Scotland, hiking on the Isle of Skye

Following the suggestion of our wonderful B&B host, we drove out to this remote spot on the island to start our hike. The clouds had already claimed their rights to the day, releasing enough misty drops on the windows at breakfast to clarify their intentions. So we packed our hats and jackets and gloves (It is mid-June, isn’t it?) knowing the odds were that we’d be trudging back from this 10 mile hike soaked through and listening to the squish of soggy socks with each step. But the clouds of Skye teased and tested us all the way as we passed from a dirt road to a gently climbing single track that pushed on upwards across the highlands. The trail ended atop huge colorful cliffs ornamented with sea stacks, crashing waves and the aerobatics of seabirds playing the wind. With barely enough time to break out our cameras, suddenly the clouds broke and allowed a bright sun to light up the deep green hills and rocky crags, insolently seeming to dismiss their threats and say “just kidding!” The views and moments were profoundly beautiful and rugged. We’d had the entire route to ourselves, and now we could warm ourselves crouched against an outcrop out of the wind, smiling and soaked in sunshine and soaring views.