Visiting the Isle of Skye is a chance to experience living history. Having the right guide makes all the difference.Located on Scotland's northwesterly coast, the Isle of Skye sits as a popular destination of the Highlands. With incredible landscapes and infamous spots, the island calls to be visited. So we made our plans. We booked our tickets, rented our car, did our research, and we were ready to see what Skye had to offer. In our planning, we met Nathan and Liz. We had booked our Airbnb, which is essential when planning for Skye, as places book early. Through our reservation, we learned about Skye Mountaineering. A local guided tour company owned by Nate. Through online conversations that were instant and responsive, we began to learn a little more about the island and became more invested in what it had to offer. When we finally had our times and destinations planned, we realized we had time to really invest in the local community of Skye. We booked an open-ended experience. As we are very flexible travelers, to us that meant we could be learning how to mountain climb or we could be hiking in unknown areas. We were excited about the possibilities. Nate was incredible to work with. He assessed our skill level before coming and asked us questions to determine what experience might work best for us. The day before our adventure, he was knowledgeable about the weather conditions, safety, and being able to provide us with an experience. Unfortunately, even in August, the weather didn't cooperate for mountain climbing in one of the most famous areas in Europe. We were not deterred. After a few questions before embarking, Nate had a plan for an experience we would not forget. We started out hiking towards the ruins of Erisco. hiking across the northern side of Skye, the walk was mostly flat and easy. As we walked, Nathan shared information about Skye, it's people, and how those who lived there survived for years before modern technology. He taught us about plants, the weather patterns, and how the land provided it's people with everything they needed. We particularly loved the fact that we had gotten lucky and had booked our trip unknowingly during the bloom of the purple heather. A beautiful small flower that turns Scotland into its picturesque landscape. We had visited Duntulum the day before, but the ruins of Erisco where both more accessible and visually interesting. We were able to walk along the homes as Nate explained how the citizens of the once populated city lived their day to day lives. The homes were small, divided for living and sleeping. Location of homes in relation to distance to the sea could explain status of families who lived there. The MacDonald clan overlooked the village and it's inhabitants, creating it's own systematic way of living. Nate provided incredible insight on the history of the village, what it was like at it's peak, and how it came to be that the once bustling seaside was now covered in ruins and purple Heather. Mindful of our time, Nate paced us accordingly across the ruins toward the Rubha Hunish. We went to the overlook at the top. There sits a well-kept bothy called the Lookout. A bothy is a free shelter across Scotland and the UK, found in remote locations. They allow hikers to seek shelter from both weather and the night. The bothy at Rubha Hunish is cared after by locals in the area, and is particularly well maintained. Serious travelers know to use it accordingly with respect, and to leave a bottle of whiskey for the next traveler. The bothy was an historical piece to see and the views were incredible. But Nate wasn't done. Our adventure continued as we hiked out to the Rubha Hunish below the bothy. Skilled in navigation, Nate took us down the cliffs edge and out onto the point. Incredibly knowledgeable and aware of limitations, we found he paused at just the right moments to explain a site or give historical context and allow us pause and rest and catch our bearings. His skilled eye and insight helped us find local wildlife, as the birds flew by and an inquisitive seal watched us from the waters below. We learned about the three currents that merge right off the coast at that point, bringing with it an immense amount of variety with wildlife as well as slightly unpredictable weather patterns. Nate wasn't to be deterred. Every so often he would pick grass and let it fall, watching the wind change and keeping his eye on the sky above. When the weather changed, he lead us back up and out of the Rubha Hunish, as we were back to an easier hike as the weather began to turn quickly. We knew we were going to be rained on when we started, it is Scotland. However, with Nate's guidance, we had gained all of our information on the tour and we were ready to head back. We cannot recommend booking with Skye Mountaineering enough. We have no doubt the next time we go, and we book our adventure, it will be a different experience. Skye has so much to see and do. With the right guide, you become a part of her story. You get invited into the world of those that have chosen to live there and be a part of the living history the encompasses the island.
The Isle of Skye has an incredible story to tell. Find Nate and be a part of it.
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March 2024
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