Isle of Skye Overview
A world traveller reviews the Isle of Skye

If you mention the Isle of Skye to your average English person (and I'm allowed to say this because I am one) they'll start humming 'Speed Bonnie Boat' or wave vaguely upwards whilst mumbling phrases such as 'somewhere in Scotland isn't it'; the embarrassingly true but nonetheless normal level of knowledge of Skye from down south. However, if you raise the same subject with some-one who has visited Skye you will see their face light up or a faraway look come into their eyes as they gaze down the corridors of happy memories. The reason is simple - it's impossible to visit the Isle of Skye and not somehow be touched by the magic that infiltrates almost every part of this magnificent island.

I am a perpetual nomad of the world, having been fortunate enough to have seen places which commonly feature in dream destination lists and still I am drawn to Skye and the other islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. I never allow many years to pass before I am setting my feet back onto this very special soil, revisiting my favourite places and somehow always managing to discover something new, marvelling at how such sparkling treasure could have escaped my notice previously.

We are all different and what we seek on our holidays or escapes from the mundane and routine will vary greatly. Somehow though, Skye manages to be one of those places that has something for everyone; one of those rare destinations that all who visit speak well of, each having found something which satisfies that which they seek - all rather incredible really when you think how relatively small Skye is.
Defining Skye's magic is as elusive as chasing rainbows which seems a fitting metaphor for a land where they are an almost daily occurrence, splashing colour on moody monochrome backdrops, dipping their feet in the ocean and reflecting in wind rippled lochs.

As you would expect from somewhere surrounded by water, Skye offers opportunities aplenty for anyone who wants to nurture their inner sailor and get ocean-bound. The waters around Skye are rich marine habitats frequented by seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks and journeys onto the water more often than not bring about encounters with one or more of these creatures. Seabird species number too many to count with residents and migrants adding to an impressive list with appeal for both the serious twitcher or casual observer.

Boat trip opportunities abound for nature lovers, fishermen, sailing enthusiasts, adventurers or anyone seeking a day trip with a difference.
And should you be more inclined to stick to dry land then many cliff top perches offer not just spectacular views of outlying islands, which appear to hover in the mists or sparkle in the sun depending on the time of year, but a possible sighting of one of the creatures mentioned above.

Skye is also a rambler's paradise and can offer many challenges for the serious hiker and adventure seeker but equally, it can meet the needs of casual day strollers just wanting to soak up the atmosphere of a land where signs of its ancient cultures and varied history can quite literally be stumbled upon everywhere.

The Isle of Skye has many myths and legends associated with it, many revolving around fairy folk or fey shenanigans and any amount of time spent here will have even the most pragmatic and cynical believing in at least one or two of the stories. Skye fills the senses, from the obvious salty tang that fills the air, the colours of landscapes and multilayered monochrome mountains, the many culinary delights offered by an island that still catches fresh fish daily, to the deeper levels of being in a place where the air is purer, the life less cluttered and the natural around every corner.

You can come to Skye and spend every single day being busy, with enough choice of activities to keep you going for a year or more - take your pick from sea kayaking, archery, horse-riding, wind-surfing, whale-watching, sailing, fly-fishing, nature walks, snorkelling, swimming and diving (and that isn't even an exhaustive list).
Or you can come to Skye and just be. Even at the height of the summer season you can find a little corner just for you, exploring tiny coves, beach combing, ocean gazing, sunset watching and accidentally stumbling across some hidden gem.

You are never far from some remnant of Skye's rich and varied story with standing stones, burial cairns, hill forts and brochs of varieties from the barely discernible to the wonderfully preserved. Some of Skye's remains have been left by civilisations so ancient that their original purpose has been lost down the long, long corridors of the centuries.

All of the Scottish islands have an other-worldly feel, an indefinable something which is like looking at a familiar object in a slightly off centre mirror reflection. It's all there but different somehow. Skye may be joined to the mainland by the bridge but it's still very definitely an island and her people are still very definitely island folk, individuals who have a powerful and intrinsic link with their natural surroundings.
Personally, I am never yet to leave the Isle of Skye without feeling that I have added one or two more answers to my 'meaning of life' arsenal or as if a layer or two of life's meaningless emotional and mental clutter has been sloughed away by its smile. I'll be seeing you Skye.

by Deneice Athurton - 1st February 2011

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