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:


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. :)



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.



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:

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





31 comments:

  1. I was about to go on a walk. Then I saw you posted and dropped everything to read this and be so in love with this country all over again. My heart hurts.

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  2. Gorgeous photos!!!! I love your posts so much.

    Xo-L
    simplylowcountry.blogspot.com

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  3. I love your travel features! So jealous and inspired all at the same time.

    Memoirs & Mochas

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  4. Your mum's a beauty. Oh it's freezing today, winter it is!

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  5. Those photos are beautiful! I love the "coos"!

    -Sarah {tuckerup.blogspot.com}

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  6. Your photos are gorgeous. What kind of camera/lens do you use? And your parents... cute as can be!!

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  7. Skye is so beautiful! I miss my trips over there. Look at your pics with the Heilin' Coo!

    I had to travel there loads for work, and know the hotels quite well (they're a bit hit and miss). There's one guest house I stayed in that was full of taxidermy. Very, erm, interesting. Nice place to stay though.

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  8. these pictures... i just can't get enough. they seem straight out of the last Harry Potter movie.. gahhh, and those animals!!!!

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  9. Oh gosh such beautiful pictures! it is like wandering through a book looking at your blog!

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  10. Amazeballs. Just gorgeous. What filter/editing software do you use for your pics? It's balls are amazing, too.

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  11. That waterfall shot is beyond. Talk about BEAUTY! x

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  12. So beautiful!! I went to Ireland on my honeymoon and they look very similar! LOVE IT!

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  13. Thanks for the tips, Lauren! I can't wait to go there before too long!

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  14. One of my coworkers was talking about Skye yesterday. Now I see why! Thanks for the "tour!!"

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  15. Its so pretty there it does not even look real!

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  16. I had my first delicious bowl of Cullen Skink in Edinburgh a few weeks ago. SO delicious. Skye looks lovely, I have yet to go but it is certainly on my list, I hope you had a wonderful time!

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  17. I'm in love with your blog!!!!
    I think it's so fresh, nice, and amazing!!!!
    Love it!

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  18. love this pictures!! looks like a great time and your parents are adorable! xox

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  19. I want to move to England, stat!

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  20. Tea + shortbread sounds like heaven right now!
    Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.

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  21. the picture of the 'coos' needs to be in a magazine. so good. also, i want to go to skye now.

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  22. I'm beyond so happy that I found this blog! I'm studying abroad in London next semester and I've been completely clueless about what to expect! I'm so excited, but nervous as well!

    Also, congratulations on having twins!

    Emily
    www.prettyshinymine.blogspot.com

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  23. Jim and I were just discussing planning a trip abroad for next summer. Because of your post on the Isle of Skye from last year, we added it to the itinerary. I'm really hoping it works out!! And your mother is gorgeous.

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  24. That looks and sounds like it was fabulous!

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  25. Thanks for the Coo shots! They even inspired me to do some art! http://papermachechicken.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/coos-from-this-week/

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  26. It is good to have most of these articles around to maintain the regular flow of information. Help people that no one could do it later, good work!

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