How To Avoid The Busiest Times On The Isle Of Skye! - Ep64
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.พ. 2025
- Willie, Sarah and their dogs Jack Spaniels & new puppy, Nori continue their biggest adventure yet - leaving their suburban life and moving over the sea to a remote cottage on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.
In this episode, the Skye Lifers take you on a road trip to some of the most popular locations on the Island - The Fairy Pools, The Old Man of Storr & The Fairy Glen.
But, is it possible to experience these places with no one else around..?
Join us to find out, from the perspective of residents of the Isle of Skye.
Thanks for watching & see you in the next video!
Sarah, Willie, Jack & Nori x
For more updates from Skye, follow us on our social media:
Instagram @OurLifeOnSkye:
/ ourlifeonskye
Facebook:
www.facebook.c...
If you liked this video and want to show your support for us, you can do so in the following ways:
Like, Comment & Subscribe - these are free to do and will really help us to grow our new channel :)
You can also donate via our Kofi Page, if you want to help out with the running costs of the channel or buy us a coffee/beer:
ko-fi.com/livi...
Become a patron on Patreon:
/ livingtheskyelife
Buy from Sarah's Etsy Shop:
shewalksshepai...
Purchase ''These Old Walls' on Bandcamp:
williescott.ba...
Sarah’s Channel - @shewalksshepaints
/ @shewalksshepaints
Willie's Channel - @dirtysecretsofscotland
/ @dirtysecretsofscotland
To get in contact, email us on:
ourlifeonskye@gmail.com
Thanks for watching our video! If you enjoyed it please do give it a like and subscribe to be notified when our next video comes out.
Buy ‘These Old Walls’ here:
williescott.bandcamp.com/track/these-old-walls
You can support us by donating the cost of a coffee on our Kofi Page:
ko-fi.com/livingtheskyelife
Or by joining our Patreon community for bonus content:
www.patreon.com/LivingTheSkyeLife
Dirty Secrets of Scotland Etsy Store:
www.etsy.com/shop/DirtySecretsScot
Sarah’s Etsy Store:
shewalksshepaints.etsy.com
You can also follow our adventures on social media:
Instagram: instagram.com/ourlifeonskye
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088574329199
Thanks and we will see you in the next video!
Sarah, Willie, Jack & Nori x
You are a darling couple, I am a Grandmother of 4 from Florida, U.S.A. .I enjoy your videos.
All ready done and has been treasured because it’s a”walkies” vid which are always a treat to the eyes😻😍🐺🫔
I always feel lighter in mood before, during and after watching your videos. Thank you.
Skye is so beautiful and tourism is great for the economy there and the livelihood of so many people but it is really, really, really busy in the summertime and that brings so many challenges, It is a delicate balancing act. I first visited back in 1998 long before the island was extremely popular (although it still got lots of tourists then - but much less than now). It seems like a lifetime ago. You are doing a great job Willie and Sarah at promoting (but also protecting) your home island. Keep up the great work.
I guess with the bridge it makes it so accessible and with the NC500 becoming a thing 6 or so years ago, have added Skye as an ‘extra’ many people do. We visit Skye a lot as we live in the Highlands, but we only go out of seasons. But even then we have seen those seasons busier than usual. It’s such a fine line of sharing a places beauty and protecting it. I find that with the videos I make on my channel too, always trying to balance the two x
Hi , Thanks for sharing your trip , looks very beautiful , I’m with you , prefer places when it’s quieter , don’t like busy , I was amazed how so early on in the year it’s so full of tourists . 🙈. And what great walk ways they have put down .
Loved the music 🎶😘
Aird of Sleat is usually quieter and the beautiful walk to Camas Daraich sandy beach at low tide, with views of Eigg, Rum and the Small Isles on route is unmissable. It’s also a site for sea eagles and ospreys. Unfortunately WHP telecoms have just got planning permission for a huge phone mast on that beautiful walk - so it’s worth visiting before they start constructing it. It’s my favourite walk on Skye.
