Wildlife watching and Landscape photography

Looking for a slow adventure on Skye? Highly recommended is a day or half day with Stewart Dawber of http://skyehighwildlife.com . Stewart,  a professional photographer and wildlife expert whose knowledge and patience is impressive. Is a “master” of the world of “light touch” in the environment.  Time spent with Stewart gets you close to wildlife and experience out of the way locations.  If your interest is landscape photography look no further. Whether it is tutoring with your equipment or locations to develop your skills Stewart will take you on a memorable slow adventure.

 

Slow Adventure

I spent a day with Stewart at the beginning of March ’18, we met in the carpark at Broadford and headed down to the Sleat peninsula. From roadside sites, backwater shore locations to a ramble on the hill every moment brought a new experience.  The pace is slow, with regular stops to observe minute detail – “ah see these marks on the rock – it’s a regular perch point for the Golden Eagles.” “Oh look here, there’s a breast feather from an eagle”. Seeing the pair soaring high above us as they patrolled their territory over the Sleat hills was inspiring, the where-abouts of their nest irrelevant! A female otter frolicking with her cubs and a heard of red dear all added to our “catch” for the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading the landscape

Hunkered down behind a rock looking out to the small isles Stuart points out some “frames” for a landscape photo of the view – pan in, pan out what should I do? “well think about the light and let’s wait for a few minutes for the clouds to pass” – yep this is slowing down, this is getting close to the landscape.

More treats………

All too quickly we were back at the jeep but there were more treats in store – a wonderful spectacle of a raven performing a sky dance – who is he trying to impress? Ah, there she is, just away by the burn perched on a rowan tree. – a home bake “bridie” (pastie) with hot chocolate and then on for the grand finale, a visit to the Gaelic Whiskys http://www.gaelicwhisky.com/index.asp at  Eilean Iarmain . With 3 award winning whiskys to try – Poit Dhubh, pronounced ‘potch ghoo’ and literally meaning ‘black pot’ being Gaelic for an ‘illicit still’,: Té Bheag –  ‘the little lady’ and also ‘a wee dram’ in colloquial Gaelic and MacNaMara, literally ‘Son of the Sea’ being a lighter blended whisky – what a way to end the day!

 

 

“Slow Adventure”

Those who did this…….. also did that …….a “slow adventure” on Skye – you can make it happen!

A “nudge” – an official “behavioural economic” term –  do you respond?

Visit a remote beech……..

 

 

 

 

 

Skye is a great location for planning a holiday if you want to mix and match based on a few themes…. but make it a mix and match that creates “slow adventure” a slow, immersive journey … sound good?

Skye is almost 50 miles (80 kms) long and 25 miles (40kms) wide. Many of the roads are single track and used by sheep as much as by motor vehicles. Be realistic when making your plans, get it right and you won’t get stuck in a traffic jam. Avoid the “bucket list” locations that you have already heard about – we will tell you better and even more stunning places to visit. Many short stays on Skye end in frustration as guests realise just how much there is to do, see and experience.

For a “human powered” experience the Bike Shack (http://www.skyebikeshack.com)  and South Skye Cycles (http://southskyecycles.co.uk ) can help you to peddle to a remote beach or get off road and experience the hills on 2 wheels.

And then find refreshment for the body … and soul

Try the Edinbane Inn (http://www.edinbaneinn.co.uk ) , The Old Inn at Carbost ( http://www.theoldinnskye.co.uk ) or Seumas Bar at Sligachan (http://www.sligachan.co.uk/seumas-bar/) – these are not just bars with food, they also host some of the best musicians on the island.

 

 

 

 

 

An option after the cycle experience could be to put on a wetsuit and slide down a waterfall in a place called ? (that’s a secret for now).

But you could try something different on Raasay ………

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a well known fact that many of those who went to Skye ALSO visited Raasay…. And the really great thing about Raasay is they have their very own, brand spanking new Distillery (https://raasaydistillery.com ), which arguably has the best view of Skye in the world! A visit to Raasay is not complete with out a pilgrimage to “Calum’s Road”. Calum was a crofter who lived in the north end of the island, the council refused to build a road to his house ….. so he did it himself. It took 10 years and the majority was done with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow. Raasay in a day?  you have to be joking we haven’t started to tell you about beech combing…. and our friends at Raasay House ( https://www.raasay-house.co.uk ) also won’t be happy if you don’t at least try the chocolate muffins or try at least one of their outdoor activities!

First the walk….

Ben Tianavaig, a wonderful gentle climb to the highest point of the peninsula just to the south of Portree. What a way to start “a perfect day on Skye”. From the summit there are stunning views of the island of Raasay and the east coast of Skye, north and south.  A four and a half mile hike taking around 3 – 4 hours…… enough time to work up an appetite.

 

Then …..hit the shops!

OK,  before the consumer therapy perhaps a bite to eat? We suggest a visit to the “Isle of Skye Baking Co.” https://isleofskyebakingco.co.uk , try one of their platters even a simple lunch bread and then pop upstairs to their gallery “Skyeworks” https://skyeworksgallery.wordpress.com for a great range of products made locally or within Scotland. Maybe you have a friend back home that would like a bottle of Malt, well don’t forget the “Whisky Emporium” (they have a selection of gin as well!).

