As Big as the Skye
With a magnificent landscape and a bit of imagination, there’s nothing like the big outdoors to ignite romance.
Films like Mary Queen of Scots show off the grandeur of the Scottish landscape, and there’s nothing like an adventure to The Isle of Skye off the west coast of Scotland to inspire you.
Expect four seasons in a day, but any excuse to dash inside to cosy up right? The Queen spends her summers at Balmoral, so you know there must be something about Scotland that’s on the money.
To reach Skye you’ll take a short flight to Inverness from London and then drive across to the bridge at the Loch Alsh.
You can fly British Airways or EasyJet, but it’s worth booking flight + car with British Airways as it’s a bargain if you book in advance.
Regular rental cars are completely fine for all the sealed roads, but by all means, splash out on a 4X4 or prestige vehicle for a little extra comfort.
It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive through the most incredible Highlands scenery before you cross over to one of the most photogenic islands on the planet.
Every bend in the road reveals another majestic panorama that will take your breath away.
A short distance from Portree the main town, you will find the Skeabost Hotel, which is not only central but plush with amazing dining to boot.
You’ll likely just want to plonk down on the first night with dinner at the hotel with time to take it all in, after all, the fresh air can be heady.
In the morning following a hearty Scottish breakfast take a two-hour boat ride from Portree round the Sound of Raasay to experience soaring eagles and playful seals in action.
Next week, Martin will explore more of the exquisite Isle of Skye.
I won’t tell anyone where my favourite place in Scotland is… but it might be somewhere on Skye.Sam Heughan