Beautiful music Willie. Sara you look stunning, your eyes are so pretty & blue. I live in the state of Texas in the U.S. I'm 74 & have mobility issues. I'll never make it to the amazing & gorgeous places you take us. I'm so grateful to you both for sharing. Grammy from Texas
Aww thanks so much!!
There is another way of avoiding the crowds and that’s to go late. I went up the Old Man in May 2021.
Arrived about 7.30pm and there were only a couple of cars there. Great evening walk and by the time I got down everyone else had left. Wonderful memories and experience 😊
Yeah also a good tip, especially when the evenings get longer. We filmed this before the clocks went forward, so it still got dark pretty early!
Different part of the world but we did this with Pompeii. It was late June and quite hot for us northern Brits. We saw it was open until 7 so we went on the train at about 3pm. There was shade from the sun by then and the tourist coaches were pretty much gone. Was quite relaxing.
We did that back in 2019. Beautiful🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thank you Willie, Sarah and the boys for the beautiful excursions ❤
The beauty of the world is for everyone to share and respect. It doesn't realy belong to anyone it's often the tourists that fall in love with a island or a place and end up living there themselves
Im 75. Im stuck here at home. But grateful to you foŕ these videos so i get t see these absolutely fantastic places with you and the explanations of,where you take us are wonderful. So so beautiful and such stunning things to see such as fairy pools and everything there. Im so so thrilled to be able to see this. Your homes location is perfect. Mountains, water, and more,
It’s lovely relaxing music Willie ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you and Sarah for the beautiful Videos ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Oy Oy xx Wonderful ... REQUEST.... for Sarah to paint some waterfalls and blues.... so beautiful... xxx greetings from The Netherlands xxx
Yes l agree& or fairy pools l a water fall hunter 😉🇺🇲🦅🗽🌞
Keep Rocking the good stuff beautiful people 🤗
We were there in 1993; it is such a beautiful place. We really liked the Fairy. Glen, Thank you for the Vlog.
Loved your music and the trip to beautiful parts of Scotland!
Epic drone footage, wow. ❤thanks for the fun video once again, the perfect relaxing end to a busy weekend!
Lovely video, as always, I swear Nori is growing leaps and bounds!! Thanks for the virtual tourist spots. Fun bloopers too!
What a smashing day out to the Fairy Pools and more. Yoou give us such beautiful scenery with the drone its something I would never see in person now I am old but I love your energy and the dogs, so full of beans. Thanks for taking us on a lovely tour. Stay safe.
Skye is so very beautiful and Willie’s music just fits the scenery!!
Those views are stunning. That music is mesmerising.thank you both xxx
Never an hour there isn’t at least A tourist in Skye! Same here in the far north of the Scottish Highlands!!
Aye, even Durness gets a bit crowded in Summer - back in the early 90s it wasn't bad (all single lane w/ passing places - just don't get behind an RV with ROM (Italy) on the license plate...) but now there is a regular road and it is part of the North Coast 500 route.
@@TheFatesLieutenant Durness still gets super busy from my experience although I have no idea what it was like in the 90’s the roads are still single track with passing places around there. Hard to navigate when it’s so busy. I can imagine early 90’s were far more pleasant and quiet!
Happy Sunday folks 😊
Tilly watching her fave programme, as soon as the music starts, her ears prick up and she sits watching to catch a glimpse of Jack Spaniels 😂
Aww bless!
Always makes me chuckle when I see a dogs name (assuming that’s what animal your Tilly is) Tilly as my eldest daughters name 🤣
Obvioudly Tilly is a great name for humans and pooches alike. She is an English Bull Terrier and even if she is asleep, as soon as the music starts she jumps up looking at the TV. I think she's in love with Jack 😂
Lovely video guys, thanks. It might be interesting for your viewers to hear the story of how you two met. I know that I’d love to hear the story.
We might be chatting about that in a few videos time…
Thank you for sharing with us so far away! TX USA
Loving the drum beat Willie. It looks beautiful there. I really appreciate being able to 'walk' with you both as I wouldn't be able to manage it myself now.
Always a pleasure, spending time with you!
