The road to Skye

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Following a decent breakfast, the drive north was more frustrating than flowing. Slow traffic, wet roads and a consistent drizzle all conspired to hinder progress. Rannoch Moor was fairly impressive, although once again, the view was spoiled somewhat by the weather.

In fact, it wasn’t till past Invergarry that the traffic evaporated and the roads dried up. From there on to Loch Duich, the drive was an absolute delight. The open roads, good surface, and gentle curves allowed a steady pace of 70mph+ to be maintained absolutely safely, if not exactly legally. I even hooked up with a similarly driven Audi (complete with Nordschleife sticker on the rear bumper) for the stretch through Glen Shiel. The company was much appreciated and it almost felt rude not to say goodbye when I turned off toward Glenelg.

Nevertheless, a snack stop atop the Mam Ratagan pass soon provided the day’s next smile. An elderly gent parked alongside the MINI asked to look at the car’s interior, as he’d not had the chance yet with BMW’s baby. It turned out his son-in-law was responsible for the design of the MINI’s back end! Apparently, he’s now working on the cabriolet and also the next version of the MINI, due in 2007 (I think). Well I never.

Following the ferry crossing to Skye, the rest of the day was spent trying to glimpse monumental hills through varying amounts of drizzle and mist. The highlight was a seriously windswept tour around the north of the island in early evening. Getting out of the car for the odd photo, it was the sort of weather that made you feel alive. At Duntulm Castle, you even had to lean into the blasting drizzle just to stay upright. Superb stuff.

Along with the fast roads through the glens, it’s these lonely, slow-paced, single-track roads I’m enjoying the most. Hope there’s more of both tomorrow, when I finally tackle the road for which I came up here. :)

Nosh: Lasagne with a side salad, plus a pot of tea at Aros Centre, Portree — worst lasagne I’ve had in my life :(
Kip: Corran Guest House, Kensaleyre — cheap, friendly, but a rock-hard bed
Car admirers: 4 (leaving Inveraray)

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