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:

The Bosville Hotel

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. :)

Marmalade

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.

The MacKinnon Country House

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