Touring with the Kinates - Eilean Donan and the Isle of Skye

Photo thanks to the Kinates

After our full day's adventure to the west coast of Scotland, we woke (relatively) early the next day to see what we could see.  We hadn't had a chance to stock up on food yet, so we headed to the nearest town to find a place to eat breakfast.  We didn't want Luther to be cooped up in the cabin all day and I knew that there would be lots for him to explore once we got to Skye, so we found a nice little restaurant In Kyle of Lochalsh with outdoor seating and had a nice little meal.  And because you can't go anywhere in Scotland without wanting to take a photo, we did that too.

Photo thanks to Aunt Benja - I mean, really, who can resist taking this dude's photo?

After breakfast, we headed down the road to Eilean Donan Castle.  

Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland - and you can see why.  Unfortunatley we caught it at low tide - otherwise it would have looked like it were sitting on an island.

The castle was different than any of the others that Luke and I have visited because it is privately owned and the family still actually stays there occasionally.  Someone who works there told us that a college aged family member had been there over the weekend.  Can you imagine what an awesome pick up line that is - "Hey, would you like to go with me to my castle for the weekend?"  That dude has no problems.

Because the castle is privately owned, the owners have set up the inside to be habitable and no indoor pictures were allowed.  But I have plenty of the outside for you to enjoy!

After leaving the castle, we headed across the Skye bridge.  Aunt Benja & Uncle Chris wanted to visit at least one distillery while visiting so we opted to visit Talisker Distillery on Skye.  Talisker is the only distillery on the island so it is a popular destination for visitors.  Luckily we had booked ourselves on to a tour and had no problems.

On the way to the distillery, we stopped to check out a waterfall - because they're everywhere.

And after the distillery, we headed to an area called the Fairy Pools.  Uncle Chris had seen picture somewhere and added it to the "Need to do whilst in Scotland" list - so off we went.  And the pools did not disappoint.  They are essentially created by a stream that flows out of the Cuillin Mountains which turns into waterfall after waterfall separated by pools as it meanders down the valley.  For some reason the water in the pools appears turquoise and it is absolutely stunning.

You could see where thousands of years of running water had worn groves in the rocks.

Side note - when Aunt Benja and Uncle Chris were packing for their trip, I told them to bring layers because you never know what the weather is going to do and there was no chance it would be hot.  I was wrong and happy to be so.  It was hot enough that we decided we needed to cool down stick our feet in the cold water.

Photo thanks to the Kinates

Photo thanks to the Kinates

After our hike around the Fairy Pools, we decided it was time for dinner.  I had heard great things about a town on the mainland called Plockton and I had read that they had a dug friendly pub, so we hopped in the car and headed that way.  Dinner was great and the town was cute.  It made for a great way to end the day.

Time to rest up for our next adventure.  Stay tuned for PUFFINS!!!!

Love you & miss you,
Aubs, Luke & Luther