie Prince Charlie. We took the West Highland Railway from Glasgow to Mallaig. It goes through some wild Scottish countryside - hills, heathers, bracken, rushing streams cascading down, and at one point the track crossing over the 21-span Glenfinnan Viaduct (seen in Harry Potter films on the way to Hogwart's)
After a 5 and a half hour train ride we arrived at the port of Mallaig, and walked over to the ferry dock for the final part of our journey to Skye.
We were met there by Marion's pen pal, Joyce, and made the very short drive to her home. Joyce and her husband Bob had moved into this house only two days before our arrival, but had everything well organized for us. We felt very honored that they were willing to have us visit so soon after their move.
Joyce's new home
Next day Joyce took us on a loop tour on the Sleat peninsula of Skye. It's quite wild and natural.
Lots of sheep, some cows, the odd house, 1 coffee shop!
Coffee at Slighachan Hotel on day 2 on the Isle of Skye
It's a major centre for rock climbers in the Black Cuillins, the tallest and most rugged hills in Scotland. This is the location of the "Inaccessible Pinnacle" ride - the recent viral bike ride to an amazing peak.
Google "Danny Macaskill - The Ridge" to see an incredible cyclist from just down the road from here!
Walkers cross over the Slighachan estuary on this old bridge to reach the trails.
Joyce and I said good-bye at the Kyle of Lochalsh railway station. We have been pen pals for 56 years. Once again she showed us parts of the Isle of Skye that tourists would never get to see. Thank you Joyce!
On to Inverness.
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