Heading North: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness

4 November 2022

Following the triumphant expedition to Fort William a few weeks ago, it's already time to embark on yet another adventure. The meticulous planning for this well-organized endeavour was carried out back in October.

Our primary destination is none other than the captivating Isle of Skye, situated in the scenic North West of Scotland. Although the bus journey might be pretty extensive, every aspect has been carefully accounted for. Spanning three days, the excursion commenced with two buses transporting us to Inverness, one of the prominent cities in the northern region of Scotland. From there, we smoothly transitioned onto a third bus, heading towards Loch Ness, our first stop conveniently en route, ensuring we avoided spending an entire day cooped up in transit. Upon reaching a charming village, we eagerly embarked on a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, leading us to the renowned Urquhart Castle (I must confess, I had to double-check the spelling). The magnificent scenery unfolded before our eyes, with the castle ruins majestically extending over the water, seemingly anticipating the arrival of Nessie, the fabled Loch Ness monster. As the sun set, I seized the opportunity to pilot my drone above the lake, and the resulting footage was undeniably rewarding.

The time has come to embark on the bus once again, en route to our final destination. As night falls, the bus traverses the bridge, marking our arrival on the captivating Isle of Skye. With a bit more driving, we reach Portree, the island's primary town, where we will be staying for a few days.

After a restful night's sleep and a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, we commence our journey on foot from Portree, following the road towards the northern part of the island. Our destination for the day is none other than the renowned old man of Storr, an awe-inspiring rock formation that has attained legendary status. Located approximately ten kilometres away, this excursion provides us with an opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the idyllic countryside, amidst grazing sheep and Scottish cows, alternating between refreshing rain showers and fleeting rays of sunshine. Amongst all the remarkable experiences we've had in Scotland, this particular hike stands out as one of my favourites, thanks to its enchanting and vibrant landscapes.

We finally reached our destination, albeit a bit damp and weary, and began ascending the mountain path. Although time doesn't permit us to complete the entire hike, the panoramic view is already breathtaking. From our vantage point, we can witness the majestic lake flowing into the sea, graced by a magnificent rainbow. The wind whips around us, impressively strong, prompting me to abandon my initial plan of flying the drone after a brief attempt. As we descend, we hop back on the bus, returning to Portree and embarking on a scenic drive along the island's northern tip, the sole road that traverses through this picturesque region. Our driver generously offers a guided tour of his mini-world, pausing at various stops to showcase an ancient castle or lend a helping hand to a hiker in need. Once we arrive in the city, we take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant centre and the harbour, renowned for its colourful houses. Here, beneath the rising moon, I find a safe opportunity to fly the drone, capturing yet another stunning landscape. Following some souvenir shopping, we indulge in a delightful dinner at a cosy Scottish restaurant, where I savour a serving of haggis, as is only fitting. Now, it's time to return to the hotel for our final night on the island before embarking on the journey back home.

The following morning, we boarded the bus once more, retracing our route back to Inverness. This time, with daylight gracing our journey, we marvelled at the incredible landscapes that unfolded before us. It became evident that we would need to return here in the future, granting ourselves more time to fully appreciate the wonders on offer. By late morning, we arrived in Inverness, our chosen destination for the afternoon, providing a welcomed respite from our travels. This charming town, with its distinct character, is best explored through the lens of the photographs we captured. After immersing ourselves in the town centre, we proceeded along the river Ness, which seamlessly continues from Loch Ness, as its name implies. Our path led us to a small island, transformed into a picturesque park, offering a tranquil ambience. Following a brief drone flight to capture the essence of the place, we made our way back to the city, this time crossing the Inverness Bridge, which gracefully spans the bay. As darkness descended, cars whizzed by on the other side of the barrier, adding an element of adventure to our experience.

Afterwards, we made our way to the bus station to catch our ride to Dundee, arriving late at night. We encountered a moment of apprehension during a rapid transfer in Glasgow, as we had a mere 3 minutes to switch buses after an initial delay.

Once again, this adventure unfolded seamlessly, showcasing that with proper planning, anything is achievable! Our minds are brimmed with cherished memories, fostered by the camaraderie of an exceptional team, embracing the essence of the Erasmus life.