A Journey to Skye

"In the morning we sent our horses round a promontory to meet us, and spared ourselves part of the day's fatigue, by crossing an arm of the sea.  We had at last some difficulty in coming to Dunvegan; for our way led over an extensive moor, where every step was to be taken with caution, and we were often obliged to alight, because the ground could not be trusted.  In travelling this watery flat, I perceived that it had a visible declivity, and might without much expence or difficulty be drained.  But difficulty and expence are relative terms, which have different meanings in different places."

Samuel Johnson's visit to Skye in 1773, as recorded in his Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland, recounted this trip from Portree to Dunvegan Castle. I am lucky enough to have just returned from spending a week in a place that Johnson (and Boswell) might well have passed as they navigated the 'watery flat'. 

Skye was, for me, a revelation - I had never been before, but will certainly hope to return. The mountains, the water, the slow pace of life, all added up to a very enjoyable visit. And everyone was warm and welcoming - it was a most hospitable place.

Some highlights included:

- Dunvegan Castle, where Samuel Johnson's letter of thanks to his host is on display

- the seals we saw on a boat trip from the castle 

- this 165-million-year-old dinosaur's footprint, on the coast near Staffin (it took us a while to find it, mind)