There is only one word to describe the Isle of Skye: EPIC!
Searching for epic skies or landscapes? The Isle of Skye is where you will find them, and this past January, I embarked on my own epic road trip to explore the Isle of Skye and experience for myself the rich history and rugged countryside.
Scotland has other charms, as well, such as modern artistic expression in the Fort Williams town centre, and the 13th century highlands castle Eilean Donan--a key landmark before one crosses the Skye bridge which links Scotland with the largest island of the inner Hebrides archipelago. It doesn't take long before the word "epic" is the only word you can think of to describe the scenes nature has placed before you!
But, one must not get awestruck or lost in the beauty of the expanse. Storms approach quickly and from multiple fronts. Below, a snow storm from the west creeps over Old Man Storr merging with a snow storm from the east. The resulting white-out conditions make the return hike much more difficult despite the trail. The Scottish government spent years clear cutting exotic forests with plans to replant the area with native Scottish pine trees.
While the landscape is majestic, the Isle of Skye has other hidden gems that include picturesque fishing villages and somber reminders of a brutal feuds between clans.
This far north the winter sun rises late and sets early.
Wildlife on the Isle of Skye revolves around the ocean with otters, seals, and whales, and sea eagles, gannets, and puffins. Red Deer (the largest mammal in the U.K.) and other smaller mammals are also found on Skye, but for most wildlife January is not a high activity month. I did see several seal pods along Coral Beach near Dunvegan castle, but I had equally exciting chance meetings with wild goats (often found crossing major roadways), domesticated Highland cattle, and Highland ponies!
Whether it was the epic landscape around the next bend or cresting over the next hill, or being the only audience for the momentary but stunning light show after waiting patiently for the clouds to part, I always felt I was on the edge of the wilderness on the Isle of Skye. For more images, please visit my gallery!
Cindy Eccles is an anthropologist who contributes to privately-held domestic and international white papers on ethnic minority violence and civil unrest trends. In her spare time, however, she seeks a new perspective on life from behind the lens with the goal of inspiring appreciation, tolerance, and mutual respect for all inhabitants and creations on planet Earth. You can find more of her work at her website by following the below link.
Credits:
CA Eccles, Earth-Life Photography