How about some contemporary jewellery?  “Or” – @orshopskye .Maybe you fancy some some stunningly bright clothes that mix the technique of batix with celtic images ? – Skye Batiks- https://www.skyebatiks.com, and of course some music from the “Skye Music shop” http://www.skyemusicshop.com . For a great range of souvenirs, stocking fillers, cards and artwork  “Tippecanoe”http://www.tippecanoe.co.uk/portree.html in Wentworth St has a lot to offer. Looking for some outdoor gear? Try “Inside out” for a wide range of equipment and accessories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does Portree have all the shops? not at all, head northwest to Edinbane and Waternish and find the “Edinbane Pottery”  http://www.edinbane-pottery.co.uk  with their range of wood fired pots of both a traditional and contemporary design. Next stop the Waternish peninsula and the last operating tannery in Scotland “SkyeSkyns” https://www.skyeskyns.co.uk, whose wonderful selection of rugs, clothing and sheepskin accessories can tempt the most anti social “bah humbug” into shelling out on a couple of pressies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then…….. pause to think about it all……

No trip to Waternish would be complete without a visit to the “Stein Inn” http://www.stein-inn.co.uk ,  the oldest pub on Skye….. try and count the number of malt whiskies behind the bar…….. or just ask Donald the barman how many there are……. and if Donald doesn’t make your day a perfect one, then no-one will!

 

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Elopement – A perfect day in Skye

A few weeks ago we hosted our first elopement ”on the croft” – a magical occasion- a perfect day on Skye in fact! You could argue that the couple were old enough to know better, but they represent a growing band that are opting for a simple, intimate event to make their vows to each other with a bit of a party a few weeks later.

 

 

 

 

 

The ceremony was carried out by our good friend, Davina McCluskie – an independent celebrant (www.scottishhighlandweddings.com ) who helps couples to devise their own ceremony.

A local clarsach player created a peaceful moment as Davina helped Roslyn and Peter through a traditional handfasting ceremony (an ancient binding ritual using strips of tartan fabric or woven grasses with each knot representing a vow). Looking out over the sea loch to the hills and sky beyond; standing in a woven willow circle decorated with ivy under an arch created from green barked willow and red barked dogwood, Roslyn and Peter shared mead from a quaich (a Scottish drinking bowl signifying friendship) and made their vows.

 

 

 

 

 

As the ceremony finished, a skylark burst into song. (The skylark isn’t guaranteed but magic is)

 

 

 

 

 

Local photographer Lynne Kennedy (  http://www.lynnekennedyblog.co.uk/) caught the special moments: Peter throwing his hat through the door of Tigh Dubh by way of “asking the question”; Roslyn’s emergence from the cottage to return the hat signifying acceptance; the ceremony; the wedding breakfast, (a local seafood platter of lobsters and crabs, canapés, champagne and cranachan ( a blend of raspberries, cream, oatmeal and whisky); and of course the send off – wouldn’t you love to head off into the future in a quad bike trailer?

 

 

 

 

 

Followed by a photo-shoot which, on this occasion ended with a double rainbow right on cue. As with the skylark we can’t guarantee a rainbow but are confident that there will always be memorable moments!

If you like the idea of your own dream elopement or having a small intimate ceremony “on the croft” either by yourselves, with just a few close friends or family to make your vows, please give us a call; we would love to hear from you. We can guide you through the legalities, introduce you to a celebrant, arrange a musician and suggest photographers. Helen could even give you a relaxing shiatsu massage before the great day. (Alistair is happy to share a dram the night before!)

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For a perfect day on Skye it’s always worth mixing and matching and there’s always plenty to mix and match. A trip down to Elgol along a single track road is an experience in itself with plenty to see on the way. The Bella Jane  http://www.bellajane.co.uk/  and her sister business AquaExplore http://www.aquaxplore.co.uk/    operate from the slipway in Elgol. Be sure to book before you go, arriving on spec would be risky. The rib boat trips can take you over the sea to the small isles – Rum, Muck, Eigg, Canna, Soay, some of the trips include a landing and a chance to explore, bird watchers will not be disappointed and the trips have a great reputation for seeing minke whales, dolphins and other marine life. A pause below the cliffs to the south of Elgol and you will see Bonnie Prince Charlie’s cave –  as you “fly” past Soay remember to ask the skipper about the story of the piano and the helicopter ………….

The views of the Cuillin are stunning and the taste of salt spray on your face makes it a day to remember, along with the smiling faces of the other passengers. The trips on the ribs are exhilarating, a young lady on our trip said that “it was better than sex” – I felt like having a wee word wither her companion!

Back on dry land if you feeling hungry, head back to Broadford and find  Café Sia,  http://www.cafesia.co.uk/  a great place to “feed the inner beast” the coffee is great, their blend of traditional and modern meals on the menu will cater for all tastes, preferences and intolerances – tip – check out the haggis and scallops!

Back up the road to the north and any number of places have music on offer – occasionally, always, or certain days of the week …..    Shamuses bar at Sligachan http://www.sligachan.co.uk/seumas-bar  has more choices for a dram that you will find anywhere, the music is seasonal and gets you dancing, Aros in Portree http://www.aros.co.uk/  has every genre from Classical to folk.

Of course having some music of your own to take home is always a bonus, so as you pass through Portree why not drop in and see John and Kate in http://skyemusicshop.com/ they can help you make a choice. On this particular day we kept going heading back to Edinbane and arrived at the Skeabost Hotel http://www.skeabosthotel.com/– for a wonderful buffet followed by a stunning concert from the Kosmos Ensemble  http://www.kosmosensemble.com/ – wild gypsy music mixed with central European rhythms – all senses stimulated, another perfect day on Skye!

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