I've started singing " Living the Skye Life " in my head however as I live in Lewis , I sing Living the Lewis Way .. I have borrowed your tune Willie but have modified the lyrics accordingly ( hope you don't mind ) loving your family input ... helps brighten the day , especially as this is Hoolie Season . 👍
I love it when you go on adventures! The scenery from the drone was absolutely beautiful
That was stunning. A lovely reminder of the places I visited way back in 2006. Very pleased to say that I will be coming back to Scotland in August/September and will be visiting Skye in the first week of September. As a proud MacLeod, my trip is going to be based from the village of Dunvegan. I cannot wait and this vlog just gave me goosebumps. 😊🇿🇦🏴❤️
Ahh enjoy your trip! Dunvegan is such a lovely place 😊
Hello, Sarah and Willie. Thank you for your walks on the ruggedly beautiful Isle of Skye❤️❤️❤️❤️
This tour was wonderful. There is so much beauty. I loved your music that was playing at the Fairy Pools. 👍😊
Magical and love your music.
I was in Skye last summer, and the roads weren't that bad. Only a boat being towed slowed everyone down 😉
😂
What I've learned in my 19 years of of going to Scotland is either go very early to a popular destination or go somewhere that is hard to get to without a certain fitnesslevel. Works out most of the time. As always, nice video.
Yes 🙌 I’d agree with that. I live in the Scottish Highlands and this is what I do to avoid busy places
That was a gorgeous trip. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful places with us. It's always such a joy to watch your videos and explore Skye (and other parts of Scotland and England) with you all.
Skye is soooo beautiful isn’t it! We live in the Scottish Highlands and love sharing videos of the beauty of this land on our channel
Brilliant video, thank you. The music was fantastic, too!
Thank you for the beautiful video. Said it before and I will say it again,love Scotland, the highlands are the best. And Shetland
Lovely video thank you. Willies music is so fitting, I find myself humming it during the day!
The little bridge at the Fairy Pools was a very welcome surprise whe we came last May as I am on crutches now and the stepping stones would have been very difficult for me. We had to turn back before we got to the end of the path but we got a fair way up the path, taking our time with plenty of stops for me. The Black Cuillin are magnificent, volcanic I think which may contribute to the clarity and colour of the water. Unfortunately there was no way I could have gotten anywhere near the Old Man of Storr but the toilets came in handy lol. We went up to the Quirang but the whole of it was in a total whiteout yet the Sun was shining at the bottom of the road. We will definitely be returning but not sure when.
I live in Cornwall. I totally understand about visiting a tourist attraction early. I'm not sure I will ever get to Skye, but your videos are amazing.
Thank you thank you
for the wonderful walks & drone shots my old joints & suffering bronchial tubes would not get me far from the car parks so you make it doubly enjoyable
What a treat ❤❤🐾🐾🐾🐾
Would love to see you scout out some local tips and dig up some dirty secrets of Skye, miss the discoveries and the belter dances! 😊
Agree with lots of others - great music and gorgeous scenery, especially the drone shots of the "Old Man" - fantastic to see it from a different perspective! 🦋
Amazing scenery, great quality camera work, and wonderful shots using the drone. Old films from pre drone days using helicopters probably couldn’t get similarly close. Well done. Thank you.
My last time to the Fairy Pools was 5 years ago, everything is new, you’re right, the stepping stones were accessible and people were in pools bathing…that is all too cold for me. Good content of oor wee country’s Isle of Skye, thanks.
Getting an early start is great advice everywhere there are tourists.
Idk tourists are good for the economy, but some just make their own rules and can be very disrespectful to the location they are visiting. Feel bad for saying this negative stuff but loved the video. Stay on the trail or path folks! 👍🏼
Yes - it’s all about responsible & respectful tourism, which we really want to promote 😊
It is so unfortunate that some people are so disrespectful, we have the same issues up here in the Highlands too. It’s hard not to feel negative sometimes when you see people treating our beautiful lands in such a way x
You are a gorgeous couple with two beautiful dogs, and some great sense of humour. Such compatible personalities and a truly a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventures. Best from Canada ❤
Man oh man those roads look narrow. I'm so glad that the Fairy Pools pathways are so well taken care of and are accessible to everyone. I hope they left the large stepping stones in case some people would love to go rock hopping ....I'm smiling right now. Thanks for my Sunday get-a-way
All the roads here in the highlands and islands are pretty much like this! Other than the main roads. You do get used to them! 🤣
They are indeed! I was there with a Buick Regal GranSport and it was tough going if I met an RV coming the other way (and invariably they had ROM license plates (Italy)) - quite comical!
