Discovering Skye

Skye is a beautiful island of cliff-rimmed promontories, tranquil sea lochs, rolling moorland and majestic mountains. Add to the breathtaking scenery a brutal and sometimes-bloody history, a land where myths and legends are plentiful, and you have a mysterious, romantic land that, once visited, will remain in your heart forever.

Unexpectedly larger than most assume, Skye boasts over 360 miles of diverse, awe-inspiring coastline. The book takes a journey of discovery around this enchanting isle, visiting many of the most surreal landscapes to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Included are historical sites such as Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continually inhabited castle in Britain. Details are noted of the islands past history, the 18th and 19th centuries feature as the most turbulent. Most, if not all, have heard of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his association to Skye; few know how he was persued by government forces but never betrayed by the Highlanders.

Eight walks of varying degree with full OS mapping compliment over 180 beautiful full-colour photographs, providing a permanent memory of this remarkable island. The walks vary from an undemanding stroll along the foreshore at the Coral Beaches to a more adventurous overland walk to Camasunary, a more remote, tranquil and beautiful place that you could have ever imagined existed. Areas that were once thriving communities but now silent, a reminder of the infamous Highland Clearance are taken in, where you can stand and only imagine what it must have been like over 150 years ago.

For the first-time visitor the book will be invaluable, the sheer diversity of the landscape and historical locations can provide one with a quandary of where to visit. Most come for a week, but I would recommend staying a wee while longer to set aside time to fully appreciate this beautiful isle off the north-west coast of Scotland.

Discovering Skye will provide you with an excellent summation before you arrive, it will be a precious companion while you are here and a lasting reminder of the beautiful isle when you have departed, almost certain with a yearning to return one day.

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