We began our exploration of the Isle of Skye yesterday with a trip to Elgol, a steep little village on the far tip of one of the southern peninsulas of Skye. One thing you learn very quickly about Skye is that the weather is constantly changing. You will be driving in the sunshine and suddenly a hail storm seemingly out of nowhere will hit your car. When we got to Elgol we watched a weather front hammer the smaller island of Soay just of the coast and roll off in the direction of Sgurr Alasdair, one of Skye’s most famous peaks to walk.
As we headed back the weather began to clear just as we reached Bla Bheinn, which means blue mountain. The peaks were dusted with snow and there was finally some blue in the sky and the sun highlighted the rich shades of plum and mustard in the growth below the peak. We got some great shots and were tempted to do the hike as the summit was only 990 meters from the parking lot but we decided to save it for another day. The John Muir Trust, which manages the 12000 hectare area of land in which this peak lies, includes protected sites of geology, peatlands, woodlands and golden eagles, and a large part lies in the Cuillin Hills national science area. As we worked our way back home we searched for spots of interests and came across a church ruin with history dating back to 7AD, the gravestones surrounding it were scattered over an undulating terrain with stunning views.
As we approached the Skye bridge which would return us to our temporary home in Kyle of Lochalsh we were rewarded with a full rainbow as we pulled into Kyleakin to snap some shots of it I realised it was a double rainbow, the second part being fainter and not full but still a fabulous. It was a wonderful day out and there is so much more to explore on this magical island.