I'm thinking that anywhere you would go in a Buick any model would be a challenge in the UK. Hope you enjoyed the nerve wracking driving experience. lol@@TheFatesLieutenant
@@sandylee9564 It was a blast! The craziest was going over the toll bridge into London coming down from The Highlands and they refused to take my Scottish coins (and, naturally, I was on the wrong side of the car for the toll booth and they weren't happy about that!).
@@TheFatesLieutenant I bet you will have stories for years to come. My Dad was in the USAF and we were stationed near Edinburgh and then again in East Anglia at Lakenheath/Mildenhall RAF.....I was a kid then and the width of the roads and our huge Oldsmobile didn't bother me one bit! LOL Nowadays, I'd probably have a panic attack.
Lovely walks and the scenery was amazing along with the music. Jack and Nori will sleep well ❤
I loved every incredible minute ! The Fairy Pools were enchanting and the drone footage was spectacular 🤩 Thank you so much for taking us along, I'm 73 and not up to the trek anymore. As always I so enjoy the both of you and the boys, you are all so full of energy and just living and loving your life. Much love and hugs from Sacramento, Calif. 🥰🥰 xx
Yes, Susan. I'm a bit too long in the tooth to be taking on those walks, much as I would love to.
This has become a thing to do on Sunday. Love them posts
Nori - brave boy ha ha - I am so happy to see a bridge at the Fairy Pools - I have probably mentioned this before but when we were there 3 years ago we couldn't cross the river - it was raging and a woman fell in the river. The bridge is just incredible to see. fabulous views and places :) hugs to Jack n Nori :) xxx
Oh gosh - yes the stepping stones (while very fun) were a bit dangerous. We wish they could have kept both though for old times sake!
As an early bird you definitely get a more serene, magical experience in places where crowds gravitate to. We did a 4am ride out from Corte Castle on the purbeck/jurassic coast a couple of years ago, and ended up at Harrys Rocks at 8am - its usually heaving and it was wonderfully quiet and so beautiful. Also saw the sunrise on the hilltops before that. Corfe Castle was magical at that time as well - eerie and full of old ancient energy. Loved it! Great video guys, love seeing all your trips and recommendations.
Beautiful scenic journey. The drone shots were amazing and your accompanying music Willie was perfect. Reading some of the other comments, there will always be those who have their own opinions. Keep doing what you are doing and know that you bring Skye to those of us that are not likely to be able to make it over there...❤
Thanks Heather!
❤❤❤
Thanks for the touch when can't x
I would just like to say thank you for sharing your walks and video footage, the views were stunning. I used to walk a lot when I was able to do so many years ago. I really do enjoy your channel. Thank you once again. Love and blessing from Scotland xx
So nice of you two to tour us around....beautiful scenery......thanks for all your efforts......so appreciated ❤
Beautiful place indeed! 😍
Your music is very beautiful, calming. I love it 💕
So glad to see your videos. I’d enjoy seeing some of the same places in different seasons.My only visit to Skye was in September 1975, pre-bridge. We had 3 generations on the trip, so no visiting anywhere with a lot of walking.
Very good idea to add the citations of the accompanying music. (Which is beautiful by the way!)
I live in a village in the south of France which is very touristy, but when, of an evening, I stroll around admiring the history and the the buildings, I'm also a tourist!
