Kyle of Lochalsh & Kyleakin (A Short Travel Guide): Explore the Gateways to the Isle of Skye
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2024
- Since the opening of the Skye Bridge, most motorists travelling to Skye pass through Kyle of Lochalsh in a flash, and the main road now bypasses Kyleakin entirely. However, these two villages, once joined by a vital ferry link, are well worth a stop, situated as they are in one of the most scenic corners of western Scotland. Indeed, they are a great base for exploring both Skye and Lochalsh peninsula on the mainland. The toll for the Skye Bridge has long since been abolished. You can now cross back and forth for free as many times as you like - apart from strong winds stop traffic and Skye is briefly a true island again. Whether arriving by road or rail, you're in for a treat.
In this short film you'll learn a little of the history of the two Kyles (the Norse King Haakon, the "saucy" Norse princess Mary, and the transformative arrival of the railway from Inverness) as well as stopping to try the local gin at the West Highland Distillers and a conversation with artist Stephen Gregory about his ongoing series of Kyle of Lochalsh pictures. Some of the area's attractions were closed during the time of filming due to the Covid 19 pandemic, but there was still plenty to enjoy. Can't wait to go back!
Filmed in October 2020
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Travel Obscurer
www.travelobscurer.com
Thank you for this video. Beautiful memories!!!
Thank you Carmina!
Such a positive review
I was 22 on my first overseas trip. While at the Inverness Youth Hostel, I heard that the train from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh was slated to be discontinued. An older couple, native Scots who'd moved south, were making a nostalgic trip across the Highlands. They said each an every cleft and hillock along the way had a name, which they proceeded to tell me as we went along, with legends and stories attached to the landscape. I'd no idea what to expect at the end of the line. We arrived and I saw the ferry. The sun shone brilliantly on the water and crossing to the ferry landing on the other side was so inviting. I wandered up a bit of a trail to nosh on the bit of lunch I'd brought, keeping track of the time for the ferry back. Of a sudden, it became quite cool, the whole landscape darkened, with a wet breeze; a feeling of impending doom loomed over me. I looked back and up the steep crag: a monstrously large, black cloud was fast pouring over the edge! I quickly started down, but realized I'd skirted a bog (I 'd never heard the word before!) on the way up, but now I couldn't find any kind of path. I panicked as it became darker and colder, and saw the ferry preparing to leave. I was ankle-deep in water now, and had difficulty not falling. Finally made it down to the ferry and on to the train back. It was a jolting experience. I'm 74 now. This one of my favorite memories of Scotland; that and watching the sheep shearing right in town. I was sad to hear they'd built a bridge over to Skye in the early nineties. I'm sure it's more convenient. And they probably have a ton more visitors now. I'll cherish my memory.
What a treat to explore these lovely spaces in lockdown!
Thanks Carol !!
A group of Kyelakin boys from the 1800s decided to leave their villiage and embark on their grand adventure to the unexplored wilderness of what is now Northern Canada. They found themselves working for the Hudson Bay Company trading with the local natives. The town they helped establish had alot of similarities to Kyleakin. I now see where they may have felt a part of home in a distant land. I am their descendant. Some day, I would really love to visit Kyleakin.
Fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
Hi. I took the ferry in 1977/78 when was worker french to Kishorn camp. It was my first time in Scotland and I fall in love with this land. I was 27 years old, today 72 but I never forget Kishorn and Scottish people friend. Since 2010 I spent a lot of time in Dingwall around Inverness with a Arnold Clark hire car.
I find a possibility to Live definitively in Highlands around Beauly or Muir of Ord or Black Isle Avoch, Munlochy, Fortrose etc.
Have a great time and stay Scotland not European Union who are crook for all people.
Thanks Christian. My trip was August 1971. There was a definite romance of taking the train and then the ferry across to Skye. That's gone.
So helpful and informative. Love the integration of history in this video! Hope to go here one day.
Thank you for the feedback 😄. Yes, the Lochalsh area is beautiful
I stayed at Saucy Mary's two years ago because there was nothing else available . £89 for a pokey room with ex army bunks in it . I was out of the rain but that was the only good thing about it .
This seems like a very swell place. I've yet to see a place in scotland which has a similar mix with nature, always field after field though what'd a young 'un like myself know as of now?
I'd say it's a three hour shift. But that was in 2007. Being able to read tides and weather has always come naturally to me. Plant me anywhere and within a few weeks... Ask me to explain. I can't.
Can you share the location of the gin distiller? I can't find him anywhere on the internet. Thank you!
The Facebook page is End of the Line Kyle, but it hasn't been updated recently and I didn't get a response when I messaged recently. Maybe closed due to the pandemic? The cabin is easily spotted next to the petrol station as you drive into Kyle heading towards Skye.
@@TravelObscurer Thank you!!