Fernweh

Traveling to the Isle of Skye had been a long time dream of ours, and it certainly did not disappoint. Despite encountering some typical Winterfell weather, we were enchanted by what this little corner of Scotland had to offer. As the area has become increasingly more popular, we went in the off season to avoid the stampedes, but sacrificed weather and choice of good restaurants open. As most shops were shut down, we had much of the place to ourselves and enjoyed an intimacy normally not available.

Getting this beautiful view of Glamaig, one of the taller peaks on the Isle of Skye, involved heading out before sunrise in the rain and hoping that the skies would clear enough to see the peak in the colors of the early morning. It also involved wading through the fast-moving river that can be seen in the foreground.

Luckily, just down the way is the Sligachan Inn, where the bar opens early and they serve delicious hot chocolate to cold and tired photographers. (Rumor has it they also stock plenty of fine Scotch Whiskies, ahem.)

Skye is filled with endless epic hikes, and the area of Quiraing hosts a number of well-known trails. The views are forever and you can sense a place lost in time, ever dramatic and moody.

At the end of a long, lonely road in the southwest of Skye is the small (~170 people!) coastal village of Elgol. From the seaside, you can see Sgùrr Alasdair across the water. Sgùrr Alasdair is the tallest peak on Skye (and, in fact, in the Inner Hebrides) at 992m. The rushing waves make a beautiful foreground for the scene; just be careful not to be swept off the rocks as you take your picture.

Fairy Pools

In our final day, the weather cleared up and we luckily landed upon the Fairy Pools. Again, we had the place mostly to ourselves and spent several hours capering between the streams and minifalls, feeling like we were in the playground of hobbits.

To get to the Fairy Pools, head to Glen Brittle (in central Skye) and then take a 15-minute or so walk down the path from the parking lot.