I agree, the best time for driving and going places is first thing in the morning. Thanks for the tourist walks, I'll never get there in person so thanks again =-)
I am so glad you are helping people who prefer ‘quieter’ times to visit as not everyone is comfortable around lots of people. I am sure you are not trying to keep visitors away as the money spent locally helps business remain viable for the rest of the year, but where I live we always enjoy the out of season times when we get our seaside town back. There are so many places now where the sheer volume of visitors are eroding the pathways and grassland and I saw recent reports of the amount of debris and rubbish discarded by visitors in the Welsh countryside and the Peak District is becoming a problem. Love your videos ❤
Thanks lovelies ❤ beautiful scenery but Scotland is my favourite holiday place ❤❤
I am doing better. There is talk that I may be going home next weekend. I so wish I was 30+yr younger and had the money to travel. The fairy pools looked so tranquil that I would have love to sit there for hrs. Willy made a melody that really matched the old man feel of the rock cliffs. Your fir babies had a great day, no wonder they crashed at tea time. Love to see more adventures.
Glad to hear you’re doing better! 😊 awe wished we could have sat by the pools all day too, but the boys would have had something to say about so much sitting still 😜
Stunning landscape
Great video again folks. Really useful tips as well….last time we were on the island (last June) it was heaving almost everywhere. Sounds like early morning is the way to go 🥱
That is beautiful :)
Wow! How things have changed. Although we had a brief visit to Skye last year, we only had 3 days, 2 nights and mostly stayed on the west coast. We last went to Fairy Pools and the Old Man in 2011. Back then there was no made up path to the pools and a very tiny car park. Old Man had no car park at all, you just parked on the roadside. Hopefully be back next month.
Yeah it’s had to undergo a lot of changes to the facilities, to cope with the volume of visitors which has skyrocketed in the last few years. It’s an odd kind of balance, because the changes need to happen in order to prevent damage to the environment but it also changes the nature of the places a bit.
@@livingtheskyelife so can we come back?😁
Exceptional music Willie.
Stunning Drone footage!! Love it! Thank you :)
Absolutely stunning landscape! Water in the fairy pools so crystal clear!❤❤ I think this video will increase the Tourist to this beautiful area!🌼🌸🌷
Thanks! We’re sure that tourism will continue to increase in this part of the world, as it’s so amazing here. Provided it is done responsibly & respectfully that’s not a bad thing 😊
Must admit folks I loved this video what a stunning place, no wonder your living the sky life❤
Love your videos. I last stayed on Skye over twenty years ago a cottage in the village of Stein near Dunvegan. It was January and very cold outside. But the weather was amazing. I have never seen light like it. The seas were molten silver and the Black Cuillins with snow on them quite magical. Like Lord of The Rings. Stunning
Ya hoo! Was looking foward to a new video.
❤ thanks so much for sharing your adventures!
Love Sarah's references to the Hobbits!
The drone footage was incredibly beautiful!
Jack Spaniels and Nori are delightful! 🐶 🐶 🐾 🐾
Really enjoyed this video, sounds like great advice, hopefully visit next year with the boys 🦍🦍🦍😊🥰
I like it already and not even watched it yet! I love your adventures!
I adore your marmite profile pic!😅
@@celesterakhale7496 at one point you could buy your own personalised marmite jar, I drafted my order and sent this picture to my husband in a totally not subtle hint to get me one for me birthday, but, alas, this is the closest I got!!!
When my older children were 8 and 6 i lived by a popular park. The traffic and visitors were just off putting many days. I relate to the quiet treks to favorite spots. One of mine was the water sounds of water fall and gurgling stream. I often ran after my 129 pound "Teddy Bear" who loved the very large pond . He also dined on ducks . He was a real rascal but a great pet and watch dog. Enjoy your life.
Do to finances, job, family obligations and just life many people are not lucky enough to live in these beautiful locations but as long as they are respectful and appreciative I don’t see why tourists should be denied seeing the wonders of nature. After all, no one owns these natural sites. They should belong to everyone.
That’s exactly what we think - everyone deserves the chance to see places like Skye (and other incredible locations). This video shows that it is possible to experience them without the crowds 😊
Ahhh Sundays complete ❤
Really loved this one guys! Reminiscent of your beloved SheWalksShePaints videos Sarah. I really envy your lifestyle up there. Must be such a delight just getting up every morning living in such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing it with us all!
There is a guaranteed laugh with every video!! 😂 somebody help Willie find his trousers!!
thanks so much, what a wonderful vlog with stunning footage !!
