Eilean Donan castle
Day 7. Saturday, May 14, 2022: We continue north and then cut west through the Highlands. Every bend brings more mountains and shining lochs. The countryside is just gorgeous. Although many of us had brought books for the ride, we were instead glued to the windows just staring at the dramatic scenery.
We meet more coos along the way. Look for one sticking its big tongue out.
Our morning destination is the stunning castle Eilean Donan, and our van heads for an elevated look-out first. We meet a charming Scottish pony and the biggest slug imaginable, a real life Beauty and the Beast. The castle is like something from a fairy tale. The car park is full of classic cars on a tour of some sort.
We cross over the bridge to the Isle of Skye. We have finally arrived in the Hebrides! Our first stop is a quick break at the Enchanted Waters of Sligachan, where a taste of the flowing waters will grant you eternal beauty. We’re not so sure about that, but the water sure was tasty, and the view is stunning.
We visit the Island at the Edge Croft, where our host Yasmin serves us delicious cullen skink soup and homemade bread and cakes. After enjoying lunch, we learn about her off-the-grid croft. We meet Hebridean sheep and more hairy coos. The coos were nicknamed “Naughty Girl” and “I Can’t Believe She Just Did That”. Yasmin is a riot and we hear lots of funny stories about croft life, including the nickname for her puppy (Pissy Knickers). This visit gives us an opportunity to ask questions regarding agricultural practices we have observed during our travels which seem strange to American eyes, such as pasturing different types of livestock together.
We call it a day and head to our accommodations in the utterly fabulous Greshornish House, a former country estate. Talk about luxury! Big rooms decorated in what could be described as an “elegant country lodge” with tweed fabrics. Fabulous water pressure and big fluffy white towels. Manicured grounds filled with trees which buzz with bees (literally - it’s a little eerie) and strange-looking Chinese pheasants. Dinner was a riot. We had a window onto a little side yard, and the floor show consists of pheasants chasing each other around past the window, little bunnies hopping out, and so on. What a lovely respite for weary travelers.
