Welcome to part 2 of our adventure in the Scottish Highlands (you can read the first part here). Last time, you left us on a stormy night in a tent in Glen Nevis, with a trip to Inverness and the Isle of Skye still to come.
5: Nevis Gorge and Inverness
At last, some sunshine! As promised, we set out first thing to walk through the beautiful Nevis Gorge to Steall waterfall. Definitely worth the second attempt. We got to brave a three cable wire bridge across the river at the foot of the falls , and felt like real adventurers! I’ve learned from my parents to always appreciate a good waterfall, and this was one of my favourite walks so far.
Our drive to Inverness took us up the Great Glen, which was spectacular, and we stopped off at Urquart Castle on the way. This was a fun diversion, and we’re both now keen to find out more about the castle’s history. Onwards to the city, where we had excellent pizza and beers at the Black Isle Bar. After, we walked out of the centre, along the River Ness and Ness Islands, and passed a peaceful afternoon strolling in the sun. The evening was devoted to planning our next day’s trip to the Isle of Skye…
6: Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
We were up early, to find coffee and pastries before driving to the Isle of Skye. On the way, we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle. This has been on my list of things to see for so long, and it didn’t disappoint. Nestled at the point where three lochs meet, we spent a good hour walking around the site, taking in the majestic scenery from every angle. After a brief car picnic, we were on the road again and headed for the Skye Bridge (cue ‘The Skye Boat Song,’ on repeat, forever). Wow, wow, wow.
We were headed to the Quiraing for some hillwalking. We took a circular route, starting with a steep climb up a grassy hillside and eventually leading to the edge of the cliffs and spectacular views of the bizarre formations below. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been; like something from another world. We paused at the highest point for a time, before descending and following a route along the cliff bottom. So many curious formations and dramatic pinnacles… I could have spent hours there. Instead, we hopped back in the car and drove to Uig, where we were staying in a pod for the night.
What a perfect place to stay, with views over the harbour. After a hot dinner, I had a mind to sit out and watch the sunset. Ross chose that moment to propose (and of course I said yes!). Newly engaged, we sat and watched the sky change together.
A special place for some happy news!
7: Isle of Skye
We were sad to leave our pod that morning, it had been such an awesome place to stay. Vowing to return soon (and perhaps for our honeymoon?!), we left for the nearby Fairy Glen. The landscape here was bizarre and delightful, with cone-shaped hills and a rocky tower.
It was a beautifully sunny day (finally!), and after driving to Dunvegan Castle we spent a few hours wandering around the grounds there, and then strolled a little way around the coast. Back to Portree for fish and chips, and then we were on our way to the Old Man of Storr for a walk to the base of this massive pinnacle. For that night, we were pitching up a tent at a campsite at the foot of the Cuillin mountains. Beautiful!
8: Home (and full of inspiration!)
The weather turned nasty during the night, and we woke up with our tent collapsing on top of us! We packed up as quickly as possible, it was 5am and everything was totally drenched, but we couldn’t help laughing. With our tent completely destroyed, and the rain still lashing down, we decided to head home a day early. That didn’t put us off though, and we’re already planning our next trip!
We did manage to squeeze in a trip to the Talisker Distillery!
On the way back to Edinburgh, my head was full of new plans and ideas for the dye pots. I had a particular colour in mind that I couldn’t wait to try out, so the next day I was in the studio with my journal full of notes from the holiday…
‘highland romance’
When I looked at the Scottish landscape, I had this image in my mind of bright speckles of pink and green, against a barely-there-grey. The moody skies, the mountainsides and Fairy Glen, and the gorgeous sunsets, are all encapsulated in this new colour. I can’t wait to start knitting with it! The yarn is Rainbow Heirloom Sweater, and you can find it in the shop in tonight’s update (along with some other goodies).
A Chance to Win…
I’m giving away three skeins of ‘highland romance’ to one lucky winner! To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment here, or on Instagram (or both, you can have two entries!), telling me what project you’re working on. I’ll pick an entry at random and announce the winner on Wednesday (5th July). Good luck!
UPDATE: Congratulations to Melissa (@thetravelingnome on insta), you’ve won 3 skeins of ‘highland romance’!
Rainbow Heirloom 
I’m working on a Find your Fade shawl!
i’m working on a felted cat bed for my nieces kitty Dante
Love the beautiful pics you have of your trip. The color of the yarn is fabulous! I am currently working on a summer tee in linen yarn and can’t wait to start winter knitting again! Thank you for this opportunity to win those gorgeous skeins.
Um, first comment did not get through it seems. š
Sigh. In case it does not appear or only partially: lovely new yarn and I am working on Mysteries, she wrote, a shawl by SoSu.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I can totally see where your CW inspiration is coming from and you managed beautifully in translating the heath imagery onto the yarn: granite, heather, lichen.š
I have the same thing going on: often when taking a hike or just making a tour of any kind in the outdoors I am often struck by certain colour combos and natural textures. And have the urge to transfer them into some kind of crafting project.
All I am lacking now, are some dye pots. Kitchen sink, here I come!š¤
I’m working on my first pair of Rose City Rollers.
Scotland looks gorgeous ā¤
I love it! Working on Louise Light by Carrie Bostwick Hodge. Using a quince and co Finch that I have never worked with before.
Jill
Beautiful yarn! I’m working on Flax Lite for baby-to-be.
Trying to decide what to start next. Gorgeous yarn – love anything with fuchsia in it!
Congrats on your engagement!!