Travelogue: Portree & The Fairy Glen

8 November, 2024

In the Isle of Skye you can find many paths to explore. I was there for a couple days in November of last year and focused on a few areas.

One major highlight was The Fairy Glen.

About a 30-minute drive from Portree, mostly on a main road, but for part of the drive you go through one-lane farmland. In these instances, you want to be mindful of traffic, in a big way. One consideration is oncoming traffic, finding a spot to pull off, out of the way so they can pass. And another are sheep, or potentially cows who may be on the road. That last bit of the drive you must take slowly, with care.

Once I found the parking area, I took the hiking path toward the main view of the cliff. I planned to climb as high as I felt I could, with my bum foot and some issues with vertigo in high places.

I did quite well. I didn’t make it to the tip-top of that peak, but I got close. And the view was definitely worth it!

I easily spent a couple of hours, taking my time up the path, pausing to get some of the details and different perspectives of the hike.

After the morning fill of nature, I headed back into the town of Portree. I was staying at an Inn there, within walking distance of the main part of downtown and Loch Portree.

There’s a beautiful row of houses and businesses, including a fish and chip spot. Multiple book stores, art shops and of course a great coffee shop.

I stopped in Birch for a small cup of cofee and a treat. And took some time to peek in some of the shops, especially the spots that had art work from local artisans and makers.

My souvenirs from these trips are always the photographs I take, but I do love to gather a few physical mementos. Lately, I have been purchasing small paintings, prints, and scarves; I love a good scarf. I may or may not have purchased a small, squishy, stuffed Heilan Coo, too…