Skye - northwest coast and Duntulm Castle

 

Woke in the morning to sea fog rolling into the valley from Portree harbour. A constant changing view. When it cleared we had another lovely day with sun and clouds.

We drove across the island to Uig,

not much of a town but

the ferry to Harris and Lewis, the Outer Hebrides, leaves from here.

We visited the Skye brewery where Heather and Don bought beer and 1 cider for me.

A Wagtail and

a heron, on the rocky shore.

It had been a really good road across the island. Probably for the ferry traffic. Driving up the coast we were once more on a single track with the required sporadic lay bys.

Lowlands covered with sheep, cattle and white crofts with the Outer Hebrides in the background. We observed that most of the houses, painted white, have one and a half stories with 3 dormers, finials at their peaks.

Rocky islands would make navigation here challenging

This one had a beacon on it.

I am reading this book, from this cottages bookshelf, written by a man who inherited 3 islands on the sound between Lewis and Skye. He described vividly the challenges of sailing there.

Continuing up the coast...a ruin with a nearby parking area!!

Fine to visit as long as we did not "worry" the sheep.

The castle was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the area was subject to feuds between the rival MacLeod and Macdonald clans. The defences were improved in the 16th century, and by the early 17th century the MacDonalds had finally gained the upper hand in the area. from Wikipedia.

There wasn't much left of the castle

but sitting up high on a headland

it had commanding views.

Photo by Don.