You two are adorable, keep up the good work. Amy, U.SA.
wonderful; though, the 'Old Man of Storr' drone footage with the music was my favorite...thank you for sharing your 'Skye Life'
Willie is giving serious Mick Aston vibes at the end!
Love the sceneries of Skye, anything there are magnificent. Amazing place for hiking and camping.
Thank you for sharing the Old Man of Storr and the fairy pools! I hope to see them in person one day! So beautiful!
Tourist and tourism : it’s happening all over and there seems to be an anti tourist sentiment increasing here in the UK and parts of Europe ( not saying you are ). The thing is when people live in the cities ( like you both did ) and these city people need to escape and see these beautiful places on this earth, then unfortunately for those that don’t want these tourists, it then becomes an issue. The ironic thing is most of the touristic places need and depend upon the ‘tourists’ money ( car park charges ). Like you said it’s the nature of the place. Anyway that’s my soapbox bit and love Skye and will continue to ride my 🏍️ around Skye and spend my money on the island. Thanks for the video 🤘🏻
I think the problem is usually irresponsible tourism - that small minority of visitors that do not respect the places they go to. Everyone deserves the chance to get out and see these amazing places and we totally appreciate all the amenities and amazing businesses that thrive on Skye because of tourism.
Oh gosh its so beautiful, I can imagine being there - thank you! :)
I am sitting here saying Wow and oh my goodness. Such incredible scenery. I see why you love that Island.youtwo are so easy to watch. Always interesting videos. Thanks you for taking us on all your fun journies.Donna northern MIchigan USA
Always love when the Skye crew goes on outings where we can see amazing nature!
Your Epic Landscape song is definitely movie worthy!
Fantastic views and spot on advice...I know from living in a tourist area that even if I want to travel somewhere away from home I have to get up early to avoid traffic...tourism is a double edged sword great for the economy of an area but patience and courtesy have to be used by all involved..keep up the good work and thanks again for letting us visit your amazing area through these videos...Karl from eastern Canada🙂🙂🙂
Thanks Karl! We totally get why so many people want to visit these places - we did and still do! But it can be overwhelming if you visit during the really busy times so hopefully it’s helpful to some people to know that there are quieter times to go 😊
Breathtaking vistas with the drone....thank you Willie for making the hike. Having your music accompaniment made it even more pleasant. Thanks 😊
Both dogs did very well in this video. Most dogs are nicer than many people, Yes. It is hard to do anything where there isn't anyone else around. However, when you get to be my age, it is not a good idea to be completely alone (unless I'm in my house). How to avoid rude, mean people is another thing. People that leave the path around here sometimes disappear. I live in the Daniel Boone National Forrest. It is never a good idea to leave the path.
It’s not a good idea to go off track in the Scottish Highlands either still many people missing in the Scottish Wilderness
We've just come back to Devon from Skye last night. 2012 mile round trip. We did the Fairy Pools nice and early and in fact parked in the exact same spot you did! By the time we walked back to the car park it was a LOT busier. Same for Quiraing - we got there early, only 2 cars in the car park. Got my photos, and by the time we were back the car park was full! We spoke to our lodgings host, and she's happy to let out the accommocation to us next year out of season so it will be hopefully quieter again for us in early 2025. No chance to get my DJI Mini 4 up though - the wind was relentless. We went to the Old Inn and talked to someone who knew Richard! 🤘🤪🤘 Thanks for the Jans/Relish recommendation too - we had a couple of great breakfasts there - as the picture we sent you from Mrs. Combat Wombat confirms!
Such beautiful areas!! You are blessed to live so close. Willie, so glad to see you walk so far! It's a far cry from you being able to walk at all after you got beat up by Covid!!! Thanks for your dedication 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I need a soundtrack of Willies lovely strumming for Yoga 🧘♀️ and relaxing meditation.. It’s just beautiful and soulful.. Thanks Sarah for a beautiful hike!! 😊❤❤❤❤
Great music Willie ..stunning scenery ..would love to visit .like Sarah I’m from the north east England..so not too far away ..
Loving the 80's shades Willie 🤣 Great video guys👍