Doctor's Orders

When Rod told Dr Owen we were going to visit The Isle of Skye he said "You must go see the Old Man of Storr". So that is exactly what we did. We found the start of the walk to see the Old Man, not due to signage (we are learning daily that signage is lacking in Scotland) but because of the many cars parked on the side of the road.

We estimate that it took us 90 minutes to walk and then climb the path to the top of the Storr Mountain ( we did not think to time the up journey so we timed the down and expect it took twice as long). Again there were absolutely no signs at the beginning or anywhere along the way that indicated distance, degree of difficulty or the time it might take.

We do know that we climbed 300m which took us to 474m above sea level. It was quite strenuous trekking, the first stages were on steep dolomite rubble paths passing through several gates. After the last gate it was climbing over rocks, avoiding muddy puddles from the melting snow and giving way to people making their way back down.

All the while being rewarded and encouraged by the most amazing scenery imaginable. Most of the time the wind was strong and cold, beanies and coats, gloves and scaves were the go. Occassionally when we were sheltered behind large rocks the sun very quickly warmed us through.

Oh, it turns out that everyone has been looking for Nessy in the wrong place, he has been sighted on the Isle of Skye.

The journey back down was certainly quicker but care was needed not to loose footing on the loose rubble surface or pick up too much speed.

Back in the car and the next stop,which was signed this time, was Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. The vertical lines in the rocks being the pleats in the kilt.

Realising that we were not going to achieve touring as much of the Island as we had originally imagined we decided to take a direct route East to west, eliminating miles of coast that would continue to beckon us to stop and take pictures. What we didn't realise in this change of route was that we would be travelling on a one lane, steep and winding road up and around the Trotternish Mountains and down the othe side. 

We don't know what we missed on the coat but we couldn't imagine it could possibly be more breath-takingly beautiful as what we experienced driving through the grand green Glens. 

The one lane road then joined the main road into Uig but still required the upmost care and driving skill as the last bend of the road doubled right back around on itself in an extremely acute angle and steepness. The Uig/ Lochmaddy Ferry had just arrived into port.

Back to Portree and a little shopping before Indian dining. Superb Chicken Tikka Massala.

Tomorrow as long as our legs can carry us down the steps in the guest house after today's exertion,  we travel to Fort William. (We are not overly concerned as Allen from the B&B is also the Ambulance driver and the ambulance is often parked outside the guest house.)